Everything Bagel Spice Bread

My Everything Bagel Spice Bread

This is one of my favorite “no-fuss” breads to make. It’s soft on the inside, savory on top, and smells incredible while baking. I love it toasted with butter or used for sandwiches.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups warm water (warm, not hot)

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 1 packet instant yeast

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• Everything Bagel seasoning, to taste (I usually use about 2 tablespoons)

• 1 tablespoon butter, melted (for topping)

Instructions

1. Prep the liquid

   
   

   I start by heating the water and honey together in the microwave, using 30‑second intervals. I stop once the honey is mostly dissolved. The water should feel warm to the touch, not hot—too hot can kill the yeast.

2. Mix the dry ingredients

   
   

   In a large bowl, I add the flour, salt, yeast, and Everything Bagel seasoning. I give everything a good stir to make sure it’s evenly mixed.

3. Bring the dough together

   
   

   I pour the warm water/honey mixture into the dry ingredients and mix with a spatula until a sticky dough forms.

4. Stretch and fold

   
   

   Using my hands, I stretch and fold the dough right in the bowl. If it feels too sticky, I sprinkle in a little extra flour as I go. I don’t overthink this step—the goal is just to get a dough that can hold its shape.

5. Shape the loaf

   
   

   Once the dough comes together, I gently shape it into a loaf (it definitely doesn’t have to be pretty).

6. Let it rise

   
   

   I place the dough into a greased loaf pan, cover it with plastic wrap and a towel, and set it somewhere warm while my oven preheats to375°F.

7. Rise until ready

   
   

   The dough rests until it rises enough to fill the loaf pan—this usually takes anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on how warm my kitchen is.

8. Add the finishing touch

   
   

   I melt 1 tablespoon of butter and pour it over the top of the dough. Sometimes I sprinkle on a little extra Everything Bagel seasoning for a bolder flavor.

9. Bake

   
   

   I carefully place the pan in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, until the top is golden and the kitchen smells amazing.

10. Cool (if you can wait!)

    
    

    I let the bread cool slightly before slicing—though I won’t pretend I always wait as long as I should.