How do I make bread in a breadmaker?

Making bread machine bread is as easy as measuring ingredients, placing them in the machine in the correct order (liquids first, yeast last), selecting your cycle (like “basic” or “whole wheat”), and pressing start. Most machines take 3 to 4 hours to fully bake a loaf. Some models even allow you to delay start time or customize crust darkness.

Do bread machines make good bread?

Yes! Today’s machines can produce delicious, bakery-style loaves at home. When you use quality ingredients and follow simple techniques—like proper yeast handling and correct liquid measurements— bread machine bread can taste better than many store-bought options. It's fresher, more customizable, and preservative-free.

What is one drawback of using a bread machine?

The main drawback is that bread machines typically bake in a tall, vertical loaf pan, which means the shape of your bread may be less traditional. Some machines also leave a paddle hole in the bottom of the loaf. However, for the hands-off convenience and consistent results, most users find this a minor trade-off.

Why is my homemade bread so dense in my bread machine?

Dense bread machine bread usually results from too much flour, not enough yeast, cold liquids, or salt touching the yeast too early. Use bread flour instead of all-purpose, keep ingredients at room temperature, and follow your machine’s layering instructions to ensure proper rising and texture.

Is it cheaper to buy bread or make it in a bread machine?

It’s significantly cheaper to make your own bread machine bread . A homemade loaf typically costs $1 to $1.50, while a store-bought loaf of similar quality runs $3 to $5. Over time, the savings are substantial—plus, you control every ingredient for better health and flavor.

Why are breadmakers no longer popular?

Breadmakers fell out of fashion due to kitchen trends shifting toward minimal appliances and a resurgence in hand-crafted artisan bread. But they’re making a comeback thanks to rising grocery costs, busy lifestyles, and people discovering how easy it is to make fresh, delicious bread at home with minimal effort.

Bread Machine Bread – The Best 2025 Guide to Easy Homemade Loaves

Name: Classic Bread Machine White Bread
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup warm water (about 80°F); 3 cups bread flour; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 ½ teaspoons salt; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or vegetable oil; 2 ¼ teaspoons bread machine yeast

Description

A simple and foolproof recipe for soft, fluffy, golden-crusted white bread using your bread machine. Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying warm with butter.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup warm water (about 80°F)
3 cups bread flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 ½ teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter or vegetable oil
2 ¼ teaspoons bread machine yeast

Instructions

Pour warm water into the bread pan.
Add flour, sugar, and salt (keep salt away from yeast).
Add butter or oil.
Make a small well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the yeast.
Place the bread pan in the machine and close the lid.
Select the “Basic” or “White Bread” cycle.
Choose desired crust color: light, medium, or dark.
Press “Start.”
When baking is complete, remove the bread carefully, let it cool on a rack for 20–30 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Always add ingredients in the order recommended by your machine.
For a softer crust, substitute milk for some of the water.
Use fresh, active bread machine yeast for the best rise.
Avoid opening the lid during rising or baking.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours (based on typical machine cycle)
Category: Bread
Method: Bread Machine
Cuisine: American

Keywords: bread machine bread, white bread machine recipe, homemade bread, easy breadmaker bread, soft white bread loaf