Description
Ina Garten’s honey white bread delivers classic comfort with simple ingredients and foolproof techniques. Homemade bread promises warm, golden slices you’ll savor with butter and joy.
Ingredients
Scale
- 5 to 6 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups warm whole milk (110°F / 43°C)
- 2 extra-large egg yolks
- 0.5 cups warm water (110°F / 43°C)
- 2 packages dry yeast
- 6 tbsps (85 g / ¾ stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1.5 tbsps honey
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 egg white, lightly beaten
Instructions
- Yeast Activation: In an electric mixer bowl, combine warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Let the mixture bloom and become frothy for 5-7 minutes until foamy and aromatic.
- Liquid Blend: Integrate whole milk, melted unsalted butter, and pure honey into the activated yeast mixture. Blend thoroughly using medium mixer speed to create a uniform liquid base.
- Dough Formation: Add egg yolks, all-purpose flour, and kosher salt to the liquid ingredients. Mix on low speed, gradually incorporating remaining flour until the dough cleanly pulls away from the bowl’s sides without sticking.
- Initial Kneading: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead manually for 3-4 minutes, developing a smooth and elastic texture that springs back when touched.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a buttered large bowl, rotating to ensure complete coverage. Cover with a damp kitchen towel and allow rising in a warm, draft-free area for 60-75 minutes until doubled in size.
- Shaping and Second Rise: Gently deflate the dough and divide into two equal portions. Shape into smooth loaves and place in greased 9×5-inch loaf pans. Cover with a damp towel and let rise for 45-60 minutes until volume doubles.
- Baking Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Delicately brush loaf surfaces with beaten egg white for a glossy, golden exterior.
- Baking and Cooling: Bake loaves for 40-45 minutes, rotating pans midway through cooking. Bread is ready when it sounds hollow when tapped and displays a rich golden-brown color. Remove from oven, rest in pans for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling before slicing.
Notes
- Master Yeast Activation: Ensure water temperature is precisely 110°F to guarantee successful yeast blooming without killing the microorganisms.
- Precise Flour Incorporation: Add flour gradually to control dough consistency, preventing dry or overly sticky texture.
- Temperature-Controlled Rising: Choose a consistently warm spot around 80-85°F for optimal dough expansion and flavor development.
- Golden Crust Technique: Egg white wash creates a professional bakery-style sheen and enhances bread’s visual appeal while providing a delicate crisp exterior.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg