A white bread machine recipe that makes a soft, fluffy loaf with a golden crust and tender crumb. Six ingredients. The bread machine does the work.
This is the loaf I make when we need sandwich bread and I do not want to turn on the oven. Butter brushed on the hot crust right when it comes out gives it a nice flaky crust.
Why This White Bread Machine Recipe Works
Bread flour, not all-purpose. Higher protein means more gluten. More gluten means better structure and a taller rise. All-purpose flour makes a denser loaf.
Warm the milk and butter to 110°F. Too hot and the yeast dies. Too cold and the dough rises slow. A kitchen thermometer takes the guesswork out.
Yeast goes in last and must not touch the liquid or salt until the machine starts. Salt kills yeast on contact. Pour the milk in first, then the dry ingredients, then make a little well in the flour for the yeast.
Ingredient order matters. Liquids first against the paddle. Dry ingredients on top. Yeast last. This is how bread machines are designed to mix.
How to Make White Bread in a Bread Machine
- Unplug the bread machine and remove the bread pan. Adding ingredients while the pan is out prevents spills into the heating element.
- Pour the milk and softened butter into a microwave-safe measuring cup. Heat to 110°F. I semi-melt the butter so it mixes in better. Stir to combine.
- Pour the warm milk and butter into the bread pan.
- Add the bread flour, sugar, and salt on top of the liquid. Do not stir.
- Make a small well in the flour with your finger. Add the yeast into the well so it sits on dry flour, not touching the liquid or salt.
- Place the bread pan back into the machine. Plug it in.
- Select the basic or white bread setting. Choose light crust color. Select the 1.5 pound loaf size. Press start.
- When the cycle finishes, unplug the machine. Put on oven mitts and remove the bread pan. The pan and machine will be hot.
- Turn the loaf out onto a cooling rack. If the bread sticks, run a butter knife around the edges.
- Optional. Brush a light coat of melted butter over the hot crust right away. A little goes a long way. Too much runs down the sides. Do not brush it on once the bread has cooled or it sits on top instead of soaking in.
- Cool completely before slicing.
Quick Tips
- Use bread flour. All-purpose makes a flatter loaf.
- Brush butter on the crust while the bread is hot or skip it entirely.
- Cool completely before slicing or the loaf will squish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Bread machine bread has no preservatives so it will not last as long as store-bought. Store sliced bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
Freeze whole or sliced. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Thaw at room temperature. Day-old bread machine bread makes excellent toast.
More Bread Recipes
For more homemade bread, browse my bread recipes. My babka is a rich braided loaf apples and cinnamon. My blueberry banana bread combines two favorites in one loaf. My pistachio bread is a moist quick bread with real pistachios.
📖 Recipe
White Bread Machine Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ⅛ cup milk - warm
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter - softened
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon bread machine yeast
Instructions
- Unplug the bread machine and remove the bread pan.
- Pour the milk and softened butter into a microwave-safe measuring cup. Heat to 110°F. Stir to combine.
- Pour the warm milk and butter into the bread pan.
- Add the bread flour, sugar, and salt on top of the liquid. Do not stir.
- Make a small well in the flour. Add the yeast into the well so it sits on dry flour and does not touch the liquid or salt.
- Place the bread pan back into the machine. Plug it in.
- Select basic or white bread setting. Select light crust color. Select 1.5 pound loaf. Press start.
- When the cycle finishes, unplug the machine. Using oven mitts, remove the bread pan.
- Turn the loaf out onto a cooling rack. Run a butter knife around the edges if it sticks.
- Optional. Brush a light coat of melted butter over the hot crust immediately.
- Cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Use bread flour, not all-purpose. Bread flour gives a taller rise.
- Warm milk and butter to 110°F. Use a thermometer.
- Yeast must not touch liquid until machine starts. Make a well in the flour.
- Sotften the butter for better mixing.
- Unplug the machine before removing the bread pan.
- Brush melted butter on the hot crust right away if using.
- Store in an airtight bag at room temperature. Freezes for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate based on third-party calculations. Actual values may vary due to ingredients, measurements, and serving sizes.
© Mama Needs Cake
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Dana is an experienced recipe creator who crafts easy and delicious recipes for all levels of home cooks.
Her recipes range from classic comfort foods to healthy and nutritious meals, and she is always on the lookout for new and exciting ways to bring flavor and variety to the table.
