This straightforward bread machine recipe produces a delicious 1-pound loaf of bread with a soft crust and fluffy interior. Perfect for sandwiches or toast, it’s an ideal choice for beginners and experienced bakers alike.
Using a bread machine simplifies the process, allowing you to enjoy fresh homemade bread with minimal effort. You can customize the recipe with your favorite herbs, seeds, or spices to enhance the flavor.
Creating the Perfect Loaf
Baking a 1-pound loaf of bread at home can be a rewarding experience. The aroma of fresh bread wafting through your kitchen is simply irresistible.
With the right ingredients and a bread machine, you can achieve a golden brown crust and a fluffy interior with minimal effort. This method is ideal for both novice bakers and seasoned pros looking to whip up a quick loaf.
Using a bread machine streamlines the process, allowing you to enjoy homemade bread without the usual hassle of kneading and monitoring the dough.
Ingredients for Success
The key to a successful loaf lies in the ingredients. For this recipe, you will need warm water, sugar, vegetable oil, bread flour, salt, and bread machine yeast.
Each component plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. The warm water activates the yeast, while the sugar provides nourishment for fermentation.
High-quality bread flour contributes to the structure, resulting in that delightful fluffy interior.
Simple Steps to Follow
To begin, pour the warm water into the bread machine pan. Follow this by adding sugar and oil, then carefully layer the bread flour, salt, and yeast.
It’s important to place the yeast on top of the flour to ensure proper activation during the mixing process.
Once everything is in place, close the lid and select the appropriate settings for a 1-pound loaf.
Patience is Key
After starting the machine, it will handle the mixing, kneading, and baking for you.
The total time from start to finish is around 2 hours and 40 minutes, so patience is essential.
Once the baking cycle is complete, carefully remove the loaf from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. This cooling period is crucial for achieving the best texture when slicing.
Serving Suggestions
Once your loaf has cooled, it’s time to slice into it. The fluffy interior is perfect for sandwiches or simply enjoying with a pat of butter.
Pairing it with a warm dish of butter enhances the experience, making each bite a comforting delight.
This bread is not just a side; it can be the star of your meal, complementing soups, salads, or even served on its own.
Storing Your Bread
To keep your freshly baked bread at its best, store it in a cool, dry place.
Using a bread box or wrapping it in a clean cloth can help maintain its softness.
If you find yourself with leftovers, consider freezing slices for later use. Just toast them directly from the freezer for a quick snack or meal addition.
Easy 1 Pound Bread Machine Recipe
This recipe yields a 1-pound loaf of bread that is perfect for everyday use. The preparation and baking time is approximately 3 hours, and the result is a warm, fragrant loaf that serves about 8 slices.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons bread machine yeast
Instructions
- Add Ingredients: Pour the warm water into the bread machine pan. Add sugar and oil, followed by bread flour, salt, and yeast. Ensure the yeast is placed on top of the flour.
- Select Settings: Close the lid and select the ‘Basic’ or ‘White Bread’ setting on your bread machine. Choose the 1-pound loaf size and the desired crust color.
- Start the Machine: Press ‘Start’ to begin the mixing, kneading, and baking process.
- Cool the Bread: Once the baking cycle is complete, carefully remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Servings: 8 slices
- Calories: 120kcal
- Fat: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 22g