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It is no secret that I’ve been working to perfect a honey whole wheat sandwich bread machine recipe for months now. I was not only looking for a recipe that was reliable and tasted good of course, but that also didn’t contain any “unusual” ingredients like dried milk powder or wheat gluten. For a gluten-free option, try this Paleo Bread!
We absolutely LOVE the honey whole-wheat loaf from Great Harvest, and if they can make it with only five simple ingredients (freshly ground whole-wheat flour, water, honey, salt & yeast) then I should be able to do it too!
Featured Comment
Wow! Your recipe has it all! First, of course, it’s delicious. Density is perfect, and my favorite part is that it is so low in salt.
Perfect Whole Wheat Bread Machine Recipe
So after months of experimenting, I am thrilled to finally have a homemade bread recipe to share. And while this recipe comes out just right 9 times out of 10, I’ve learned that things can’t always be “perfect” when it comes to baking bread machine recipes.
If you aren’t weighing your ingredients and instead just measuring them out like me, or if you live in a place where the humidity might change from time to time … well then, expect some occasional surprises with the outcome of your bread.
I have learned one valuable trick though (from a blog reader!), and that is to check on the bread once or twice during the kneading process to make sure the dough looks “right.” I’ve caught mine looking too wet and sticky a couple of times, so I’ve added a few sprinkles of flour to get things back on track before the baking started. Using whole wheat flour is crucial here! Not only does it make your bread recipe more nutritious, but it’s also more filling and flavorful.
I also want to share that this particular recipe makes a loaf that is on the larger side, which I like because then I don’t have to replenish our bread supply every two days. This loaf also comes out with a lighter crust due to its big size, and that is a plus in my book as well.
Serve bread warm with homemade soup or use it to make delicious whole grain sandwiches!
Easy Trick for Perfect Homemade Whole Wheat Bread Crust
After your honey whole wheat bread has finished baking let it rest for a couple of minutes until it’s cool to the touch. Then remove the bread from the pan and wrap it completely with a clean cotton or linen tea towel. Place the wrapped bread on a rack to cool.
The towel helps stop the bread’s moisture from being drawn out in the open air while still being breathable enough to keep the crust from turning mushy.
Once bread is completely cool you can put it in a plastic bag to keep the crust soft for longer.
Can I Make This Honey Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread in the Oven Instead of a Bread Machine?
Yes, this recipe for honey whole wheat bread also works in the oven. Keep in mind that this recipe is for a 2lb loaf so you’ll need a large pan (or split it between two smaller bread pans).
The first option is to use your bread maker to mix and proof the dough, then remove it to bake in the oven. If you don’t have a bread maker, though, you’ll need to make several adjustments to make this whole wheat sandwich bread with honey by hand:
- Add the hot water, a packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) of regular active dry yeast, and 1 tsp of honey to a large bowl or electric mixer. Stir gently to combine.
- Tip: Put a little oil in your measuring spoon before the honey and it won’t stick.
- Let the mixture rest until the yeast activates (10-15 minutes). You’ll know it’s ready when plenty of bubbles have formed.
- Mix in the remaining honey, oil, and salt.
- Add the flour 1 cup at a time, fully incorporating each before you add the next one. Dough should be soft and not too sticky.
- If you’re not weighing flour the amount each person scoops can vary. Add more or less flour, as needed.
- Either with a dough hook or by hand, knead the dough for 7-12 minutes, or until elastic. You can tell if dough is kneaded enough by poking it; if the dough bounces back quickly kneading is done.
- Cover the dough with a clean towel to lock in heat and prevent drying. Let it rise until doubled in size (1-3 hours).
- Punch the dough down, then shape your bread loaf. Place dough in a greased pan, then cover again to rise until doubled.
- Bake honey whole wheat bread at 375 F for about 30 minutes or until crust has browned.
- Note: Cooking times will vary depending on loaf size and oven, adjust as needed.
Why Didn’t my Yeast Activate in Homemade Bread?
Old or inactive yeast: Yeast is alive and will become inactive under certain conditions. Honey or any type of sugar helps to activate it. Before you bake, make sure the yeast hasn’t expired. Once opened, a container of yeast only keeps for about four months when stored in cool environment, like the fridge. High temperatures can make yeast inactive quicker.
Water temperature: The water should be between 105 and 115 degrees F, a lukewarm temperature that you can comfortably wash your hands in. Too cool and the yeast won’t activate, too hot and it kills the yeast.
Not added to the bread machine correctly: Most bread machines have very specific instructions for how to add the yeast. The general rule is to keep the yeast dry; if your bread machine doesn’t have a yeast compartment, see if it helps to dig a small well in the flour to keep yeast from activating too soon in the cycle. If you prefer a version without a brand machine, make this Whole Wheat Bread!
Didn’t wait long enough: If you’re making this recipe by hand make sure you wait until the yeast has fully activated before adding other ingredients.
If you enjoyed this honey whole wheat sandwich bread or have any good bread-making tips or recipes that you’d like to share, please do so in the comments below!
Can you use rapid, fast acting yeast in this recipe?
That may work, but we have not tested it yet. Please let us know if you do try it!
I’m allergic to honey. My throat closes up and I can’t swallow. What can I substitute for the honey?
Our other sub for honey is maple syrup. We have not tried it in this recipe but it usually works fine with all others. Let us know if you try it out. – Nicole
I stumbled on your blog and I love it! Would you be able to add weights to your recipes? I’ve found that weighing things out is a lot easier than trying to measure.
Hi Kari. Weighing ingredients isn’t something we do normally at home while cooking and Lisa prefers to measure, therefore she only includes measurements in her recipes. – Nicole
My bread maker lists regular or large loaf. Would you say this is regular or large?
Hi, this recipe is for a 2lb loaf so you’ll need a large pan. Hopefully that helps. – Nicole
Which brand of bread machine do you use?
Can you leave out the honey? My grandson is only allowed 40 carbs for breakfast 20 carbs lunch and 60 carbs dinner He is Type 1 diabetic.
While we haven’t tried, you probably could. – Nicole.
Can I use some white bread flour to keep it a little lighter like the store version? I am wanting to make it for my mom and grandmother, who is currently buying 2 loaves a week at over 3 bucks a loaf. Thanks
We have not tried it, but let us know if you do if it works. – Nicole
I use 1 cup whole wheat and 2 cups unbleached all purpose flour for a 1-1/2 Lb. Loaf recipe. It works great.
Hi! I have a terrible time slicing homemade bread. Do you have any tips for success? Thanks!
Make sure you’re using a long serrated knife and bread that has cooled cuts best. Also, don’t put too much pressure on it when cutting, do it lightly. – Nicole
If I skip the bread machine how long do I bake and at what temperature?
Hi Laura, while we haven’t made this recipe in the oven yet, this one is very similar: https://deliciouslyorganic.net/everyday-whole-wheat-bread/ – Nicole
My bread machine times the cooking by loaf weight. 1 pound, 1.5 pounds, or 2 pounds. Can you tell me what this recipe would fall under?
This is for a 2 pound loaf. – Nicole
Wonderful recipe! Simple and tasty:) I love that I can use my own milled flour.
Glad to hear you enjoy it! – Nicole
Have you published this recipe using weights instead of volume measurements?
We do not have the ingredients in weights. – Nicole