There's something undeniably comforting about the aroma of homemade bread wafting through your home. However, the idea of spending hours kneading and proofing dough can be quite daunting. Enter the hero of this story - the bread machine! With a little prep and the push of a button, you can have a loaf of soft Bread Machine White Bread baking away in no time.
There's something heartwarming and satisfying about the smell of fresh bread wafting through your kitchen.
But many people feel intimate by making bread. That's where our Bread Machine White Bread comes in. This simple recipe takes all the fuss out of bread making, transforming it into an easy "dump and go" process that even beginners can master.
Our bread machine white bread recipe is perfect for those who are new to using a bread machine or for anyone who simply wants a straightforward, basic bread recipe.
With just seven ingredients and 5 minutes of prep time, this basic white bread recipe is as simple as it gets. But don't let its simplicity fool you — the result is a loaf of white bread that's soft, fluffy, and absolutely delicious. It is the perfect sandwich bread, great for French toast, and so much better than store-bought.
Ingredients
- Whole Milk: Non-dairy milk can be used, but the protein levels will be different, and this will impact the texture.
- Water: I recommend using room-temperature water.
- Unsalted Butter: If need be, you can substitute it with margarine or vegetable oil, but keep in mind that it may alter the final taste and texture of your bread.
- Honey: If you don't have honey, you could substitute it with a similar amount of sugar or maple syrup.
- Bread Flour: Bread flour is high in protein, which is good for the structure of the bread. If you don't have bread flour on hand, you can use all-purpose flour instead, but the resulting loaf might not be as chewy.
- Instant Yeast/Bread Machine Yeast: This type of yeast is perfect for bread machines because it doesn't need to be proofed. Be sure to check the expiration date on your yeast before using it, as old yeast might not work properly.
- Sea Salt: Sea salt is my go to, but table salt or fine kosher salt also work.
Step by Step
For the full recipe with measurements, see the recipe card at the end of the post.
Tips & Tricks
- Adding Ingredients in Order: Always add the ingredients to your bread machine in the order recommended by the bread machine manufacturer. This ensures that the yeast doesn't come into contact with the salt or the liquid too soon, which could affect the rising process.
- Using the Right Cycle: Use the basic or white bread cycle on your bread machine for making white bread in a bread machine. It provides the right amount of kneading, rising, and baking time for a perfect loaf. Many machine's have setting within the white bread cycle to adjust the crust; I like this recipe set to dark crust.
- Cooling the Bread: Allow the white bread loaf to cool completely before slicing. This helps the bread maintain its structure and makes it easier to cut.
- Storing Your Bread: To keep your loaves of bread fresh, store it in a bread box or wrap it in a plastic bag once it's completely cooled. Avoid refrigerating it as it can cause the bread to dry out.
- Want a "Perfect" Loaf: While doing everything in your bread machine is convenient, sometimes the resulting loafs aren't as pretty as hand formed. For special occasions, you can make this using the dough setting, and then form it, let it rise, and bake it in a bread pan. It should take between 30 and 35 minutes to cook in a 350°F oven.
FAQs
Why do I need bread flour for this recipe?
Bread flour is one of the best types of flour for making white bread in a bread machine due to its high protein content, which creates a good structure for the bread. If you don't have bread flour on hand, you can use all-purpose flour instead, but the resulting loaf might not be as chewy.
What other ingredients can I add to this recipe?
Feel free to experiment with your white bread recipe by adding herbs, spices, or other flavorings to the dough. Just be careful not to add too much, as it could affect the bread's rise. You can also substitute the honey with sugar or maple syrup for a slightly different taste.
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant dry yeast/bread machine yeast?
Yes, you can use active dry yeast instead of instant dry yeast. It isn’t my preference, but it will work.
I recommend activating it first by mixing it with warm milk and sugar (105° F to 110 ° F) before adding it to the bread machine. Otherwise, follow the same instructions as for instant dry yeast/bread machine yeast.
Tools
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Storage
Once the bread has completely cooled, it can be stored at room temperature in a bread box or an airtight container for about 3 to 4 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the bread.
Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. It should keep for up to three months. I like to freeze slices so they are easy to pull out.
When ready to use, thaw it at room temperature overnight.
More Bread Recipes to Try
- If you're in the mood for something a little different, give our Bread Machine Pumpkin Bread a try - it's packed with warm spices and pumpkin flavor, the perfect bread machine recipe for fall.
- Our Bread Machine Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and absolutely irresistible when served warm from the oven - they're the perfect accompaniment to any meal.
- For a touch of luxury, why not try making your own Bread Machine Brioche? This rich, buttery bread is truly a delight to eat and one of my favorite bread machine bread recipes.
- Cranberry Orange Bread recipe offers a sweet and tart combination that's simply delightful. It's perfect for a holiday treat or anytime you want a burst of fruit flavor in your bread.
- Bread Machine Cinnamon Bread is one of my favorite easy bread machine recipes. It is great for breakfast or an afternoon snack. If your craving cinnamon raisin bread, add ½ cup of raisins!
Easy No Fail Bread Machine White Bread
Equipment
- Bread Machine
Ingredients
- ½ cup whole milk at room temperature
- ½ cup warm water
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 cups bread flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant dry yeast or bread machine yeast
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
Instructions
- Pour the milk and water into your bread machine. Then add the butter, honey, bread flour, yeast, and salt.
- Bake on the white bread setting, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- When the time is up, carefully remove the bread pan from the machine.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, and then remove from the pan and cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Debbie Gillispie says
Wendy,
So, today I decided to give this recipe a try and I must say, it is a winner!!! So, easy and the taste is wonderful! I bought my bread maker last year and it has sat on a shelf gathering dust. I came across your recipe for the pumpkin bread that I made last night today I gained the confidence to tackle the white bread and boy am i glad I did this is a keeper and I will be replacing the store bought with this recipe. Easy, Peasy and great taste you nailed it!! Thank you for all the help and these great recipes. Up next we will try your cinnamon rolls and then the hot rolls and of course I will post a comment on all of them as I make them.
Grandma Debbie Gillispie from Poca, WV