Heart-Healthy Bacon Cheese Bread

Treat yourself to a guilt-free indulgence with Heart-Healthy Bacon Cheese Bread, a wholesome twist on a classic comfort food. This savory bread features the nutty goodness of whole wheat flour, the crunch of chia seeds, and the satisfying umami of crispy low-sodium turkey bacon and reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese. Folded with fresh spinach for a nutrient boost and sweetened lightly with honey, this loaf is not only delicious but also packed with heart-smart ingredients. Perfectly golden and brushed with a light almond milk and egg glaze, it’s a fluffy, protein-rich bread ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a midday snack. Ready in under an hour, this easy-to-make recipe is a flavorful, nutritious way to enjoy the best of both worlds—comfort and health!

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 packet quick-rise yeast
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 4 slices low-sodium turkey bacon
• 1 cup reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.

Step 2

In a small bowl, mix the warm water, honey, and quick-rise yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.

Step 3

Cook the turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove from the pan, let cool, and then chop into small pieces.

Step 4

In a large bowl, combine whole wheat flour, chia seeds, garlic powder, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed.

Step 5

Add the frothy yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir to form a dough. Knead for about 5 minutes on a floured surface until smooth.

Step 6

Incorporate the chopped turkey bacon and reduced-fat cheddar cheese into the dough, evenly distributing them.

Step 7

Gently fold in the fresh spinach. The dough should be slightly sticky.

Step 8

Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in the prepared loaf pan.

Step 9

Cover the loaf pan with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 15-20 minutes.

Step 10

In a small bowl, beat the egg with almond milk. Brush the top of the loaf with this mixture.

Step 11

Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

Step 12

Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 13

Slice and serve. Enjoy your heart-healthy bacon cheese bread as it is, or toasted, for a deliciously nutritious treat.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	732.1 grams (732.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1470

Total Fat 54.90g	70%
Saturated Fat 9.90g	50%
Polyunsaturated Fat 9.50g
Cholesterol 260mg	87%
Sodium 1909mg	83%
Total Carbohydrate 205.90g	75%
Dietary Fiber 37.30g	133%
Total Sugars 18.90g
Protein 53.50g	107%

Vitamin D 65IU	324%
Calcium 324mg	25%
Iron 14mg	77%
Potassium 1373mg	29%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 32.3%

Protein: 14.0%

Carbs: 53.8%