Classic Homemade Bread Machine Loaf
Discover the joy of baking with this foolproof bread machine recipe, perfect for crafting a delightful 1 lb loaf of soft and flavorful bread. Designed specifically for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, this recipe takes minimal effort and yields impressively delicious results. You’ll enjoy the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home. Not only is this loaf fantastic on its own, but it also serves as a versatile base for culinary experiments. Feel free to get creative by substituting different types of flour, fats, and sugars, or by adding spices, nuts, cheeses, or even mustards for a unique twist. This recipe empowers you to take that first step into the wonderful world of bread-making in your bread machine.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lukewarm water
2/3 cup (Make sure the water is lukewarm, approximately 100°F.)
Salt
1 teaspoon (Use fine salt for even distribution.)
Butter or oil
1 tablespoon (Melt the butter if using; oil can be used as is.)
Sugar or honey
1 tablespoon (Granulated sugar or liquid honey can be used.)
All-purpose flour
2 cups (Sift the flour if desired for a lighter loaf.)
Nonfat dry milk powder (optional)
2 tablespoons (This is optional but adds a nice texture.)
Yeast
1 teaspoon (Use active dry or instant yeast.)
Instructions
1
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients for the recipe.
2
In your bread machine's baking pan, add the lukewarm water, ensuring it’s not too hot to protect the yeast.
3
Sprinkle the salt and sugar (or honey) over the water.
4
Add the butter (or oil) and the 2 cups of flour carefully over the liquid ingredients.
5
If you're using nonfat dry milk powder, add it on top of the flour.
6
Finally, make a small well in the flour and add the yeast, keeping it separate from the salt and sugar.
7
Select the '1 lb / white bread' setting on your bread machine and start the cycle.
8
For those opting for the dough cycle, once the cycle is complete, remove the dough, shape it into a round loaf, and place it in a greased baking pan.
9
Cover the dough and let it rise until it has doubled in size.
10
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the shaped loaf for 30-40 minutes or until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
11
Once baked, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Classic Homemade Bread Machine Loaf recipe?
It is a foolproof bread machine recipe designed for beginners and seasoned bakers to create a soft and flavorful 1 lb loaf with minimal effort.
How big is the loaf produced by this recipe?
This recipe is specifically designed to craft a 1 lb loaf of bread.
What temperature should the water be?
The water should be lukewarm, approximately 100°F, to ensure it is not too hot to protect the yeast.
How much water is needed for this loaf?
The recipe requires 2/3 cup of lukewarm water.
Can I use honey instead of sugar?
Yes, you can use 1 tablespoon of either granulated sugar or liquid honey.
What types of fat can be used in this bread recipe?
You can use 1 tablespoon of either butter (melted) or oil.
What kind of flour is recommended?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of all-purpose flour.
Should I sift the flour before adding it?
Sifting the flour is optional, but it can be done if you desire a lighter loaf.
Is nonfat dry milk powder required?
Nonfat dry milk powder is optional; however, adding 2 tablespoons can improve the texture of the bread.
What type of yeast is suitable for this recipe?
You can use 1 teaspoon of either active dry or instant yeast.
In what order should I add the ingredients to the bread machine?
Start with lukewarm water, then add salt and sugar, followed by butter/oil and flour. If using milk powder, add it on top of the flour, and finish by adding yeast into a small well in the flour.
Why should the yeast be kept separate from the salt and sugar?
Keeping the yeast separate in a small well in the flour ensures the yeast is protected from direct contact with salt and sugar until the machine begins the cycle.
What setting should I select on my bread machine?
Select the '1 lb / white bread' setting on your bread machine.
Can I use the dough cycle with this recipe?
Yes, you can use the dough cycle. Once complete, remove the dough, shape it, let it rise, and bake it in a conventional oven.
What temperature should the oven be for baking the dough manually?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if you are baking the shaped loaf manually.
How long does the bread take to bake in the oven?
The shaped loaf should bake for 30-40 minutes.
How do I know when the oven-baked bread is finished?
The bread is done when it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
How should the bread be cooled?
Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Can I customize the flavors of this bread?
Yes, you can get creative by adding spices, nuts, cheeses, or even mustards for a unique twist.
Is this recipe beginner-friendly?
Yes, it is specifically designed for beginners and yields impressively delicious results with minimal effort.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe consists of 7 ingredients: water, salt, butter/oil, sugar/honey, flour, yeast, and optional milk powder.
What kind of salt should I use?
The recipe recommends 1 teaspoon of fine salt for even distribution.
Should I melt the butter before adding it?
Yes, if you are using butter instead of oil, you should melt it first.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to gather all the necessary ingredients for the recipe.
How long should I let the dough rise if baking in the oven?
Cover the dough and let it rise until it has doubled in size.
Can I substitute the type of flour used?
Yes, the description notes you can feel free to experiment by substituting different types of flour.
Is this a quick bread recipe?
While it uses yeast, it is tagged as an easy and quick bread machine recipe for convenient baking.
Can I use this recipe for culinary experiments?
Absolutely, it serves as a versatile base for culinary experiments with different flours, fats, and sugars.
What is the final step before slicing the bread?
The final step is to allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack.
What are the common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include bread machine, homemade bread, yeast bread, easy recipe, and beginner friendly.