Crusty Honey Whole Wheat Bread

Bread machine baking at its finest: load it up, press the button, come back to a warm loaf.

This honey whole wheat bread gets its substance from a mix of bread flour, whole wheat flour, bran, and vital wheat gluten. The gluten keeps the crumb from going dense and crumbly the way some whole wheat loaves do, while honey adds a gentle sweetness that pairs with just about anything.

The crust bakes up golden and crisp, and the inside stays soft enough for sandwiches or toast.

Pro Tips

• Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before adding them to the machine for the best rise
• The vital wheat gluten is what gives this loaf structure; don’t skip it or the bread may turn out flat and heavy
• Check your bread machine’s manual for the correct order of ingredients; some models want liquids first, others want dry
• Slice after the loaf cools completely if you want clean, even cuts instead of squished bread