Instructions (Bread Machine Method)
This is how I make it every single week.
- Add all ingredients to your bread machine (I layer them in this order: oil, honey, salt, milk, water, flour, yeast)
- Program your bread machine to these settings (or use the homemade/custom setting if your machine has one):
- Knead: 10 minutes
- First Rise: 1 hour
- Second Rise: 25 minutes
- Bake: 50 minutes
- Press start
- Walk away for about 2 hours and 25 minutes total
- Come back to fresh bread
Note: If your bread machine doesn't have custom programming, use the whole wheat or basic setting with a 2 lb loaf size and medium crust. It might not be exact but it'll still work.
Don't Have a Bread Machine? Use Your Oven
If you don't have a bread machine, you can still make this bread - you'll just need to do a bit more hands-on work.
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine all ingredients
- Knead for about 10-15 minutes (by hand or with dough hook) until the dough is smooth and elastic
- Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour until doubled
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf
- Place in a greased 9x5 loaf pan
- Cover and let rise for another 25-30 minutes until it rises above the pan edge
- Preheat your oven to 350°F
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped
- Let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack
Pro tip: If you have a proof setting on your oven, use it for the rises. If not, just put the bowl or pan in your turned-off oven with the door closed - it creates a perfect warm environment.
The Hardest Part
Waiting for it to cool before slicing.
I know you want to cut into it immediately. I get it. But if you want clean slices that actually work for sandwiches, you need to let it cool completely. At least a couple hours. Put on a movie. Go for a walk. Distract yourself.
It's worth the wait.