Imagine walking into your kitchen and being greeted by the warm, irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread - without the hassle of complicated kneading or extensive baking skills. This Easy Bread Machine Bread recipe is your golden ticket to becoming a home bakery hero! Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned cook looking for a foolproof bread recipe, this simple method will transform your kitchen into a delightful bakery with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 3 hrs
Total Time: 3 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups bread flour
- 2 teaspoons bread machine yeast
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and ensure they are at room temperature. Measure precisely using standard measuring cups and spoons.
- Pour warm water (around 110°F/43°C) into the bread machine pan. The water temperature is crucial for activating the yeast without killing it.
- Add sugar directly to the water, which will help feed and activate the yeast.
- Pour vegetable oil into the pan, which will help create a softer bread texture and prevent sticking.
- Sprinkle salt over the liquid ingredients, ensuring even distribution.
- Carefully add bread flour on top of the liquid ingredients. Create a small well in the center of the flour, but do not mix ingredients.
- Add bread machine yeast into the well of flour, keeping it separate from the salt to prevent direct contact that could inhibit yeast activation.
- Place the bread pan into the bread machine, ensuring it's properly seated and locked.
- Select the basic white bread setting on your bread machine, typically a medium crust setting.
- Close the lid and start the bread machine. Allow the machine to complete its full cycle, which typically takes about 3 hours.
- When the baking cycle completes, carefully remove the bread pan using oven mitts.
- Gently turn the bread out onto a cooling rack and let it cool completely before slicing, approximately 30-45 minutes.
- Store cooled bread in an airtight container or bread box to maintain freshness.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Always use warm water around 110°F (43°C) to activate the yeast perfectly without killing it.
- Ingredient Placement is Key: Add ingredients in the order specified, creating a small well for the yeast to keep it separate from salt.
- Measure Precisely: Use standard measuring cups and ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for consistent results.
- Don't Rush the Cooling: Allow bread to cool completely (30-45 minutes) before slicing to maintain its structure and prevent gummy texture.
- Storage Tip: Keep your bread in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent it from drying out too quickly.
- Experiment Safely: Once you're comfortable with this basic recipe, try adding herbs, seeds, or small amounts of cheese for variety.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 440kcal
Carbohydrates: 72g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
