Homemade Honey Buttermilk Bread

Of course! Here’s a Homemade Honey Buttermilk Bread recipe — soft, tender, lightly sweet, and perfect for sandwiches or toast:

Homemade Honey Buttermilk Bread

Ingredients:

• 1 cup buttermilk, warmed (about 100°F)
• 1/3 cup honey
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg (optional, for egg wash)

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast:
   
   • In a small bowl, combine the warm buttermilk and honey.
   • Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let sit for about 5–10 minutes, until foamy.
3. Make the Dough:
   
   • In a large bowl (or stand mixer), combine 3 1/2 cups flour and salt.
   • Add the yeast mixture and melted butter.
   • Mix until a sticky dough forms. Add more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough is soft and just slightly tacky but not overly sticky.
5. Knead the Dough:
   
   • Knead by hand for about 8–10 minutes (or with a stand mixer dough hook for about 5 minutes) until smooth and elastic.
7. First Rise:
   
   • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a towel, and let rise in a warm place until doubled — about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
9. Shape the Bread:
   
   • Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
11. Second Rise:
    
    • Cover loosely and let rise again until puffy and just above the edge of the pan — about 30–45 minutes.
13. Optional Egg Wash:
    
    • For a glossy finish, beat an egg with 1 tablespoon of water and brush it over the top of the loaf.
15. Bake:
    
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Bake the bread for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped.
17. Cool:
    
    • Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips:

• If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute: mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar, stir, and let sit 5 minutes.
• Brush the top with melted butter after baking for an extra soft crust.
• This bread freezes beautifully — just slice and wrap well.

Would you also like a whole wheat honey buttermilk version? It’s just as soft but a little heartier!