How to Get Better Bread with a Bread Machine

Have you tried baking bread in a bread machine only to be disappointed with the results? Was the bread too heavy? Was the crust too crunchy? Did it just not taste right? I've found a solution which lets the bread machine do most of the work while giving you more control over the final results. See resource links at the bottom of the page for my personal bread recipe.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• bread machine
• favorite bread recipe

1. USE THE DOUGH CYCLE -- When baking bread with a bread machine, the dough cycle is the best option. This cycle does all of the mixing and rising for you, but allows you to have control over the shape and baking of the bread.

2. SHAPE BREAD -- Once the bread machine has beeped to let you know your bread dough is ready, take out the dough and shape it as desired.

3. PROOF THE BREAD -- The final rise of the bread is called a proof and takes place after you have shaped the bread. Let the bread rise until about doubled. This usually takes about 30 minutes with my recipe, 20 minutes if it is warm.

4. BAKE IN A COLD OVEN -- To get a softer crust, place your bread in a cold oven, turn oven to desired temperature (my recipe uses 400 degrees), and bake until lightly browned (my recipe takes about 16 minutes).

Tips & Warnings

• Experiment with cooking times to get the bread done just the way you like it. We like softer bread so I bake it slightly less, being careful not to undercook it.

Resources

• Our Favorite Bread Recipe

[sbarry77]

on 10/26/2009 Great tips.. love bread machines! 5* and recommended

[kaytay]

on 1/13/2009 good article.

[pearlyvictoria]

on 12/26/2008 You are right about the bread not coming out consistently great. Most times it is too dense. But I did learn to use it on the dough cycle and it is the greatest. I am going to download your recipe. Gosh, I love bread and bread lovers! Better bread in a bread machine is a great article.

[MamaLavender]

on 11/12/2008 I love the tip about starting it in a cold oven for softer crust - difinitely try that one!

[deepthinkin]

on 11/10/2008 mmmm with cool weather here, baking bread is a favorite. Thanks for sharing!