Go Back
easy bread machine recipe

Classic White Bread Machine Loaf

A foolproof recipe for a soft, fluffy white bread that’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with butter, all made effortlessly in a bread machine.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons lukewarm water (about 110°F) Water should be lukewarm to activate yeast.
  • 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened or melted Butter can be used softened or melted.
  • 3 cups 3 cups bread flour Bread flour is recommended for better texture.
  • 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons granulated sugar Sugar aids in yeast activation.
  • 1.25 teaspoons 1 ¼ teaspoons salt Salt enhances flavor but should not touch yeast at the start.
  • 1.5 teaspoons 1 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast or bread machine yeast Fresh yeast is crucial for proper rising.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Add the ingredients to your bread machine pan in the exact order listed by your manufacturer's manual.
  2. Carefully make a small well in the center of the flour mound and pour the yeast into it, ensuring it does not touch the liquid or salt directly.
  3. Secure the pan inside the machine, select the Basic/White Bread setting for a 1.5 lb loaf, and choose your preferred crust color.
  4. Press start and let the machine do its work.
Baking
  1. Once the cycle is complete, immediately remove the bread pan using oven mitts.
  2. Gently shake the loaf out onto a wire cooling rack.
  3. Allow the bread to cool completely for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Notes

For variations, you can add dried herbs and garlic for flavor, substitute some bread flour for whole wheat flour, or use plant-based milk and oil for a dairy-free option. Be patient when slicing, as cutting hot bread causes it to become gummy.