- If the breadmaker was purchased used, a manual can be found online by visiting the manufacturer's website. Not only do manuals offer recipes, but they also give critical advice. Take note of how the ingredients should be added to the machine. Some machines start with dry ingredients, while others start with wet.
- One of the most common mistakes home bakers make is to use out-of-date yeast. According to the Fine Cooking website, yeast plays more than one role in bread-baking. Not only does yeast help bread rise, but it strengthens the dough, helps gluten develop and creates the flavor that freshly baked bread is known for. Before tossing the ingredients in the breadmaker, make sure the yeast is fresh.
- No matter what kind of bread is being baked, the directions must be followed. This means measuring the ingredients exactly, using the right ingredients and baking for the proper amount of time. If any directions are skipped, the bread won't turn out right. To ensure the recipe is made correctly, read the recipe twice before starting.
- Bread machines have several different settings. There are different styles of bread to choose from, different crust darkness levels and different loaf sizes. Fine-tuning these features will ensure that each loaf of bread comes out perfectly. Follow the recipe's directions for setting the machine for baking a specific type of bread.
- Bread-making varies greatly depending on the weather. If the day is very humid, a recipe may require more flour. On drier days, a recipe may require more water. It's important to watch the ingredients mix together and ensure they make a nice ball of dough. If the ingredients look too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time until the dough ball forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until the right consistency is achieved.
