This basic bread machine dough recipe is perfect for making homemade bread with minimal effort. Using a bread machine simplifies the process, allowing you to enjoy fresh, warm bread without the need for extensive kneading or monitoring.
The recipe is straightforward and can be used as a foundation for various types of bread, including white, whole wheat, or even specialty breads by adding herbs, spices, or other ingredients.
Creating the Perfect Bread Dough
Making bread at home can be a rewarding experience, especially when the aroma of freshly baked bread fills your kitchen.
Using a bread machine simplifies this process, allowing you to enjoy warm, homemade bread with minimal effort.
The key to a successful loaf lies in the dough, which should be soft and elastic, perfect for shaping into various forms.
Essential Ingredients for Bread Making
To create a delightful loaf, you will need a few basic ingredients.
Warm water acts as the foundation, activating the yeast and helping the dough rise.
Sugar adds a hint of sweetness, while vegetable oil or melted butter contributes to the bread’s richness.
Don’t forget the salt, which enhances flavor, and the star of the show: bread flour, providing the necessary structure.
The Bread Machine Process
Start by pouring warm water into the bread machine pan, followed by sugar, oil, and salt.
Next, carefully add the bread flour, ensuring it completely covers the liquid ingredients.
Make a small well in the center of the flour and add the active dry yeast. This layering technique helps the yeast activate properly during the mixing process.
Monitoring the Dough Cycle
Once all ingredients are added, place the pan in the bread machine and select the ‘Dough’ cycle.
After about 5-10 minutes, check the dough’s consistency.
It should form a ball and feel slightly tacky. If it appears too sticky or dry, adjust by adding a bit more flour or water as needed.
Shaping and Baking Your Bread
After the dough cycle completes, remove the dough from the machine and shape it according to your preference.
Let it rise for an additional 30 minutes, allowing it to expand further.
Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the loaf for 25-30 minutes, until it turns a beautiful golden brown.
Enjoying Your Homemade Bread
Once baked, let the bread cool slightly before slicing.
The crispy crust and soft interior make for a perfect pairing with butter, which can be spread on warm slices.
This homemade bread not only satisfies your cravings but also fills your kitchen with warmth and comfort, making it a delightful addition to any meal.
Easy Bread Machine Dough Recipe
This dough recipe yields a soft and elastic bread dough that can be shaped and baked into loaves, rolls, or other baked goods. The total time for preparation and rising is about 3 hours, and it makes enough dough for one standard loaf.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water (110°F to 115°F)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups bread flour
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
Instructions
- Add Ingredients: Pour the warm water into the bread machine pan. Add sugar, oil, and salt.
- Add Flour: Carefully add the bread flour on top of the liquid ingredients, ensuring it covers the water completely.
- Add Yeast: Make a small well in the center of the flour and add the active dry yeast.
- Select Cycle: Place the pan in the bread machine and select the ‘Dough’ cycle. Start the machine.
- Check Dough: After about 5-10 minutes, check the dough. It should form a ball and be slightly tacky but not sticky. If needed, add a little more flour or water to achieve the right consistency.
- Complete Cycle: Allow the bread machine to complete the dough cycle, which usually takes about 1.5 hours.
- Shape and Bake: Once the cycle is complete, remove the dough from the machine, shape it as desired, and let it rise for an additional 30 minutes before baking in a preheated oven at 375°F for 25-30 minutes.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Servings: 1 loaf
- Calories: 120kcal per slice
- Fat: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 22g