The Best Honey White Bread
Ingredients
- 2 cwarm milk)
(about 110-115 degrees
- 1 tbspinstant yeast
- 1 tspsugar
- 5to 6-1/2 cups bread flour)
(can substitute ap flour or do half of each
- ¼ cmelted butter)
(1/2 stick
- ¼ choney
- 1egg
slightly beaten
- 1 tbspsalt
- egg wash: 1 egg whisked with 1 tbsp water
- additional melted butter to brush on when it comes out of the oven
Directions
- 1
Put the warm milk in your mixer bowl and sprinkle the yeast and sugar over it. Mix together and let sit for 5 minutes to make sure the yeast activates and gets foamy.
- 2
Add 5-1/2 cups of the flour, the melted butter, honey, egg and salt.
- 3
Use the dough hook attachment to mix the dough together on low speed.
- 4
Add small amounts of bread flour, (up to another cup total but you do NOT have to use the whole cup), just until the dough is the right consistency, (you want a soft dough that is easy to work with, and you want it to feel tacky, but not stick to your fingers.)
- 5
Let the mixer knead the bread on low speed (2 on my KitchenAid) for 5 minutes.
- 6
Scrape the dough in to a ball, place in a large oiled bowl, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and a clean towel and set in a warm place to rise for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size. (I turn the oven on at the lowest temperature for just 1 minute, then turn it off and put the mixing bowl in there.)
- 7
Lightly grease two loaf pans with non-stick spray. (I use 9x5.)
- 8
Once the dough has risen, punch it down with your fist, then turn out on to a lightly floured pastry mat or counter. Divide the dough in two equal portions - shape in to a ball.
- 9
Press or roll the dough out in to a rectangle, fold down a third of the dough from the shorter end and press it down with the heel of your hand. Continue to fold and press until you have a roll - tuck in the ends, and place the bread with seams down in the prepared bread pan. Repeat with the other piece of dough.
- 10
Cover the pans lightly with plastic wrap and let the loaves rise another 30 minutes in a warm place.
- 11
When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350.
- 12
Remove plastic wrap, brush the loaves gently with egg wash, then bake the loaves at 350 for about 30 minutes. (Bread should register 190 degrees with an instant read thermometer to be fully baked, but not overbaked.
- 13
Remove from the oven and let cool 5 minutes in the pans before popping the loaves out of the pans on to a cooling rack and brushing with melted butter.
- 14
Cool the bread for at least 30 minutes before slicing!
The Best Honey White Bread
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About this Recipe
Craving that comforting aroma of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen? This easy honey white bread recipe delivers just that, offering a tender crumb and a beautifully golden, soft crust that’s infinitely better than anything from the store.
Why This Bread Works So Well
The secret to this homemade bread's irresistible texture lies in its enriched dough. We're talking more than just flour and water; ingredients like melted butter, honey, and a whole egg contribute to a remarkably tender crumb and a soft, yielding crust that stays delightful for days. This combination ensures a rich flavor and a superior mouthfeel, distinguishing it from simpler white bread recipes.
What to Expect
Get ready for a classic, comforting loaf that truly tastes like home. You'll find a subtly sweet flavor from the honey perfectly balanced within the airy, soft texture of the white bread. The crust will be delicate and golden brown, hinting at the tender interior. While it requires a bit of patience for the dough to rise, the hands-on prep is straightforward, making this a rewarding project for any home cook looking to master a fundamental bread recipe.
Customization & Variations
This versatile recipe allows for a few simple swaps to suit your pantry. While bread flour is recommended for its high protein content, which contributes to structure, you can easily substitute with all-purpose flour or do a half-and-half mix. For an extra touch of richness and shine on the crust, don't skip the egg wash before baking and a brush of additional melted butter as soon as it comes out of the oven.
Serving & Context
This beautiful loaf of honey white bread is perfect for nearly any occasion. Serve it sliced for breakfast toast, alongside soups and stews, or use it to make the most incredible sandwiches. It's truly a centerpiece that elevates simple meals.