Perfect White Bread Machine Recipe (4 Servings)

Make delicious homemade bread with your bread machine in just a few simple steps

Key Takeaways:

• Fresh, warm bread in under 3 hours
• Simple 6-ingredient recipe perfect for beginners
• Customizable options for different dietary needs
• Works with any bread machine model

Why Make Bread in a Bread Machine?

Nothing beats the smell of fresh bread baking in your kitchen. While traditional bread making takes skill and practice, a bread machine makes it easy. You’ll get perfect results every time, whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced baker.

Time Required

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Machine time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Total time: 2 hours 40 minutes

Equipment Needed

• Bread machine (any model)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Liquid measuring cup
• Rubber spatula

Ingredients

• 3 cups bread flour
• 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast

Optional Substitutions

• Replace bread flour with all-purpose flour (texture will be slightly different)
• Use margarine or oil instead of butter for dairy-free option
• Switch to honey instead of sugar
• For whole wheat version, replace 1 cup bread flour with whole wheat flour

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Phase (15 minutes)

1. Gather Your Ingredients

• Take out all ingredients from refrigerator 30 minutes before starting
• Place them on counter in order of use
• Check expiration dates, especially on yeast

1. Prepare Your Work Area

• Clear counter space near bread machine
• Wipe down all surfaces
• Plug in bread machine
• Remove bread pan and check paddle is attached

1. Check Water Temperature

• Fill measuring cup with tap water
• Test with thermometer – should read 110°F/43°C
• If too hot, let cool; if too cold, warm slightly
• Water temperature is crucial for yeast activation

1. Soften Butter

• Cut butter into small pieces
• Let sit at room temperature 15-20 minutes
• Should be soft enough to easily press with finger
• Don’t melt in microwave – too hot will kill yeast

Assembly Phase (10 minutes)

1. Add Liquid Ingredients

• Pour exactly 1 cup warm water into bread pan
• Add softened butter pieces
• Use rubber spatula to spread butter in water

1. Add Dry Ingredients

• Measure sugar precisely with measuring spoon
• Sprinkle sugar around edges of pan, not center
• Measure salt carefully – too much kills yeast
• Sprinkle salt around edges, opposite from sugar
• Measure flour using level cup method:
  • Spoon flour into measuring cup
  • Level off with straight edge
  • Don’t pack or tap cup

1. Add Yeast

• Make small well in center of flour
• Check yeast amount (2¼ teaspoons)
• Pour yeast only in well
• Keep yeast away from salt and water

Machine Setup Phase (5 minutes)

1. Insert Pan

• Hold pan with both hands
• Align with base of machine
• Push down until it clicks
• Twist to lock if required by your model

1. Select Settings

• Close lid completely
• Find control panel
• Press “Menu” or “Select” for basic white bread
• Choose loaf size (1.5 lb)
• Select crust color (medium recommended for first try)
• Double-check all settings

1. Start Machine

• Press “Start” button
• Check display shows correct time (about 2:30)
• Listen for motor to begin mixing
• Note finish time

Baking Phase (2 hours 30 minutes)

1. During First Knead (10-15 minutes)

• Watch through window for first 2-3 minutes
• Check if all flour gets mixed in
• If flour sticks to sides, open lid
• Use rubber spatula to push flour into dough
• Close lid quickly

1. During Rise Cycles

• Don’t open lid
• Keep machine away from drafts
• Note: Machine will knead multiple times
• Normal to hear occasional sounds

1. Final Baking (Last 45-60 minutes)

• Keep kitchen ventilated
• Don’t move machine
• Watch for steam from vents
• Wait for completion beep

Finishing Phase (30-40 minutes)

1. Remove Bread

• Put on oven mitts
• Press “Stop” if needed
• Open lid away from face (steam)
• Lift pan with mitts
• Turn pan upside down over cooling rack
• Shake gently if bread sticks
• Check for paddle in bread

1. Cool Properly

• Place rack away from drafts
• Don’t cover bread
• Wait 30 minutes minimum
• Use serrated knife for cutting
• Cut from center outward

1. Clean Up

• Let pan cool 10 minutes
• Remove paddle
• Wash pan and paddle with warm soapy water
• Dry completely
• Wipe machine exterior

Troubleshooting Guide

Problem: Bread doesn’t rise properly

• Check yeast freshness
• Verify water temperature
• Ensure ingredients were measured correctly

Problem: Crust too dark

• Select lighter crust setting next time
• Check if machine is too close to wall

Problem: Bread collapses

• Reduce liquid slightly
• Check room temperature isn’t too hot
• Verify measurements are exact

Storage Instructions

• Cool completely before storing
• Keep in plastic bag at room temperature up to 3 days
• Can be frozen up to 3 months
• Slice before freezing for easy use

Safety Notes

• Use oven mitts when removing hot pan
• Keep children away during operation
• Don’t immerse machine in water
• Unplug when not in use

Pro Tips

• Always add ingredients in order listed
• Use room temperature ingredients
• Don’t use expired yeast
• Clean machine after each use
• Remove bread promptly after baking

This recipe creates a perfect 1.5-pound loaf, ideal for 4 people. The bread stays fresh for several days and makes excellent toast. Remember to store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.