Easy Bread Machine Recipe (Best for Beginners)

I tried the default Bread Maker White Bread Recipe that is included in most bread maker manuals. This easy bread machine recipe is often passed over because it seems too basic and boring and many people don’t bother with it. But I wanted to see if it was actually any good, so I gave it a try. 

Watch my video below for a simple, step-by-step recipe for creating this delicious basic white bread in the bread machine. If you enjoy it, don’t forget to like and subscribe for more easy and tasty bread machine recipes!


Why I Love This Easy Bread Machine Recipe

There’s something satisfying about baking your own bread, but I don’t always have time for kneading and waiting for it to rise. That’s why I love this bread maker white bread recipe. It’s quick, effortless, and comes out perfect every time.

I made this easy bread machine recipe

The crust has that golden-brown crispiness I love, while the inside is soft and fluffy. It’s simple, but that’s what makes it great. Whether you use it for sandwiches or toast, or just enjoy it warm with butter, it never disappoints.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This easy bread machine recipe keeps things simple with basic ingredients you probably already have. No fancy stuff, just the essentials for a fluffy white bread machine recipe that turns out soft and delicious every time.

ingredients for fluffy white bread machine recipe

Here’s what you need:

  • 160 ml (160g) lukewarm water
  • ½ teaspoon (3g) salt
  • 1 tablespoon (12.5g) sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (15g) milk powder
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) room-temperature butter
  • 2½ cups (300 grams) bread flour
  • 1 teaspoon (3g) instant yeast or bread machine yeast


Fleishmann's, Rapid Rising Dry Yeast, 4 oz
TAP ON IMAGE TO CHECK PRICE

Step-by-Step: How to Make This Easy Bread Machine Recipe

This is the easiest white bread recipe you’ll ever try. If you’ve ever wondered how to make white bread in a bread maker, it’s as simple as adding the ingredients, pressing start, and letting the machine do the rest! Ready? Let’s walk through it step by step!

adding all of the ingredients

Step 1:  Add the Ingredients

First things firs, take your bread pan and pour in the lukewarm water. Now, add the salt, sugar, milk powder, and butter. Next, dump in the bread flour. Here’s a little trick: make a tiny well in the center and drop in the yeast. That way, it stays dry until mixing starts!

Tip: Always add the ingredients in the order listed—liquids first, then dry ingredients, and yeast last. This helps the bread rise properly!

Step 2: Set Up the Bread Machine

Pop the pan into the machine, close the lid, and find the basic white bread setting. If your machine asks for a loaf size, pick 500 grams (1 pound). That’s the perfect size for a small but mighty loaf.

setting up the bread maker

Step 3: Let the Bread Maker Do the Work

Now, for the easiest part—press start! That’s it. The machine takes over from here, mixing, kneading, and baking like a pro. In about 3 hours, your kitchen will smell like a bakery.

Step 4:  Cool and Enjoy

Once it beeps, carefully lift out the pan and take a peek. That golden crust? Perfect. Now, let it cool on a wire rack (if you can wait that long). Slice it up, slather on some butter, and take a bite. Trust me, it’s worth it!

white bread in a bread maker

Tip: Want an extra-soft crust? Lightly brush the top with melted butter while it’s still warm.

Related Recipe: If you love making bread in your machine, you’ve got to try these soft and fluffy bread machine dinner rolls. They’re just as easy and perfect for any meal!

Quick and Easy Bread Machine Recipe for Busy Families

Recipe by Jen Evansy
0.0 from 0 votes
Course: BreadCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Baking time

3

hours 
Calories

186

kcal

3

hours 

10

minutes

This basic bread machine recipe seemed too simple to be exciting, but it surprised me! The crust turned golden and crisp, the inside was soft and fluffy, and the flavor had just the right touch of buttery sweetness. Sometimes, the easiest recipes turn out the best!

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

  • 160 ml (160g) lukewarm water

  • 1/2 teaspoon (3g) salt

  • 1 tablespoon (12.5g) sugar

  • 2 tablespoons (15g) milk powder

  • 2 tablespoons (28g) butter, room temp

  • cup (300g) bread flour

  • 1 teaspoon (3g) instant yeast or bread machine yeast

Directions

  • Add 160 ml of lukewarm water to the bread pan followed by half a teaspoon of salt.
  • Next, add one tablespoon of sugar and two tablespoons of milk powder into the bread pan.
  • Add two tablespoons of room-temperature butter to the mix in the bread pan.
  • Pour 300 grams or two and a half cups of bread flour into the bread pan.
  • Make a small well in the center of the flour and add one teaspoon of instant yeast into the well.
  • Place the bread pan into the bread maker, close the lid, and select the basic setting of 3 hours.
  • Once the cycle finishes, remove the bread pan from the machine and carefully take out the loaf.
  • Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing to maintain its shape and texture.

Recipe Video

Notes

  • Measure carefully! Even though this is an easy bread machine recipe, a little too much or too little of an ingredient can change the texture. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy, especially with flour.
  • Room-temperature ingredients work best. Cold butter or water straight from the fridge can slow down the yeast, affecting the rise. If you want a truly fluffy white bread machine recipe, let your butter soften and use lukewarm water.
  • Check your dough early! After 5-10 minutes, it should form a smooth ball. Too dry? Add a teaspoon of water. Too wet? Sprinkle in flour. This quick check ensures the perfect bread maker white bread recipe every time.
  • Experiment with flavors! Once you master how to make bread in a bread maker, try adding a teaspoon of honey for extra sweetness or a sprinkle of dried herbs for a savory twist.

Nutrition Facts

  • Total number of serves: 8
  • Calories: 186kcal
  • Fat: 4g
  • Carbohydrates: 31g
  • Protein: 5g

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My Results – Was It Worth It?

Absolutely! This easy bread machine recipe turned out super nice. The crust was crispy and golden brown, while the inside was soft, light, and slightly buttery. The top did wrinkle a bit after cooling, but the taste was perfect. It’s great for toast, sandwiches, or just slathered with butter. I’ll definitely make this again!

showing how soft and fluffy it is

FAQs: Your Bread Machine Questions, Answered!

Alright, let’s tackle some of the most common questions I hear about how to make bread in a bread maker—because let’s be real, we’ve all had a loaf turn out a little… unexpected.

Can I Use All-Purpose Flour Instead of Bread Flour?

Yes, you can! But here’s the thing—bread flour gives you that extra chewy, fluffy texture because it has more protein. If you only have all-purpose flour, no worries, your bread will still be good, just a little softer and less structured.

Why Did My Bread Sink in the Middle?

Ah, the dreaded bread crater! This usually happens when there’s too much liquid or yeast. Double-check those measurements and make sure your yeast is fresh. If your dough looks too wet during mixing, sprinkle in a little extra flour—it makes a big difference!

photo of yeast

Can I Add Extras Like Seeds or Nuts?

Absolutely! Want a little crunch? A bit of texture? Toss in some sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, or even chopped nuts when your machine beeps for mix-ins (usually during the kneading stage). Just don’t overload it—you want mix-ins, not a brick!

Do you have more bread machine questions? Drop them in the comments—I love helping you get that perfect loaf!

How to Store This Bread Maker White Bread

Once your bread has cooled, keep it in an airtight bag or container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, slice it up and freeze it—just pop a slice in the toaster whenever you want fresh bread!

Try Another Easy Bread Machine Recipe!

If you want to make delicious bread and cakes in a bread maker, these recipes are worth checking out! They are all simple and have something special to offer.

bread maker fruit cake

Do you use a bread machine regularly? Let me know your favorite recipes in the comments!

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About Jen Evansy

Nutritionist, researcher, avid home cook, and writer interested in everything nutrition and food-related. Striving to inform, encourage, and inspire all the readers to make healthy and informed choices when it comes to cooking, food, diet, and nutrition.