7 Simple Bread Machine Recipes for Homemade Bread

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, finding time to bake homemade bread might seem like a luxury. However, with the advent of bread machines, crafting your own delicious, fresh-baked bread has become significantly more accessible. This post will guide you through seven simple bread machine recipes that you can easily make at home, ensuring you enjoy the freshness and warmth of homemade bread without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why Use a Bread Machine?

Bread machines simplify the bread-making process:

• Time-saving: Set it and forget it until the bread is done.
• Consistency: They offer consistent results every time.
• Customization: You can add your favorite ingredients and tailor the bread to your preferences.
• Less Mess: The closed environment reduces the flour mess in your kitchen.

💡 Note: Always measure ingredients precisely as bread machines are very sensitive to proportions.

Basic White Bread Recipe

This is a staple recipe, perfect for beginners:

Add ingredients to your bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer, usually liquids first followed by solids, then yeast. Choose the basic/white bread setting.

Honey Oat Bread

If you're looking for a bread that's a little healthier, try this:

• 1 1/4 cups water
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 cups bread flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

Select the sweet bread or whole wheat setting. This bread goes great with a spread of butter or as the base for delicious sandwiches.

🍯 Note: You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave for a different flavor profile.

Whole Wheat Bread

For those who enjoy the hearty texture of whole grains:

• 1 1/4 cups warm water
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 3 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast

Select the whole wheat setting on your machine, ensuring your yeast is active by checking the bubble test when you mix it with water and a bit of sugar.

French Bread

Create an authentic French bread loaf with these ingredients:

• 1 1/3 cups warm water
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
• 3 1/2 cups bread flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast

Use the French bread setting, and allow the dough to rise longer if possible for a crustier loaf.

Gluten-Free Bread

Those with gluten intolerance can still enjoy the bread machine experience:

• 1 1/2 cups warm milk
• 2 large eggs
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup potato starch
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon xanthan gum
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast

🌾 Note: Gluten-free baking can be tricky; ensure to use a special gluten-free bread setting if available, or adjust manually.

Pizza Dough

Yes, your bread machine can make pizza dough too!

• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 1/4 cups bread flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast

Select the dough cycle, and once it’s done, remove, shape, top, and bake your pizza as desired.

Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Bread

Add a touch of sweetness to your bread:

• 1 cup warm milk
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 3 cups bread flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 cup raisins
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

After the dough is made, flatten it, sprinkle with a mixture of cinnamon and brown sugar, roll up tightly, and place back into the machine. Use the sweet bread setting. After baking, enjoy slices toasted with butter.

🍞 Note: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to prevent it from becoming gummy.

These bread machine recipes offer a variety of options for homemade bread, from simple to more specialized types. Each recipe provides an opportunity to experiment with flavors, nutrition, and textures. Whether you're an amateur or an avid baker, a bread machine brings the joy of fresh, hot bread into your home with minimal effort. The smell of freshly baked bread wafting through your house is an added bonus, providing comfort and a sense of accomplishment. Start with these recipes, and don't hesitate to customize or create your own variations. Your bread machine is a gateway to endless bread-making possibilities.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

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Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but bread flour provides a higher gluten content which results in a better texture for most bread recipes. All-purpose flour will work, but the loaf might not rise as well.

How long does bread machine bread last?

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Bread machine bread typically lasts 2-3 days at room temperature in a bread box or wrapped. For longer storage, you can freeze slices for up to 3 months.

Can I add extras like nuts or seeds to the dough?

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Absolutely! Most bread machines have a setting or beep that signals when to add mix-ins. This is the perfect time to add nuts, seeds, or dried fruit.