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Simple Honey Wheat Bread

A healthy, warm loaf made with whole wheat and real honey, perfect for daily meals or meal prep.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 16 slices
Course: Breakfast, Lunch, Snack
Cuisine: American, Healthy
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 2 cups warm milk (about 110-115 degrees) Use a thermometer to check temperature.
  • 1.5 Tbsp instant yeast Ensure yeast is fresh for best results.
  • 1 tsp sugar Used to activate yeast.
  • 1/2 cup warm water Mix with other wet ingredients.
  • 2.5 cups whole wheat flour Adds fiber for fullness.
  • 3 to 3.5 cups bread flour or all-purpose flour Start with 3 cups and add more as needed.
  • 3 Tbsp shortening Butter flavored is preferred.
  • 1/4 cup honey For sweetness; can be reduced for a lower sugar version.
  • 1 Tbsp salt To enhance flavor.
  • 1 egg whisked with 1 Tbsp water For egg wash before baking.

Method
 

Preparation
  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 activate the yeast.
  2. Add the water, whole wheat flour, 3 cups of the bread flour, shortening, honey, and salt.
  3. Let the mixer knead on low speed for 2 minutes with the dough hook attachment, scraping down as needed.
  4. Add small amounts of bread flour, up to another half a cup, until the dough is the right consistency — soft and slightly tacky, but not sticky.
  5. Continue to let the mixer knead for another 2 minutes.
First Rise
  1. Scrape the dough into a ball in your bowl, cover 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.
Shaping
  1. Turn the dough out on to a lightly floured pastry mat or countertop, knead for a minute, and then divide into two equal portions.
  2. Roll out each piece of dough slightly, fold over in thirds, tuck in the ends, and place in two lightly greased 9x5 bread pans.
  3. Cover lightly with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Baking
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Remove plastic wrap, brush the loaves gently with egg wash, and bake for about 30 minutes until the bread registers 190°F with an instant read thermometer.
  3. Optional: Brush with melted butter as soon as it comes out of the oven for a softer crust.
  4. Let cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans onto a cooling rack.
  5. Cool for a minimum of 30 minutes before slicing.

Notes

This bread is great for meal prep. Store at room temperature wrapped in foil or a bread bag for up to 3 days; freeze for longer storage. For a lighter option, keep toppings low-calorie and pair with healthy sides.