Bread Machine White Bread Recipe

Making white bread in a bread machine is super easy and gives you soft, fluffy bread.

The machine does the hard work, creating a perfect loaf with a crispy outside and a light inside.

You can enjoy this bread for breakfast, make tasty sandwiches, or pair it with dinner. The bread machine makes baking at home a piece of cake.

And guess what? If you want a bigger loaf, you can pop the dough into the oven.

So, whether you go for the machine's convenience or opt for a larger loaf in the oven, this white bread recipe is a simple and delicious way to enjoy homemade goodness at every meal.

Why You'll Love This Recipe:

You will love this white bread recipe because:

• It is an awesome sandwich bread recipe. The bread is nice and firm, so you can slice it easily without it falling apart. 
• It is soft and tender, just like the perfect sandwich bread should be. 
• And the best part? You can cut it into sandwich slices without needing a fancy bread slicer at home. 
• This recipe makes a 790-gram (1.7-pound) loaf in the bread maker, or you can shape the dough to fit a 27 x 11 x 10 cm (10.5 x 4.3 x 4 inches) bread tin and bake it in the oven. Easy and delicious!

Are You A Yeast Bread Beginner?

All our yeast bread recipes use instant yeast. If you've never used it before, check out our guide on How to Use Instant Yeast. It covers many common questions.

Ingredients In This Recipe

You can download a printable version of this recipe below. It lists all the ingredients you need and gives clear, step-by-step instructions to help you make it.

• Water - Make sure it is at room temperature for optimal yeast activity.
• Salt - Adds flavor without it, you may find the bread tasting bland.
• Sugar - A small amount provides a subtle sweetness, enhancing the overall taste.
• Butter - We recommend salted butter (or unsalted as an alternative). It enhances flavor, contributes to moisture and tenderness, extends shelf life due to its fat content, and improves the bread's crumb structure.
• Bread flour - Provides the necessary structure and texture for the bread.
• Milk powder - Adds richness and contributes to a softer crumb.
• Instant yeast - Facilitates the bread's leavening, resulting in a light and fluffy texture.

Step By Step Instructions

In this recipe, we have included instructions for baking the bread in the bread machine or the oven. 

For both bread machine and oven baking, start by preparing the dough with water, salt, sugar, butter, flour, milk powder, and yeast. 

In the bread machine, set it to the basic bread setting with a medium crust.

Adjust the dough's consistency during the initial kneading, and let the machine complete the kneading, rising, and baking cycles. 

Cool the bread in the pan for 5-10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. 

For oven baking, after the initial steps, set the bread machine to "Dough" or "Manual" for kneading, then allow the dough to rise in the machine. 

Grease and flour a bread tin, shape the risen dough (see notes below), let it rise again, and preheat the oven. 

Bake until golden brown, cool in the tin for 10 minutes, and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

How To Bread Dough For A Bread Tin

1. After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface, and pat or roll the dough into a rectangle roughly the length of your bread tin.
2. Starting from one end, tightly roll the dough into a log shape.
3. Pinch the seam to seal and tuck the ends under for a neat finish.
4. Place the shaped dough into a greased and floured bread tin with the seam side down.
5. Cover and let it rise again until it reaches just above the rim of the pan.
6. Proceed with baking as per the recipe instructions.

Tips For Using The Bread Machine

Here are some key tips for beginners when making bread in a bread machine:

1. Read the Manual - Make sure to read the user manual that comes with your bread machine. Different models may have specific instructions and features.
2. Follow the Recipe - Stick to recipes designed for bread machines, at least until you get the hang of it. Bread machine recipes are formulated with the machine's process in mind.
3. Ingredient Order - Follow the recommended order for adding ingredients to the bread pan. Usually, liquids go in first, followed by dry ingredients, and yeast goes on top.
4. Measure Ingredients Accurately - Use precise measurements for ingredients, especially for flour. Too much or too little can affect the outcome.
5. Use Fresh Ingredients - Make sure your yeast and other ingredients are fresh. Old yeast may not rise properly and can affect the bread's texture. If you are not sure about the freshness of the yeast read our article on how to use instant yeast.
6. Room Temperature Ingredients - Allow refrigerated ingredients like eggs and milk to come to room temperature before using. Cold ingredients can slow down the yeast's activity.
7. Monitor the Dough - During the initial mixing phase, check the dough's consistency. If it's too dry or too wet, you can adjust by adding a bit more flour or water.
8. Be Mindful of Temperature - Room temperature and humidity can impact the dough. If the environment is too hot or too cold, it might affect the rising process.
9. Experiment Gradually - Once you are comfortable with basic recipes, you can start experimenting with different flours, and ingredients, and even making your recipes.
10. Care for the Machine - Keep the bread machine clean, especially the kneading paddle and the pan. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for maintenance.
11. Don't Overload - Stick to the recommended capacity of your bread machine. Overloading can lead to uneven baking.
12. Be Patient - Baking bread takes time. Be patient and allow the machine to complete its cycles without interruption.
13. Cooling Properly - Allow the bread to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps avoid it collapsing.
14. Storage Tips - Store the bread in a breathable bag or container once cooled. Avoid sealing it in plastic right away to prevent sogginess.
15. Troubleshooting - If something goes wrong, do not be discouraged. Use it as a learning experience and adjust for the next time.

Remember, practice makes perfect. With a bit of experimentation and experience, you will become more confident in using your bread machine.

Serving Size

This recipe yields a generous single loaf, each providing approximately 12 slices.

Calories Per Serve

Each slice of this bread contains approximately 180 calories.

Serving Suggestions

White bread can be versatile, and there are several creative ways to enjoy it beyond making sandwiches. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Toast slices of white bread and spread them with butter or your favorite jam or jelly.
• Slice the bread, toast it, and top with a mix of diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil for a simple bruschetta.
• Use white bread to make classic French toast. Dip thick slices in a mixture of eggs, milk, and cinnamon, then cook until golden brown. Serve with syrup or fresh fruit.
• Cube the bread, toss with olive oil and your favorite seasonings, then bake until crispy. Sprinkle these croutons on salads or soups.
• Make a delicious bread pudding by layering cubed white bread with a mixture of eggs, milk, sugar, and cinnamon. Bake until set.
• Make paninis or grilled cheese sandwiches using white bread for a warm and melty treat.
• Process stale white bread into breadcrumbs and use them as a coating for fried or baked dishes.
• Layer slices of white bread with butter and raisins, then pour over a sweet custard mixture. Bake until golden for a delightful bread-and-butter pudding.
• Top slices with various ingredients like avocado, smoked salmon, cream cheese, or sliced tomatoes for an open-faced sandwich.
• Cut the bread into small, fancy shapes and use them for elegant tea sandwiches with various fillings.

How Long Is Bread Machine Bread Good For?

The shelf life of bread machine bread depends on various factors such as ingredients, storage conditions, and whether or not preservatives are used. In general:

1. Freshly Baked bread machine bread is best when consumed within the first 2-3 days of baking. It tends to be at its peak in terms of freshness, flavor, and texture during this time.
2. If you plan to keep it longer, storing bread in the refrigerator can extend its freshness. Refrigerated bread can last up to about a week. However, refrigeration can make the bread go stale faster due to the starch retrogradation process.
3. For longer storage, consider freezing bread. Wrap it well to prevent freezer burn. It can last for several months when stored correctly in the freezer. Thaw frozen bread at room temperature or in the refrigerator before consuming.
4. Most store-bought breads often contain preservatives that extend their shelf life. Homemade bread without preservatives will not last as long.

So, always use your judgment and inspect the bread for any signs of mold, off smells, or changes in texture. 

Keep in mind that homemade bread without preservatives tends to have a shorter shelf life compared to commercially produced bread.

How to Store Fresh Made Bread

Here are some tips for the best way to store bread for freshness:

• Cool the bread completely - Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack after baking, it should then be wrapped for storage.
  • For unfilled bread wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  • For bread with fillings like meat or custard), wrap in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.
• Room temperature storage
  • Unfilled bread can be kept at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Refrigeration storage
  • Breads with fillings should always be stored in the fridge and be used within 2-3 days when stored in the refrigerator.
  • Unfilled bread can be refrigerated for longer shelf life, up to 3-5 days, although it may dry out faster in the fridge.

For longer storage homemade bread can be frozen.

How To Store Bread In Freezer - (Filled and Unfilled Bread)

• Wrap cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for freezer storage. Label with the name of the bread and date of baking.
• Place the wrapped bread in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 1-2 months for best quality.

When you need the bread thaw it before using.

How To Thaw Bread

• Unfilled bread: Thaw unfilled bread at room temperature, still wrapped, for a few hours or overnight.
• Filled Bread (with perishable fillings): Thaw filled bread at room temperature for several hours or overnight in the refrigerator. If liked you can reheat individual thawed portions in the microwave or oven until heated through.

By following these storage and freezing tips, you can enjoy your homemade bread—whether filled or unfilled—while maintaining its freshness and quality for longer periods.

FAQ

If you enjoy this bread machine white bread recipe, you might also like our recipe for no-knead focaccia bread, as well as our recipes for cob bread, or homemade naan.

Give this easy bread machine white bread recipe a try! If you do, share your experience in the comments below - I am excited to hear about your baking adventure.