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.

front shot of bread loaf on right side sliced to reveal the inside with a slice lying down on the bottom left side.

Bread Machine White Bread Recipe

This basic white bread is a go-to for everyday use. It’s fluffy, soft, and versatile, making it perfect for sandwiches, toast, or as a side for any meal. Makes 1 loaf.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 5 minutes
Serving Size 12 slices

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

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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.
    close up overhead shot of ingredients layered in machine.
  • Select settings. Choose the basic or white bread cycle on your machine. Set your crust preference (light, medium, or dark) and start the machine.
    close up overhead shot of bread machine settings and buttons with basic selected and three hours and forty-five minutes as the timer.
  • 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.
    close up angled shot of bread loaf cooling on wire rack.

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.
Calories: 139kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 293mg | Potassium: 37mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 59IU | Vitamin C: 0.002mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 0.3mg

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.

front shot of angled bread loaf with end cut off to reveal inside, with apples in background on right.

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.

Bread Machine Tips

  • Don’t peek! I know lifting the lid and checking your bread while baking is tempting, but resist the urge! Opening the bread machine can cause the temperature to drop and prevent your bread from rising properly.
  • Get to know your machine. Every bread machine is a little different. Take some time to read your machine’s manual and familiarize yourself with its specific settings and recommendations. This will help you get the best results. Check out this article for more tips on using your bread machine.
  • Perfect your flour power.
    Correctly measuring flour is crucial for bread baking. If you have too much flour, your bread will be dense and dry. Too little, and it will be sticky and collapse. Use the “spoon and level” method: lightly spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
  • Give it a little extra love. While the bread machine does most of the work, you can still add a personal touch. Try brushing the top of the baked loaf with melted butter for a soft, golden crust, or sprinkle with herbs before baking for extra flavor.

Key Ingredients and Tools

While this recipe is super simple, a few key things will help guarantee that your bread turns out well.

overhead shot of bread machine and ingredients measured out.
  • 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.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with jam or butter in the morning, alongside a hearty soup, like my creamy sausage and tortellini soup, or as the base for a classic grilled cheese.

Troubleshooting and Help

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

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.

My bread came out a little dry. What did I do wrong?

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.

Can I add other ingredients to this recipe, like herbs or cheese?

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.

Storing Leftovers

Room Temperature

Store your bread in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh and delicious. This will help prevent it from drying out. Your bread should stay on the counter for about 3-4 days.

Freezing Instructions

  • Cool completely: Make sure your bread has cooled completely before freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the bread soggy.
  • Slice it up: Slice the bread before freezing to remove what you need quickly.
  • Wrap it well: Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then place the wrapped slices in a freezer bag. This double layer of protection will help prevent freezer burn.
  • Freeze: Place the bag in the freezer. Your bread should stay good in the freezer for about 2-3 months.
  • To thaw: Take out the number of slices you need and let them thaw at room temperature. You can also toast them straight from the freezer for a quick and easy breakfast or snack.

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.

front shot of bread loaf sliced to reveal the inside with a slice lying down on the bottom left side.
picture of smiling female

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.

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