Honey Wheat Bread Recipe for Bread Machines

Sometimes you need a simple, reliable loaf of bread to get you through the week — quick to make and satisfying to eat. This honey wheat bread is that loaf. It’s a perfect middle ground when you want something more flavorful and wholesome than white sandwich bread but don’t want a very dense, all whole-wheat loaf. Use your bread machine and enjoy a tender, slightly sweet loaf that toasts beautifully and makes an excellent base for grilled cheese or jam.

Toasted with butter or jam, this bread is a weekday favorite. It also fills the house with the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread. The simple ingredient list and the convenience of a bread machine make this a go-to recipe for busy mornings or when you want a fresh loaf without fuss.

Ingredients and Tools You’ll Need

This recipe is designed for a bread machine. Make sure yours has a “Basic” or “Whole Wheat” setting and is sized to make a 1-pound loaf. Use a mild honey such as clover or wildflower if you prefer a subtle sweetness, though any honey you enjoy will work. Fresh yeast ensures the best rise; if your yeast is old, the loaf may not develop properly.

The recipe yields one 1-pound loaf that freezes well. If you use bread often, make two and freeze one for later. Adjust ingredient amounts only if you are confident in scaling the recipe; run one loaf at a time in the bread machine to avoid overfilling.

Equipment

• Bread machine with Basic or Whole Wheat setting

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 3/4 cup lukewarm water
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
• 1 3/4 teaspoons instant yeast or active dry yeast

How to Make Honey Wheat Bread in a Bread Machine

Step One: Add Ingredients

Place the ingredients in the bread machine pan in the following order: water first, then honey, softened butter, the flours, salt, and finally the yeast on top. Keeping the yeast separate from the water until the machine begins mixing helps prevent premature activation. This layering method works well with most machines and ensures even mixing and proper rise.

Step Two: Set Your Machine

Select the “Basic” or “Whole Wheat” cycle for a 1-pound loaf. Choose the crust color you prefer — medium gives a balanced, golden crust. If your machine has a loaf size option, confirm it is set to 1 pound or the equivalent for the best results.

Step Three: Start and Monitor

Start the cycle and allow the machine to run, which typically takes about three hours. During the kneading phase, check once to confirm the dough is forming a smooth, elastic ball. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in a little flour; if it is too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time. The ideal dough should hold its shape and not cling to your fingers excessively.

Step Four: Cool Before Slicing

When the baking cycle ends, remove the loaf from the machine and place it on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Cooling allows the crumb to set and prevents a gummy texture. Plan to wait at least 30–45 minutes, though longer cooling yields cleaner slices.

Serving & Storing

Serve this bread toasted with butter, jam, or an extra drizzle of honey. It pairs well with soups like creamy tomato soup and is an excellent choice for grilled cheese or hearty sandwiches.

Store at room temperature in an airtight container or breadbox for up to three days. For longer storage, slice the loaf and freeze in a tightly sealed bag for up to two months. Thaw slices at room temperature or reheat directly from frozen in a toaster for a quick, fresh taste.

More Honey Wheat Breads

If you enjoy this loaf, there are several tasty variations to explore. Soft honey wheat rolls are a lovely option for special dinners, and you can adapt a similar dough for sandwich loaves if you don’t have a bread machine. For those who use a sourdough starter, a honey wheat sourdough loaf offers extra flavor and a hearty crumb. Each variation highlights the gentle sweetness of honey while changing texture and density to match your preference.

• Soft honey wheat rolls make an elegant accompaniment for a meal.
• If you don’t own a bread machine, you can make a comparable honey wheat sandwich loaf using standard oven or stand mixer methods.
• With an active sourdough starter, try a honey wheat sourdough sandwich bread for a tangy, complex loaf.

Printable Recipe

Honey Wheat Bread Machine Bread

A straightforward bread machine recipe that produces a 1-pound loaf with a touch of honey sweetness. Minimal ingredients and easy steps make this an ideal everyday bread.

Prep Time 5 mins

Cook Time 3 hrs

Total Time 3 hrs 5 mins

Servings 10 slices

Equipment

• Bread machine

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 3/4 cup lukewarm water
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
• 1 3/4 teaspoons instant yeast (or active dry)

Instructions

1. Layer ingredients. Add water, honey, butter, flours, salt, then yeast on top, keeping the yeast away from the water until mixing begins.
2. Select setting. Choose the Basic or Whole Wheat cycle for a 1-pound loaf and pick a medium crust unless you prefer darker or lighter.
3. Start the machine. Begin the cycle (about 3 hours). Check during kneading: the dough should form a smooth ball. Add a little flour or water if necessary.
4. Cool. Remove the loaf when baking is complete and cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

You can increase the whole wheat flour to replace some or all of the all-purpose flour. Expect a denser, heartier loaf if you use more whole wheat.

Nutrition

Calories: 134 kcal · Carbohydrates: 24 g · Protein: 4 g · Fat: 3 g · Fiber: 2 g