Do You Have to Use Bread Flour in a Bread Machine?

Bread flour is not required for all bread machine recipes. Using the exact ingredients each recipe calls for will give you the best chance for the "perfect" loaf of bread. Use the type of flour listed.

Significance

Bread flour contains more gluten than all-purpose flour. This makes it rise higher and affects the bread's consistency. White flour has more gluten than wheat and other dark flours.

Prevention/Solution

When you don't have the type of flour the recipe calls for, either choose another recipe or substitute a similar kind and monitor progress through the machine's window.

Effects

Check the dough's consistency during the mixing cycle, adding a small handful of flour if it is sticky. A groaning machine that spins sporadically needs a spoonful more liquid.

Alternatives

Use prepackaged bread mix. Make a note of the loaf size your machine can handle and follow the directions accordingly.

Pitfalls

Beware of rainy days and very high humidity. This can cause bread to rise too much or hardly at all, regardless of the ingredients.

References

• Bread Machine; Jennie Shapter; 2002.
• Bread Machine Magic; Linda Rehberg & Lois Conway; 1992.

Resources

• What's Cooking America