The Perfect Bread Machine White Bread Recipe for Beginners
I love baking bread in my house, but sometimes I don’t have the patience or the time. That’s why I love this bread machine white bread recipe. I just throw the ingredients in and press start! A bread machine is perfect if you’ve never baked bread before or want a faster option when life gets busy. This loaf is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just on its own.
Remember that accurate measurements and fresh yeast are key to a perfect rise and that soft, fluffy texture we crave.

Bread Machine White Bread Recipe
Equipment
- Bread machine
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water around 110°F
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 3 cups bread flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast 1 packet
Want To Save This For Later?
You'll join my email list which you will love. And if you don't, unsubscribe in one click. ❤️
Instructions
- Layer ingredients. Add the ingredients to your bread machine pan in the manufacturer’s recommended order. Typically, start with the warm water, followed by the softened butter, sugar, and salt. Add the flour next, and finally, make a small well in the flour to place the yeast.
- Select settings. Choose the basic or white bread cycle on your machine. Set your crust preference (light, medium, or dark) and start the machine.
- Let it rise and bake. Allow the bread machine to complete its cycle, which usually takes about 3 hours.
- Cool. Once finished, carefully remove the loaf from the pan and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 20-30 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Room temperature butter: Using softened butter helps it incorporate better into the dough.
- Adjust water if needed: If your dough seems too dry during the first kneading, add more warm water, one tablespoon at a time. If it’s too wet, add flour in small increments.
- Soft crust: For an extra-soft crust, brush the top with melted butter as soon as the bread comes out of the machine.
- Fresh yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh for the best rise and soft texture.
I usually enjoy making my own bread, like my classic raisin bread. But this recipe is my go-to when I need a quick, simple, reliable loaf perfect for everything. It’s perfect for toast with jam in the morning or a quick grilled cheese for lunch.

This bread is a lifesaver on busy weeknights! Honestly, with all the kids’ activities, sometimes dinner is a bit of a scramble. But knowing I can toss the ingredients in the bread machine and have a fresh loaf ready to go with whatever I throw together makes things so much easier.
Key Ingredients and Tools
While this recipe is super simple, a few key things will help guarantee that your bread turns out well.

- Bread Flour. Bread flour has a higher protein content than all-purpose flour, which gives your bread structure and helps it rise nicely. You can usually find it in the baking aisle near the all-purpose flour.
- Active Dry Yeast. Yeast makes your bread rise and gives it that lovely texture. Check the expiration date on your yeast packet to make sure it’s fresh—old yeast might not activate properly! You’ll find it in the baking aisle, often near the flour.
- Bread Machine. This might seem obvious, but having a reliable bread machine is critical! If you’re in the market for a new one, look for features like different crust settings and a delay timer so you can wake up to fresh bread.
That’s it! With these simple ingredients and your trusty bread machine, you’ll enjoy homemade bread in no time. You can also use your machine and these simple ingredients to make bread machine buttermilk bread.
Troubleshooting and Help
You can, but your bread might not rise as high and could become denser. Bread flour has a higher protein content, which gives the bread more structure. If you only have all-purpose flour on hand, use it! Just keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different.
Hmm, a few things could be at play here. First, make sure you’re measuring your flour correctly—too much flour can lead to dry bread. If the dough seems dry during the kneading cycle, you can also try adding a tablespoon or two of extra water. Lastly, make sure you’re not overbaking the bread—keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking cycle.
Absolutely! Once you get comfortable with the basic recipe, feel free to experiment. You can add herbs like rosemary or thyme or add some shredded cheese for a savory loaf. Just be sure not to add too many extra ingredients, which could affect how the bread rises.
Baking bread should be fun, not frustrating! If you have any questions about this recipe, please don’t hesitate to comment below.
I hope you enjoy this bread machine white bread recipe. Baking homemade bread doesn’t have to be complicated. With your bread machine and this easy recipe, you’ll have a delicious loaf ready to enjoy. Whether you’re craving a classic buttered slice, a hearty sandwich, or a warm piece of toast with your morning coffee, this bread is the perfect base for any meal.


By Katie Shaw
Katie lives in Virginia with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens. She loves creating simple tutorials for sourdough, bread, and soap. Her recipes, articles, and YouTube videos reach millions of people per year.