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Homemade Honey-Soft Classic Bread Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 134 reviews
  • Author: Lana
  • Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 2 loaves 1x

Description

This homemade bread recipe yields soft, flavorful loaves with a golden crust and a tender crumb. Using simple ingredients like yeast, warm water, honey, and all-purpose flour, this bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying fresh with butter. The dough undergoes two rises to develop its texture and flavor, culminating in an oven-baked finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Yeast Mixture

  • 2 cups warm water (105-115°F)
  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (for yeast activation)

Dough Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup honey or sugar (additional)
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or canola)
  • 4 to 5 1/2 cups all-purpose or bread flour

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the yeast, warm water, and a pinch of sugar or honey. Let this mixture rest for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Combine dough ingredients: Add the remaining honey or sugar, salt, oil, and 3 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Mix thoroughly to combine the ingredients.
  3. Incorporate more flour: Gradually add another cup of flour, mixing continuously. Then add additional flour in 1/2 cup increments until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. The dough should feel smooth and slightly sticky.
  4. Knead the dough: Knead the dough using a stand mixer on medium speed for 4-5 minutes or knead by hand for 5-8 minutes until elastic and smooth.
  5. First rise: Lightly grease a large bowl, place the dough inside, and turn to coat it with oil. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise until it has doubled in size, approximately 1.5 hours.
  6. Shape the loaves: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Divide it evenly into two portions, shape each into a log, and place them in greased 9×5-inch loaf pans.
  7. Second rise: Cover the pans with greased plastic wrap or a towel and let the dough rise for 45-60 minutes, until it rises about 1 inch above the pans.
  8. Bake the bread: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaves for 30-33 minutes until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  9. Cool and finish: Remove the loaves from pans by inverting them onto a wire rack. Brush the tops with melted butter for a soft crust. Allow the bread to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
  10. Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate up to 5 days to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • Use warm water between 105-115°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
  • Kneading time is crucial: under-kneaded dough will be dense, while over-kneading can make it tough.
  • The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable; add flour sparingly to avoid dryness.
  • Allowing two rises helps develop flavor and texture.
  • Brush with butter after baking for a tender, flavorful crust.
  • Use bread flour for chewier texture or all-purpose flour for softer bread.
  • Store bread properly to maintain softness and prevent molding.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 33 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: homemade bread, yeast bread, basic bread recipe, soft bread, baking bread at home

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Find it online: https://mealsbylana.com/homemade-honey-soft-classic-bread-recipe/