Introduction

Honey French Bread is a delightful treat that combines the crispness of freshly baked French bread with a sweet, spiced honey butter spread. This easy recipe makes a perfect addition to breakfast, brunch, or dessert, offering a comforting and flavorful experience.

The image shows a close-up of a sliced bread loaf with a golden-brown, shiny crust covered in coarse sugar crystals on top. The inside of the bread is soft and fluffy with a light cream color and an airy texture. The bread rests on a wooden surface, and in the background, there is a honey dipper with dripping honey, adding a warm, sticky contrast to the bread’s texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 loaf (1 pound) French bread
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¼ cup honey
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch of salt
Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for topping

Instructions

Step 1: Soften the butter by leaving it at room temperature for about an hour or microwaving in 5-second intervals until soft but not melted.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, honey, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Step 3: Cream the mixture using a hand mixer or whisk until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes with a mixer.
Step 4: Taste and adjust sweetness or spices as desired by adding more honey, sugar, cinnamon, or nutmeg.
Step 5: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 6: Slice the French bread lengthwise into two long halves using a serrated knife.
Step 7 (Optional): Lightly score the cut sides of the bread in a diamond pattern to create pockets for the butter.
Step 8: Spread the honey butter mixture generously over both halves, covering every nook and cranny.
Step 9 (Optional): Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts evenly over the buttered bread for added crunch.
Step 10: Place the bread halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 11: Bake for 10-15 minutes until golden brown and the honey butter is melted and bubbly. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Step 12: Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes to allow the butter to set.
Step 13: Slice into individual servings and serve warm. Enjoy on its own or with vanilla ice cream, extra honey, or powdered sugar.

Tips & Variations

Use a serrated knife for easy and safe slicing of the bread without crushing it.
Try adding shredded coconut or chocolate chips as alternative toppings for a fun twist.
For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before baking to balance the sweetness.
If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative.

Storage

Store any leftover honey French bread covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes until heated through and buttery. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a freshly baked bread roll that is sliced open to reveal its soft, fluffy white interior with an airy texture. The top crust is golden-brown, shiny, and slightly glistening with a drizzle of golden honey and sprinkled with small white sesame seeds and bits of green herbs. The background is a soft beige cloth with a white marbled surface beneath the bread. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?

While French bread works best due to its crusty exterior and soft crumb, you can experiment with ciabatta or Italian bread. Just be aware baking times may vary slightly.

Is it possible to prepare the honey butter mixture in advance?

Yes, you can make the honey butter mixture up to 2 days ahead. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before spreading on the bread for easier application.