This Ina Garten Honey White Bread is soft and slightly sweet, which includes honey and warm milk. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 2 hours and 15 minutes including rise time.
Jump to RecipeIna Garten Honey White Bread Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)

How To Make Ina Garten Honey White Bread
- Activate the yeast: In a medium bowl, stir together warm milk, yeast, and honey. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the melted butter and yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Knead on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let rise for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the loaf: Punch down the dough and shape into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan.
- Second rise: Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). If using, brush the loaf with egg wash.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool and slice: Cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Recipe Tips
-
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?
Yes, but you can skip the proofing step and mix it directly into the flour. -
How do I know when the bread is done?
Tap the bottom of the loaf—it should sound hollow. Or use a thermometer; it should read about 190°F. -
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but replace only half the flour to maintain softness. -
Is the egg wash necessary?
No, but it gives the crust a shiny, golden finish.
What To Serve With Honey White Bread
This sweet and soft bread pairs perfectly with:
- Butter and jam
- Peanut butter or Nutella
- Breakfast eggs and bacon
- Homemade soups or stews
- Chicken salad or deli sandwiches

How To Store Honey White Bread
Room Temperature: Store in a bread box or airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Slice and wrap tightly in plastic, then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Honey White Bread Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 170
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 290mg
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 4g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, simply double all ingredients and use two loaf pans.
How do I keep the crust soft?
Wrap the warm bread in a clean kitchen towel while it cools.
Can I knead the dough in a stand mixer?
Absolutely! Use the dough hook on medium speed for about 6–8 minutes.
What if my dough doesn’t rise?
Check that your yeast isn’t expired and that your milk wasn’t too hot.
Try More Recipes:
- Ina Garten Blueberry Ricotta Breakfast Cake Recipe
- Ina Garten Hard Boiled Eggs Recipe
- Ina Garten Raspberry French Toast Recipe
Ina Garten Honey White Bread Recipe
Course: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy10-12
servings10
minutes35
minutes170
kcalA soft, slightly sweet homemade bread made with honey, butter, and warm milk—perfect for sandwiches or toast.
Ingredients
-
1 cup warm milk
-
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
-
1/4 cup honey
-
4 tbsp melted butter
-
3 1/2 cups flour
-
1 1/2 tsp salt
-
1 egg (optional for egg wash)
Directions
- Mix warm milk, yeast, and honey. Let sit 5–10 mins.
- Combine flour, salt, butter, and yeast mixture.
- Knead 8–10 mins until smooth.
- Let rise 1–2 hours in a greased bowl.
- Shape and place in loaf pan. Let rise again 30–45 mins.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Brush with egg wash.
- Bake 30–35 mins until golden.
- Cool before slicing.
