Bread(Makes 2 Loaves)
Homemade bread with a slightly sweet flavor from honey, soft crumb, perfect for breakfast or sandwiches, suitable for bakers of all skill levels seeking warm, fresh bread.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Gather cooking spray, two 2-cup measuring cups, and two large mixing bowls.
- In one large mixing bowl, combine the yeast and warm water; let sit until bubbly, about 5 minutes.
- Add honey and salt to the yeast mixture, stirring until dissolved.
- Gradually add bread flour to the mixture, mixing until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes.
- Lightly spray two 2-cup measuring cups with cooking spray.
- Divide the dough in half and place each portion into a measuring cup, pressing down slightly.
- Cover the bowls with a damp cloth and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove the dough from the measuring cups and shape into loaves.
- Place the loaves on a greased baking sheet or in loaf pans, then cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 25-30 minutes.
- Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use bread flour for its higher protein content, which creates a better gluten structure. If you don't have RapidRise yeast, you can substitute with active dry yeast, but allow for a longer rise time. To enhance flavor, consider adding herbs or garlic powder to the dough. Make sure your water is at the right temperature (110~ to 120~F) to activate the yeast effectively.
Serving Suggestions
This bread is perfect for sandwiches or served alongside soups and salads. It pairs beautifully with Savory Baked Fish for a complete meal. You can also toast slices and top them with butter, jam, or even a thick layer of cream cheese for a delicious breakfast treat. Enjoy it fresh or use it for making croutons or breadcrumbs.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftover bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop slices in the toaster or wrap a loaf in foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bread(Makes 2 Loaves) contains roughly 993 calories, with 4g protein, 264g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of iron (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this bread without honey?
Yes, you can substitute honey with granulated sugar or maple syrup. Use the same amount, but note that sugar will provide a slightly different flavor. If you prefer a sugar-free option, consider using a sugar substitute that measures cup-for-cup like agave syrup.
What can I do if my dough isn't rising?
If your dough isn't rising, check the temperature of your environment. Yeast thrives in warm spaces, so try placing the dough in a slightly warmed oven or a sunny spot. Ensure your yeast is fresh and active, as expired yeast can affect the rise. If all else fails, give it more time to rise.
How can I achieve a crusty bread texture?
For a crusty texture, place a shallow pan of water in the oven while the bread bakes to create steam. You can also brush the loaves with water or an egg wash before baking. This helps create a beautiful, golden-brown crust while keeping the inside soft.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).