If you’re looking for a Machine Bread Recipe, I’m assuming you’re asking for a recipe that’s suitable for a bread machine. A bread machine makes the process much easier by kneading and baking the dough for you. Here’s a simple recipe for a basic white bread using a bread machine, but you can also experiment with adding herbs, seeds, or whole grains.
Basic Bread Machine Recipe for Soft White Bread
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water (warm, around 110°F or 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (or one packet)
Instructions:
1. Add Ingredients to Bread Machine:
- Order is important: For most bread machines, you should add ingredients in the following order:
- Add water first to the bread machine pan.
- Then add the sugar, butter, and salt.
- Add the flour on top of the liquids. Make sure it covers the liquid completely.
- Make a small well in the flour (be careful not to go all the way down to the liquid) and add the yeast into this well.
2. Select the Program:
- Close the bread machine lid and set it to the basic or white bread program. This typically lasts about 3-4 hours, depending on your machine.
- If your bread machine has options for crust darkness, select your desired crust level (light, medium, or dark).
3. Wait for the Magic:
- The machine will begin mixing, kneading, and rising the dough, so all you have to do is sit back and relax while it does the work.
- You may want to check the dough about 5 minutes after the kneading begins to make sure it’s the right consistency. If it’s too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time. If it’s too wet, add a little more flour.
4. Baking:
- Once the bread machine finishes its cycle, it will automatically bake the bread. You’ll know it’s done when the bread has a golden crust and a hollow sound when you tap on the bottom.
- Some bread machines have an automatic “keep warm” cycle, so you can leave it in the pan for a few minutes before removing it.
5. Cool and Serve:
- When the bread is done, remove it from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool for about 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm with butter, jam, or any topping of your choice.
Tips:
- Measuring Flour: It’s important to measure flour correctly. Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife for the most accurate result.
- Substitutions: You can replace the all-purpose flour with bread flour if you want a slightly chewier texture, or add a tablespoon of wheat gluten for a lighter loaf when using whole wheat flour.
- Add-ins: You can add herbs, garlic, or even cheese to the dough for extra flavor. Just add them when the machine is kneading.
This basic bread machine recipe makes a soft, delicious loaf of white bread that you can enjoy fresh and warm. Bread machines are super convenient for making homemade bread without all the manual kneading and monitoring, making them great for beginner bakers too!