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Sourdough Seeded Rye Loaf: Hearty, Nutty, Full of Seeds

A wheat-rye blend packed with sunflower, flax, and sesame seeds. Hearty, flavorful, and easier than full rye.

Hans Müller2 min read

A sourdough seeded rye loaf blends rye and wheat flours with a generous mix of toasted seeds for a hearty, nutty bread that's easier to handle than 100% rye. Soaking the seeds first keeps them from stealing moisture and adds a pleasant chew.

Recipe (one loaf)

  • 200g rye flour
  • 300g bread flour
  • 360g water
  • 100g active starter
  • 11g salt
  • 1 tbsp molasses (optional)

Seed mix (soaked):

  • 40g sunflower seeds
  • 20g flaxseed
  • 20g sesame seeds
  • 20g pumpkin seeds
  • 80g water (for soaking)

Method

  1. Toast the seeds lightly, then soak them in 80g water for 30+ minutes.
  2. Mix flours, water, starter, salt, and molasses. The dough will be sticky from the rye.
  3. Fold in the drained soaked seeds during the first couple of folds.
  4. Bulk ferment 3–5 hours (rye speeds things up — watch closely).
  5. Shape with wet hands; you can use a loaf pan for easier handling.
  6. Proof 1–2 hours.
  7. Bake at 450°F for 15 minutes, then 410°F for ~30 minutes to ~205°F internal.
  8. Rest 12–24 hours before slicing — rye sets slowly.

Tips

TipWhy
Soak the seedsPrevents a dry crumb
Toast firstDeeper, nuttier flavor
Wet handsSticky rye won't grab
Wait to sliceRye needs to set

Frequently asked questions

Why use a wheat-rye blend instead of all rye?

The wheat adds gluten for a lighter, easier-to-handle loaf. Pure rye is dense and trickier.

Can I change the seed mix?

Absolutely — any mix of sunflower, pumpkin, flax, sesame, poppy, or millet works. Keep the total around 100g.

Why is the crumb gummy?

Sliced too early or underbaked. Bake to 205°F and wait a day before cutting.

Rye and seeded breads have their own timing quirks. SourdoughAI adapts the schedule for faster-fermenting rye doughs.