Honey Wheat Bread
A soft, hearty sandwich loaf made with whole wheat flour, bread flour, honey, and butter. This lightly sweetened bread has a tender crumb and golden crust, making it perfect for sandwiches, toast, or serving alongside soups and salads.
Servings 12 slices
Calories 165kcal
Ingredients
- 1¼ cups warm water 105–110°F
- 2¼ tsp 1 packet active dry yeast
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1½ tsp sea salt
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1½ –2 cups bread flour
- 1 tbsp butter melted (for brushing after baking)
Instructions
Activate the Yeast
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Warm water
- Honey
- Yeast
- Stir gently and let stand for 5–10 minutes, until the mixture becomes foamy.
Mix the Dough
- Add:
- Melted butter
- Salt
- Whole wheat flour
- Mix until combined.
- Gradually add the bread flour, ½ cup at a time, until a soft dough forms that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
Knead
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
- Knead for 8–10 minutes, until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
- Alternatively, knead in a stand mixer with a dough hook for 6–8 minutes.
First Rise
- Place the dough into a lightly greased bowl.
- Turn once to coat.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1¼ hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape
- Punch down the dough.
- Shape into a tight loaf.
- Place into a greased 9 × 5-inch loaf pan.
- Cover and let rise 30–45 minutes, until the dough rises about 1 inch above the rim of the pan.
Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the loaf is deep golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- The internal temperature should reach 190–200°F.
Finish
- Remove from the pan immediately.
- Brush the warm loaf with melted butter for a soft, tender crust.
- Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
Chef’s Tips
- Add only enough bread flour to create a soft, slightly tacky dough.
- Honey helps keep the bread moist and extends freshness.
- For a softer sandwich loaf, avoid overbaking.
- Store only after the loaf has cooled completely.
Optional Add-Ins
Mix into the dough before kneading:- ¼ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds
- 2 tbsp flaxseed meal
- 2 tbsp wheat germ
- 2 tbsp chopped walnuts
- 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds
