How to Make White Bread in a Bread Machine

You don't have to knead if you have a bread machine.

The bread machine is a revolutionary kitchen appliance for those who love to make homemade bread. There are no more messes with flour or trying to knead sticky dough. There is no more waiting for the perfect day of humidity, so the dough will rise. Making white bread in a bread machine is easy and convenient, and it tastes just like bread made by hand. Once you master the white bread, try adding variations. You can make most any kind of bread in a bread machine.

Things You'll Need

• 3/4 cup of milk or water
• 2 cups of bread flour
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 tablespoon of butter
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of active dry yeast

Instructions

1. Gather all your ingredients. Make sure the bread machine bucket is clean of dried debris from former bread making. Check the paddle to make sure it's clean. Lock the bucket and paddle into place.

2. Place the liquid ingredient into the bucket. You may make this loaf of bread with either milk or water for those who do not tolerate milk. The milk or water should be at room temperature to help activate the yeast.

3. Add the bread flour, sugar and salt. Level the ingredients, if the flour has piled to one side. Cut the butter into small slices and distribute it around the outside corners.

4. Make a dry well for the yeast. It is important that the yeast stay away from the liquid, if you are planning to make the bread later. By creating a well in the center of the flour mixture, the yeast will distribute evenly, as well. Pour the dry yeast into the well.

5. Close the lid on the bread machine and set it for the white bread cycle and the size loaf. These instructions are for a 1 pound loaf of bread. Start the machine. The first step is the mixing of the dough. Once the dough mixes, the machine will stop for the dough to rise. The final stage is the baking stage.

6. Remove the bread. Once the bread is baked, remove it from the machine by using potholders. The bucket and bucket handle will be hot. Set the bucket on a cutting board. Lightly tap the bottom, and the bread should come out easily. The bucket has a heavy coat of Teflon for easy removal. Let the bread cool and then store it in a Ziploc bag.

Tips & Warnings

• You can make a 1 1/2 pound loaf of bread by increasing the ingredients by 1/3. Try adding 1/2 to 1 cup of raisins and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.

• Don't stop the machine in mid cycle. Some machines have to start at the beginning if disrupted.

Resources

• Read this Article in Portuguese
• White Bread Recipes