A delightful homemade bread recipe that combines the richness of milk and the sweetness of honey for a comforting loaf.
Combine the yeast with half a cup of the warm milk and the honey in a mixing bowl. Stir until the yeast dissolves and let it sit until foamy.
Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
Add the remaining milk, butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir in the flour, one cup at a time, until a dough forms.
Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic.
Kneading develops the gluten, giving the bread its structure.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
A warm, draft-free environment is ideal for rising.
Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again until doubled.
Ensure the loaf pan is well greased to prevent sticking.
Bake the loaf in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
For a shiny crust, brush the top with milk before baking.
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Allowing the bread to cool prevents it from becoming gummy when sliced.