This easy bread machine recipe yields a delicious 1.5-pound loaf of bread, perfect for sandwiches or to enjoy with butter. Using simple ingredients, you can create a fresh, warm loaf right in your kitchen.
The process is straightforward, requiring minimal hands-on time. Just add the ingredients to your bread machine, select the appropriate settings, and let the machine do the work.
Creating the Perfect Bread
There’s something special about the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the kitchen. The golden crust and soft interior invite you to slice into the loaf, revealing a fluffy texture that is simply irresistible.
Using a bread machine simplifies the process, allowing you to enjoy homemade bread without the fuss. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a warm loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches or simply enjoying with a pat of butter.
The Ingredients You Need
To achieve that delightful loaf, gather the essentials: warm water, sugar, vegetable oil or melted butter, salt, bread flour, and bread machine yeast. Each component plays a crucial role in developing flavor and texture.
Warm water activates the yeast, while sugar feeds it, ensuring a good rise. The oil or butter adds richness, and the salt enhances the overall taste. Finally, bread flour provides the necessary structure for a fluffy loaf.
The Baking Process
Start by pouring the warm water into the bread machine pan. Follow with sugar, oil, and salt. It’s important to layer the bread flour on top, fully covering the liquid to prevent premature activation of the yeast.
Make a small well in the flour and add the yeast. This step is vital for controlling the yeast’s activation until the mixing begins. Once everything is in place, select the appropriate settings on your machine and let it work its magic.
Timing is Key
The entire process takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes, including prep and cooking time. Patience is rewarded with a beautifully baked loaf that serves approximately 12 slices.
After the baking cycle completes, allow the bread to cool on a wire rack. This step is essential for achieving the perfect texture. Slicing too soon can result in a gummy interior.
Serving Suggestions
Once cooled, slice the bread and watch as the fluffy texture is revealed. A pat of butter melting on top adds a touch of indulgence, making each bite a delightful experience.
This bread pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, or can be enjoyed simply with a spread of your favorite jam. The versatility of homemade bread makes it a staple in any kitchen.
Creating a Cozy Atmosphere
Surrounding your freshly baked loaf with scattered flour and kitchen utensils creates a warm and inviting baking atmosphere. It’s a reminder of the joy of baking and the satisfaction of creating something from scratch.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice, the process of making bread can be a rewarding experience. Enjoy the fruits of your labor with family and friends, and savor the simple pleasure of homemade goodness.
Simple Bread Machine Recipe
This recipe produces a soft and fluffy bread with a golden crust. It takes about 3 hours from start to finish and serves approximately 12 slices.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water (110°F to 115°F)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 1/4 cups bread flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons bread machine yeast (1 packet)
Instructions
- Add Ingredients: Pour the warm water into the bread machine pan. Add the sugar, oil, and salt. Then, add the bread flour on top, ensuring it covers the liquid completely.
- Add Yeast: Make a small well in the center of the flour and add the bread machine yeast.
- Select Settings: Place the pan into the bread machine and close the lid. Select the ‘Basic’ or ‘White Bread’ setting and set the size to 1.5 pounds.
- Start the Machine: Press ‘Start’ to begin the mixing 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 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