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Anadama Bread

Anadama bread is a traditional New England bake, distinguished by its unique combination of cornmeal and molasses. This vegetarian loaf offers a dense, slightly sweet crumb with a rustic texture that sets it apart from standard white bread. By incorporating a modern blend of hemp, flax, and nigella seeds, this version adds an extra layer of nutty flavour and a satisfying crunch to every slice, making it a beautiful addition to any kitchen table.

This wholesome homemade bread is a fantastic choice for those looking to expand their baking repertoire beyond basic sourdough or sandwich loaves. It is particularly delicious when toasted and spread thickly with salted butter, which perfectly complements the earthy sweetness of the molasses. The bread keeps remarkably well for several days, making it an excellent option for meal prep or a weekend baking project that the whole family can enjoy.

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Ingredients for Anadama Bread

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more

  • 35g envelope active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons )

  • 150g stone-ground medium cornmeal

  • 60ml mild-flavoured (light) molasses

  • 2 tablespoons hemp seeds or white sesame seeds

  • 1 tablespoon nigella seeds or black sesame seeds

  • 2 teaspoons golden flaxseed

  • 2 teaspoons brown flaxseed

  • 2 teaspoons poppy seeds

  • 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt

  • 250g plain flour, plus more for surface

  • 1 large egg, beaten to blend

  • Salted butter (for serving)

Preheat oven to 375°. Lightly butter an 8x4" loaf pan and line with parchment paper, leaving generous overhang. Place yeast in a medium bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer) and add 240ml warm water; stir to dissolve yeast. Add cornmeal, molasses, hemp seeds, nigella seeds, golden and brown flaxseed, poppy seeds, salt, 250g flour, and 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Using a wooden spoon (or dough hook if using stand mixer), mix until no dry spots remain.

Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until dough is smooth and elastic, 10–15 minutes (alternatively, mix in stand mixer on medium speed 8–10 minutes). Lightly butter a medium bowl. Transfer dough to bowl and turn to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm, draft-free spot until almost doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Punch down dough to deflate; cover. Let rise again until about doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat into an 8x4" rectangle. Starting at the short side farthest from you, roll up dough, pinching the seam as you go, to create a tight roll. Pinch seam to close; tuck ends under and pinch to seal. Place seam side down in prepared pan and cover with plastic. Let dough rise until it crests the top of the pan and springs back slightly when pressed, about 1 hour.

Brush top of dough with egg. Bake, rotating halfway through, until bread is baked through and top is a deep golden brown, 45–50 minutes. Let cool slightly in pan on a wire rack before turning out. Let cool before slicing (if you can wait that long). Serve with salted butter. Do ahead: Bread can be made 5 days ahead. Store tightly wrapped at room temperature.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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