Homemade Ezekiel Bread: A Nourishing Ancient-Grain Recipe from Scratch

There’s something deeply satisfying about baking bread from ingredients you’ve prepared yourself — especially when that bread carries a story as old as Scripture. Ezekiel bread, inspired by Ezekiel 4:9, combines grains and legumes into a hearty, protein-rich loaf with a rich, earthy flavor.

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This homemade version starts with making your own freshly milled Ezekiel flour blend, then turns that flour into soft, slightly sweet loaves perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying warm with butter and honey.

What Is Ezekiel Bread?

Ezekiel bread gets its name from the Bible verse Ezekiel 4:9, where wheat, barley, beans, lentils, millet, and spelt are combined to make bread. The combination of grains and legumes creates a complete protein containing essential amino acids, making it both nourishing and filling.

Unlike traditional white bread, Ezekiel bread has a hearty texture and deep flavor. This version is slightly dense, naturally sweetened with honey, and wonderfully satisfying.

Part 1: How to Make Ezekiel Flour

Freshly milled flour gives this bread incredible flavor and texture. Making your own blend also allows you to enjoy the nutritional benefits of whole grains and legumes.

Ezekiel Flour Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups red wheat berries
• 1 1/2 cups spelt berries
• 1/2 cup hulled whole barley
• 1/4 cup hulled whole millet
• 1/4 cup dried lentils
• 2 tablespoons dried Great Northern beans
• 2 tablespoons dried kidney beans
• 2 tablespoons dried pinto beans

Yield: About 8 1/2 cups Ezekiel flour

Instructions

1. Combine all grains and beans thoroughly in a large bowl.
2. Using a grain mill or high-powered grinder, grind the mixture into flour.
3. Use immediately or store in an airtight container until ready to bake.

Helpful tip: One cup of whole grains and beans yields about 1 1/2 cups of flour after grinding. If you do not need the full batch, mix the grains and beans first, then grind only what you need.

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Part 2: How to Make Ezekiel Bread

This bread uses a direct mixing method and creates a thick batter rather than a traditional kneadable dough. The result is a moist, hearty loaf with excellent flavor.

Ezekiel Bread Ingredients

Makes: 3 loaves

• 4 cups hot water, 130°F / 54°C
• 1/2 cup oil
• 1 cup liquid honey
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 8 1/2 cups freshly milled Ezekiel flour, divided
• 2 tablespoons quick-rising instant yeast

You will also need: Three greased 9 x 5-inch loaf pans.

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the hot water, oil, honey, and salt.
2. Add about 5 cups of Ezekiel flour and mix until combined.
3. Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture and continue mixing.
4. Gradually add the remaining flour while mixing. The mixture should be a thick batter, not a traditional dough ball.
5. Continue mixing for about 5 minutes to help the gluten develop.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared loaf pans.
7. Let the loaves rise until the batter is about 1/4 inch from the top of the pans, about 30 minutes.
8. While the loaves are rising, preheat the oven to 350°F / 180°C.
9. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until browned and the center of each loaf reaches 190°F / 88°C on an instant-read thermometer.
10. Let cool before slicing.

Important Baking Notes

This bread is more like a batter bread than a traditional yeast bread. It will not form into a smooth ball of dough, so do not expect to shape it by hand. Instead, pour or spoon the batter directly into the prepared loaf pans.

If using a stand mixer, use the paddle attachment or roller/scraper mechanism rather than a dough hook.

Be careful not to let the loaves over-rise. If the batter rises too high, it may overflow while baking.

Why You’ll Love This Bread

• Made with whole grains and legumes
• Naturally sweetened with honey
• Rich in plant-based protein
• Hearty but still soft enough for toast and sandwiches
• Perfect for batch baking and freezing

Serving Ideas

Ezekiel bread is delicious toasted with butter, topped with avocado, served alongside soups and stews, used for hearty sandwiches, or drizzled with honey for breakfast.

Final Thoughts

Making Ezekiel bread from scratch is more than just baking — it is a return to traditional ingredients and time-honored methods. From grinding your own flour to pulling warm loaves from the oven, every step connects you to a simpler, more nourishing way of cooking.

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