Rye bread has a rich, earthy flavor and a slightly denser texture than white bread — and making it at home is surprisingly easy. This recipe gives you a soft, moist loaf with that classic rye taste and a beautifully chewy crust.
🥣 Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
2 cups rye flour
2 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
2 tsp caraway seeds (optional, but recommended!)
1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
1 ½ cups warm water (not hot)
2 tbsp honey or molasses
2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
👩🍳 How to Make Delicious Rye Bread
1. Activate the Yeast
In a bowl, mix warm water with honey or molasses.
Sprinkle in the yeast.
Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until foamy.
2. Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, add rye flour, all-purpose flour, salt, and caraway seeds.
Pour in the activated yeast mixture and the oil.
Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead
Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface.
Knead for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
(Rye dough is stickier — flour your hands lightly.)
4. First Rise
Place dough in a greased bowl.
Cover and let it rise for 1½ to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Shape the Loaf
Punch down the dough.
Shape it into a round or oval loaf.
Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a loaf pan.
6. Second Rise
Cover and let rise again for 45–60 minutes.
7. Bake
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Bake for 30–35 minutes, until crust is golden brown and loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
8. Cool
Let the bread cool completely before slicing — this helps set the inside.
🍞 Serving Ideas
This rye bread tastes amazing with:
Butter + sea salt
Cream cheese + smoked salmon
Sliced turkey or ham sandwiches
Honey or jam
Avocado + lemon + pepper
Hearty stews or soups
🌟 Tips for Perfect Rye Bread
Use molasses for deeper flavor and darker color.
Caraway seeds give it the classic deli-style rye taste.
Don’t panic — rye dough is naturally sticky, it’s normal!
Let it cool fully for the best texture.
Add 1–2 tbsp cocoa powder for dark rye color (optional).
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Super easy even for beginners
No fancy tools needed
Nutritious and high in fiber
Amazing flavor and aroma
Perfect for everyday meals