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Whole wheat flour doesn’t get enough credit – it’s loaded with goodness! Unlike plain white flour, it’s rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and it adds a warm, slightly nutty flavor to whatever you’re making. And, it’s less processed. If you’re trying to eat a bit better without making a big deal out of it, whole wheat flour is such an easy upgrade.
And the best part? I’ve got 7 simple ways to add it into your everyday recipes, so you can enjoy all its wholesome benefits without any hassle.
1. Bake with Whole Wheat Flour
One of the simplest and most common ways to use whole wheat flour is in your baked goods. Whether you’re making bread, muffins, or cookies, you can easily substitute part of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Not only does it increase the fiber content, but it also adds a richer, heartier flavor to your treats.
One of my favorite whole wheat flour recipes is my no-knead overnight whole wheat flour focaccia.
Start by replacing 20-30% of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour in your favorite recipes. Over time, you can gradually increase the amount of whole wheat flour in your baking, transitioning to 100% whole wheat flour, if this is your thing.
Pro Tip!
Whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture than white flour, so you will need to adjust your liquid ingredients when using it in baking. Adding a little extra milk, water, or oil will help achieve the right texture.
If you want to learn more about this topic, read my article about 6 texture and flavor tips for baking with whole wheat flour!
2. Buy or Make Whole Wheat Pasta
Store-bought pasta is often made from refined flour, but it’s easy to swap it out with whole wheat pasta. It’s now widely available in grocery stores, and its rich, nutty flavor pairs wonderfully with a variety of sauces and vegetables. If you enjoy making pasta from scratch, you can even go one step further and substitute 50% of 00 flour with whole wheat flour in your dough recipe to create a more wholesome option.
Pro tip!
When cooking whole wheat pasta, be sure to watch it closely, as it may have a different cooking time than traditional pasta. If you overcook it, it can become overly soft and mushy. Its slightly denser texture makes it a perfect companion to hearty sauces like marinara, pesto, or fiery arrabbiata.
3. Make Homemade Whole Wheat Flour Tortillas
Tortillas are a staple in many households, and they’re incredibly easy to make with whole wheat flour. You can use them for wraps, chicken breakfast burritos, tacos, or even as a quick side to soups and salads.
Whole wheat tortillas are simple to prepare, requiring just a few basic ingredients: whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, water, lard/butter, and salt. If you’re just starting to include whole wheat flour in your everyday eating, then start with making tortillas with one part whole wheat flour and one part all-purpose flour.
If you’re pressed for time, you can buy pre-made whole wheat tortillas at the store. However, homemade tortillas are fresher and offer better control over the ingredients. By making your own, you can avoid added preservatives and enjoy them warm off the griddle.
4. Add Whole Wheat Flour to Pancakes and Waffles
Whole wheat flour can be a great addition to pancakes, crepes, and waffles, providing a thicker consistency and a nutrient boost. This will not only make your breakfast more filling but also introduce an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Additionally, whole wheat flour is an excellent ingredient for pancakes. Replace some or all of the all-purpose flour in your pancake recipe with whole wheat flour for a deliciously hearty breakfast. The nutty taste of whole wheat pancakes pairs beautifully with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or a dollop of yogurt.
And you can always try out my fluffy whole wheat pancakes that are made with 100% whole wheat flour.
5. Use Whole Wheat Flour in Coatings and Batters
Whole wheat flour is a fantastic option for breading and coating foods. It’s perfect for dredging chicken, fish, or vegetables before frying or baking. The flour’s coarse texture helps create a crispy, golden-brown exterior, while the added fiber boosts the nutritional value of the dish.
For a simple breading, combine whole wheat flour with a pinch of salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. Then, dip your ingredients in egg or milk before coating them in the flour mixture. For a thicker, crunchier coating, you can add a bit of cornmeal or breadcrumbs to the whole wheat flour.
Pro Tip!
To keep the breading from becoming too heavy, try mixing whole wheat flour with a lighter flour, such as rice flour or cornstarch. This can help maintain a crunchy texture while still benefiting from the added nutrition of whole wheat flour.
6. Make Whole Wheat Pizza Dough
Whole wheat pizza dough has a great flavor that makes your pizza taste even better. It gives the crust a little more texture and character, which pairs really well with all kinds of toppings. It’s also easy to work with and holds up nicely in the oven. If you haven’t tried it yet, it’s definitely worth a go!
7. Use Whole Wheat Flour to Make Breakfast Waffles
Using whole wheat flour in breakfast waffles is super easy and adds a nice, hearty flavor. Just swap out all or half of the all-purpose flour in your usual waffle recipe with whole wheat flour – either way works great. The batter will be thicker, so you need to add more wet ingredients to thin it out. Cook them as usual, and enjoy waffles that are just as fluffy and delicious with a little extra texture.
In conclusion, whole wheat flour is a versatile and easy way to boost the nutrition of your everyday meals. From baking and pasta-making to adding it to pancakes or using it as a coating, there are countless ways to enjoy the health benefits of this whole grain. Start small, experimenting with a few of these ideas each day, and soon you’ll be effortlessly incorporating whole wheat flour into your meals without even thinking twice.
Learn More About Whole Wheat Flour
Give some of these tips a try today! Also, let me know what you think of this article in the comments. Snap a photo of your meals and tag @foodandmoodblog on Instagram-I’d love to see your creations!
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