Bread Machine White Bread - freshly baked bread

Bread Machine White Bread

Bread Machine Recipes

Perfectly soft white bread — just dump the ingredients in your bread machine and press start. Fresh bread in 3 hours with zero effort.

Prep Time

5 min

Bake Time

0 min

Servings

10

Calories

175

Ingredients

  • 3 cups bread flour
  • 2¼ tsp bread machine yeast
  • 1⅛ cups water
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1½ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. 1

    Add Ingredients

    Add liquids to the bread machine pan first, then dry ingredients, with yeast on top.

  2. 2

    Select Cycle

    Choose the appropriate cycle (Basic, Whole Wheat, French, or Quick Bread).

  3. 3

    Start

    Press Start and let the machine do the work. Add mix-ins at the beep if applicable.

  4. 4

    Cool

    When the cycle finishes, remove the bread immediately. Cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Baker's Notes

The most important rule for bread machines: add ingredients in the order specified by your machine's manual. Usually liquids first, then dry, then yeast on top.

Baker Thomas Moreau

About This Recipe

There's something almost magical about pressing a button and having warm, pillowy white bread waiting for you three hours later. This bread machine loaf delivers exactly what Canadian home cooks crave: a tender crumb, a golden crust, and that unmistakable smell of fresh-baked bread filling the kitchen without lifting a finger.

The magic is in the simplicity — bread flour gives structure, a touch of sugar sweetens the crumb, and butter adds richness that keeps each slice soft for days. Whether you're making sandwiches for the kids or just need toast that doesn't fall apart, this is the loaf you reach for again and again.

Tips for the Best Bread Machine White Bread

Always follow the liquid-first order in your machine's manual — it keeps the yeast dormant until kneading begins. During the first knead, peek under the lid and judge the dough: it should form a smooth ball that clears the sides. If it's sticky, add flour a tablespoon at a time; if it's dry, splash in water the same way.

What to Serve With It

This loaf shines sliced thick for buttered toast with a dollop of homemade jam, or cut into wedges for soup alongside a bowl of pea and ham soup. It's ideal for morning sandwiches packed in lunchboxes, and pairs beautifully with a cup of Tim Hortons coffee on a cold Ontario morning.

Storage & Reheating

Keep the loaf wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for two to three days, or slice and freeze in a freezer bag for up to three months. Reheat slices directly from frozen in a toaster, or warm the whole loaf at 175°C for ten minutes. Never refrigerate — it'll dry out the crumb faster than anything else.

Nutrition Facts

175

cal

4g

Protein

7g

Fat

26g

Carbs

1g

Fiber

298mg

Sodium

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You can, but the loaf won't rise quite as high or develop the same chewy texture. Bread flour has more protein, which creates stronger gluten — that's what gives bread machine loaves their signature springy crumb.

Why does my bread turn out dense?+

Most likely the yeast is old or expired, or the water was too hot and killed it. Always test yeast by dissolving it in warm water with a pinch of sugar — if it foams within five minutes, it's still alive. Also check that you measured flour correctly by spooning it into the cup rather than scooping.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?+

The internal temperature should reach 91°C. If you don't have a thermometer, tap the bottom — it should sound hollow. The loaf will also pull away slightly from the sides of the pan when fully baked.

Can I make this bread in a regular stand mixer?+

Yes — switch to the dough cycle on your bread machine, then transfer the dough to a greased loaf pan and bake at 190°C for 30 to 35 minutes. You'll get a thicker, crispier crust that some people prefer.

What cycle should I use for this recipe?+

Basic or White Bread is the safest choice. If your machine has a French cycle, that works too since this recipe has minimal fat and sugar. Skip Whole Wheat — it adjusts water levels differently and will throw off the balance.

Tips & Tricks

  • Always add ingredients in the order specified by your machine's manual.
  • Open the lid during the first knead to check dough consistency — adjust flour/water as needed.
  • Remove bread from the pan immediately after baking to prevent a soggy bottom.

Reviews (4)

Marie L.★★★★★

Made this last weekend and my family loved it! The bread came out perfectly golden with a beautiful crust. Will definitely be making this again.

Michael W.★★★★★

This recipe is a keeper. The Baker's Notes really helped me understand the technique. My new favourite bread to bake on weekends.

Sarah M.★★★★★

So glad I found this recipe. The instructions are clear and the result is consistently great. I've made it four times already and it's perfect every time.

David C.★★★★★

Bakery-quality bread at home. I followed the recipe exactly and it turned out amazing. The proofing tips really helped.