What suits whole wheat bread best is anything that complements its dense, faintly bitter taste — a fatty spread, fresh vegetables and a protein source. Avocado, cheese and olive oil give whole wheat bread's fibrous texture a soft contrast.
Which breakfast pairings stand out?
Mashed avocado with a squeeze of lemon and salt, spread on whole wheat bread, makes for a breakfast that's both filling and light; the creaminess of the avocado balances well against the bread's crisp crust. Classic breakfast items like white cheese, olives and tomato served alongside whole wheat bread also add fibre and protein richness to the plate.
What about sandwiches and main dishes?
In sandwiches made with proteins like grilled chicken, tuna or boiled egg, whole wheat bread gives a heartier bite than white bread; adding a mustard or yoghurt-based dressing brings life to the bread's neutral taste. A slice of whole wheat bread served alongside soup pairs especially well with thick soups like lentil.
On the sweet side, hazelnut spread or honey on whole wheat bread gives its bitter edge a sweet contrast; this combination is especially popular at breakfast tables with children. Adding jam, its intense sweetness balances out against the bread's fibrous texture for a well-rounded bite.
How thick the bread is sliced also affects what suits it; thinly sliced bread is fine with light breakfast items, while a thickly sliced loaf better carries heavier toppings like grilled vegetables or avocado. Toasted whole wheat bread gets crunchier, which makes whatever is put on top stand out more clearly.
The proportion of whole grain also affects its taste and texture; 100% whole grain bread has a denser, chewier texture, while bread made with finely milled whole wheat flour is closer to the softness of white bread. This difference also decides which toppings sit better on it.
Whether the bread is unsalted or lightly salted also affects the pairing; lightly salted whole wheat bread is balanced by a salty cheese or olive plate on top, while standard salted bread pairs better with sweet spreads. Whole wheat bread fresh from the oven, still warm, makes the most classic and simple pairing with butter spread on top. Seeded versions of whole wheat bread offer a different pairing too; honey or jam on seeded bread creates an interesting textural contrast between the crunch of the seeds and the softness of the sweet topping.
On the salad side, whole wheat bread can be cubed and toasted into croutons, adding a crunchy texture to dishes like Caesar salad. If making a cheese toastie, the fibrous structure of whole wheat bread balances well with melted cheese and makes the toastie more filling.
Storage conditions also affect what goes with the bread; freshly bought whole wheat bread should be eaten within a few days, while frozen slices can be toasted and served straight away. In short, whatever goes with whole wheat bread should either add a soft layer to its fibrous texture or supply a protein that makes the plate more filling.