Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for Honeycomb Bread—a soft, slightly sweet bread with a tender texture and a touch of honey flavor that makes it irresistible!
Honeycomb Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk (whole milk or any milk of your choice)
Instructions:
1. Activate the yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly. If it doesn’t foam, the yeast may be inactive, so use fresh yeast.
2. Mix the dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda.
- Add the activated yeast mixture, honey, melted butter, egg, and milk. Stir to combine until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the dough:
- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour as needed, but be careful not to add too much.
4. First rise:
- Grease a large bowl with a bit of oil or butter and place the dough in the bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Shape the dough:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf or divide it into smaller rolls, depending on your preference.
- If you want the classic “honeycomb” look, divide the dough into several smaller dough balls (about 8-10), then place them closely together in a greased loaf pan. The dough balls will rise and bake together, forming the honeycomb texture.
6. Second rise:
- Cover the shaped dough with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has puffed up.
7. Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
8. Bake the bread:
- Place the dough in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- If you’re making smaller rolls, they will bake quicker, about 15-20 minutes.
9. Cool and serve:
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and enjoy with a little extra honey or butter on top!
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, you can brush the top of the bread with melted butter after baking.
- This bread can also be made ahead by freezing the dough after the first rise. Let it thaw and complete the second rise before baking.
- You can also experiment by adding a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a spiced version.
This Honeycomb Bread is soft, sweet, and perfect for breakfast, a snack, or alongside soups and stews. Enjoy its honey flavor with a delicious texture that’s sure to be a family favorite!