This classic bread machine recipe yields a perfect 2-pound loaf of soft, homemade bread. It’s easy to prepare and requires minimal hands-on time, making it ideal for busy bakers.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy fresh bread right from your bread machine. Customize it with herbs, seeds, or grains to suit your taste.
Creating the Perfect Loaf
There’s something truly special about a freshly baked loaf of bread. The aroma that fills the kitchen, the golden crust, and the soft, fluffy interior all contribute to a delightful experience.
This classic recipe for a 2-pound loaf is designed for ease and simplicity. With just a few ingredients, you can create a warm and inviting centerpiece for any meal.
Imagine slicing into that warm loaf, the steam rising as you reveal the soft texture inside. It’s a comforting sight that beckons for butter or your favorite spread.
Ingredients That Matter
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients.
Warm water, sugar, vegetable oil, salt, bread flour, and yeast come together to create a delicious loaf. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor.
Using high-quality bread flour can make a noticeable difference, providing the structure needed for that fluffy interior.
The Bread Machine Advantage
Utilizing a bread machine simplifies the bread-making process significantly.
Simply add the ingredients in the correct order, select the appropriate settings, and let the machine do the work.
This method is particularly beneficial for those with busy schedules, allowing you to enjoy homemade bread without the extensive hands-on time.
Perfecting the Crust
Choosing the right crust setting on your bread machine can enhance the overall experience.
A light or medium crust can complement the fluffy interior, providing a satisfying contrast.
Once baked, allow the loaf to cool on a wire rack. This step is crucial for achieving the best texture and flavor before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile bread can be enjoyed in numerous ways.
Serve it warm with butter, use it for sandwiches, or toast it for breakfast.
Feel free to customize the loaf with herbs, seeds, or grains to suit your preferences, making it a delightful addition to any meal.
Creating a Cozy Atmosphere
Pair your freshly baked bread with a rustic kitchen setting for an inviting experience.
Picture a wooden cutting board, a bowl of flour, and a loaf pan nearby, creating a warm backdrop for your culinary creation.
This setting not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds to the overall enjoyment of the bread-making process.
Easy 2 Pound Bread Machine Recipe
This recipe produces a light and fluffy 2-pound loaf of bread with a golden crust. The process takes about 3 hours from start to finish, including rising and baking time, and serves approximately 12 slices.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water (110°F to 115°F)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups bread flour
- 2 teaspoons bread machine yeast
Instructions
- Add Ingredients: Pour the warm water into the bread machine pan. Add sugar, vegetable oil, and salt.
- Add Flour: Carefully add the bread flour on top of the liquid ingredients, ensuring it covers them completely.
- Add Yeast: Make a small well in the center of the flour and add the bread machine yeast.
- Select Settings: Close the lid and select the ‘Basic’ or ‘White Bread’ setting on your bread machine. Choose the 2-pound loaf size and light or medium crust preference.
- Start the Machine: Press ‘Start’ to begin the mixing, kneading, rising, and baking process.
- Cool and Slice: 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: 12 slices
- Calories: 120kcal
- Fat: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 22g