Milk-and-Honey White Bread Recipe

Cooking Directions

• STEP 1.In a small saucepan, heat milk and butter until butter is melted. Remove from heat and let cool to lukewarm.
• STEP 2.In a large mixing bowl, combine lukewarm milk mixture, honey, yeast, and 2 cups of flour. Stir until well combined.
• STEP 3.Add remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
• STEP 4.Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
• STEP 5.Punch down the dough and divide it in half. Shape each half into a loaf and place in greased loaf pans. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
• STEP 6.Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaves for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
• STEP 7.Remove the bread from the pans and let cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
• STEP 8.Store the bread in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for longer storage.

Cooking Tips

• Make sure the milk mixture is lukewarm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
• Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic to develop gluten and create a light, airy texture.
• To check if the bread is done, tap the bottom of the loaf with your knuckles. It should sound hollow.
• For a softer crust, brush the tops of the loaves with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven.

Storage and Serving

• To store the bread, place it in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature.
• Serve the bread sliced and enjoy it as is, or use it to make sandwiches, toast, or French toast.
• For longer storage, the bread can be frozen. Slice it before freezing and thaw individual slices as needed.