Basic Bread Machine White Bread You’ll Be Eager To Share

Sneak Peek: This basic Bread Machine White Bread is a soft, fluffy 1.5-lb loaf with no eggs and little sugar or fat. And yes, you can make this beautiful loaf with the help of your bread machine. Also, don’t miss the secret ingredient that helps make this the best bread machine white bread recipe.

Sliced white bread in a basket with butter on the sidePin

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Have you tried the first white bread recipe listed in the manual printed by your bread machine manufacturer? Did you make it from beginning to end with the one-and-done button? If you weren’t thrilled with the results, I have an alternative.

Let me guess. Was the crust of your first loaf thick and hard? How did the top look?

Was it nicely domed or misshapen and ugly? Was the crust browned or much lighter on top than the rest of the bread? Who wants to give an ugly loaf to his neighbor or friend?

How was the inside of your bread? Was the crumb organized or verging on crumbly? Was it light and fluffy on top but dense on the bottom?

The bread I described above is probably good enough for toast if you aren’t particular. But if you want a loaf you are excited to eat and proud to share with others, follow this recipe as closely as possible.

The directions are for a bread machine because it is the best kneading machine in town. But you can make it with a stand mixer or by hand. See the recipe notes for details.

Happy cooks speak up:

I never review recipes but this one definitely deserves 5 stars. I’ve made bread in my machine several times but was never impressed.
This is by far the best bread I’ve ever made and it was easy. The texture, color and taste were perfect. Thanks so much for the recipe!
” — Ashley

Ashley
basic white loaf for a bread machinePin

Recipe inspiration:

Are you open to a different way of using your bread machine other than start-to-finish with the push of one button? If so, I can show you how to use a bread maker to make fabulous bread.

A bread machine is one of the best kneaders in town. Plus, you get a timer with it. So you can throw the carefully-measured ingredients into the bread machine, turn it on, and let it do the work while you start your next project.

You’ll want to open the lid and check the dough a time or two to ensure it’s not too dry or wet. Otherwise, you can leave it alone for an hour and a half (varies with different machines), and when you return, the dough should be ready to shape.

One of the secrets to producing fabulous bread with a bread machine is to use the DOUGH cycle only. That means you will let the machine mix and knead the dough (great for people who find it painful to manipulate it with your hands). Then you will shape the dough with your hands, let it go through one more rise, and bake it in your conventional oven.

Does it sound like a lot of work? It may take a few extra minutes, depending on your experience. But it’s worth it.

white bread with a cookie cutout spread with jellyPin
This white bread is soft enough to make fun sandwiches for a tea party.

Making great bread is not as easy as pushing one button on a bread machine, as many people hope. However, with a little extra attention and experience, you can use a bread machine to produce a loaf you will be proud to share and excited to eat.


Ingredients and substitutions:

ingredients needed for this recipePin
  • WATER: If your water is especially hard or very soft, you may want to stick with spring water. I like to draw tap water and let it sit for 24 hours to let the chlorine dissipate. But there’s no reason to fuss about this unless you are having trouble. Use water straight out of the tap.
     
  • SUGAR: I use granulated white sugar, but not much. Possible substitutes include honey or brown sugar. I don’t recommend a sugar substitute. It’s not the preferred diet for yeasty bodies.
  • SALT: Table salt or sea salt is specified in the recipe. If you prefer Kosher salt, use a little more, but don’t leave out the salt entirely. The bread will be bland, and the yeast needs the salt to behave. Otherwise, the yeast can go crazy, wear itself out, and leave you with a crater instead of a dome on your loaf. If you like, you can experiment with cutting back, but this recipe is not designed for no salt.
  • NONFAT DRY MILK: Powdered dry milk conveniently imparts the properties of fresh milk to this recipe. Although few machines have a timer for the DOUGH cycle, since this recipe has no eggs or fresh milk, you could set your machine to start later without worrying that the ingredients will spoil. When using a timer, ensure that the milk powder does not come in contact with the water by adding it to the flour.

    If you don’t have powdered milk, use fresh milk instead of water. However, be sure to open the lid and check the dough. Without the powdered milk, your dough may need a bit more flour. Watch the dough as it kneads: Remember, the dough should stick to the sides of the pan, then pull away cleanly.
  • BUTTER: Real butter is always my first choice, but you can use non-dairy butter or vegetable oil as an alternative. Also, there is no reason to let the butter come to room temperature. Chop it finely and dump it in the pan before the flour. The friction caused by the kneading paddle will heat the butter (and the dough) to the perfect temperature.
  • LEMON JUICE: THIS is the secret ingredient. Lemon juice gives your bread lightness and brightness. You won’t be able to taste it because the amount is so small.

    Try smelling this bread after it has cooled. It’s a fresh and inviting smell compared to sniffing a loaf of bread from the store. If you don’t have lemon juice, leave it out. Your bread will still be excellent.

  • FLOUR: The recipe calls for bread flour because it will give you the best product due to the high protein content. The extra protein helps your bread rise and makes it slightly chewy. Substitute unbleached all-purpose flour if you want or need to, but your bread may not stand as tall.
  • YEAST: Instant or bread machine yeast is perfect for a bread machine and this recipe. There’s no need to dissolve the yeast unless you are concerned that it is old.

    Substitute active dry yeast if that’s all you have. Sometimes it’s a bit slower. Add an extra 1/4 teaspoon or allow a bit more time for rising.

How to make white bread dough with a bread maker:

adding all ingredients to bread machine panPin
1) Place all dough ingredients into the bread machine pan in the order listed. (You do not need to grease the pan since you won’t be baking the bread in the machine.) Select the DOUGH cycle, then press START.
dough should clump immediately when you start the machinePin
2) Lift the lid and peek within the first minute of the kneading phase to ensure the paddles are engaged, and the dough is clumping.
what the dough should look like near the end of the kneading phase.Pin
3) About 15 minutes after the kneading phase starts (you can hear and see it), open the lid or look through the window if you can see anything. The dough should look like a smooth but tacky ball that sticks to the side, then pulls away cleanly.

How to assess the dough in a bread machine and what to do next:

a) If the dough looks like a thick pancake batter (possible measuring error) or there is a layer of wet dough underneath the paddles, add a tablespoon of flour and wait a minute or two for it to incorporate into the dough as it kneads. Then, repeat the process until the dough looks right.

b) If the dough is too dry, it may bounce off the pan wall or ride on the post like a merry-go-round. Add one tablespoon of water and give the machine a minute to incorporate the added liquid. You may need a spatula to press the water into the dough because dry dough often won’t accept extra water without encouragement.

testing dough to see if it's ready to shape.Pin
4) The dough should rise after you hear the machine go quiet at the end of the kneading phase.

If it doesn’t rise in the next hour, you either forgot the yeast, the yeast was dead, or the ambient temperature is too low. When yeast is cold, it is in no mood to eat and belch carbon dioxide that makes bread rise.

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Hopefully, the dough has doubled in size when the DOUGH cycle ends. Use the two-finger test to check. Poke two floury fingers gently into the dough.

If the holes fill in slowly but not completely, it’s ready. If the dough bounces right back, leave the dough in the pan until your fingers leave a temporary impression. When ready, move the dough from the pan and shape it as pictured below.


Shaping the dough:

Pulling bread out of the bread machinePin
Remove the dough from the bread pan onto a lightly floured surface. I like to use a silicone baking mat because it’s easy to throw into the dishwasher.
shaping the dough into a flat ball.Pin
Lightly knead the dough to remove the air bubbles and shape it into a rough ball. Cover and allow the dough to rest for 10-15 minutes.
using a rolling pin to make a square or rectangle shape.Pin
Use your hands or a rolling pin to shape the dough into a rectangle, with the long side an inch longer than the loaf pan you use.
measuring the dough with a loaf pan to see if it is wide enough.Pin
Set the pan in the middle to check the size the short side should be about one inch longer than your pan.
rolling the loaf to make a cylinderPin
Roll dough starting with the long side closest to you.
Shaped dough in bread pan, covered for final rise.Pin
Place the cylinder of dough into a greased 9 x 5-inch loaf pan or a 9 x 4 x 4-inch Pullman pan with the seam side down. Cover with a tea towel, cheap shower cap, or greased plastic wrap and place in a warm place for the final rise before baking.
dough peeking over the side and ready to bake.Pin
When you see the dough peeking over the top of the pan, it’s almost time to bake. Preheat your conventional oven to 350˚F (180˚C). Bake bread for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 195-200˚F (90˚C).
baked bread cooling in loaf pan for only a few minutes.Pin
After sitting in the pan for 10 minutes, turn the loaf onto a wire rack.

If you prefer sweeter and richer white bread, be sure to take a look at my Condensed Milk Bread: A Not-to-be-Missed Bread Machine Recipe and this Buttermilk Bread Machine Bread Recipe.

FAQ about Basic White Bread from a Bread Machine:

Can I use whole wheat flour in this recipe?

Whole-grain flours bring different rules to the party. If you are a new bread baker, I encourage you to stick to the recipe.

For more experienced bakers, substitute a half cup of whole wheat flour for a half cup of bread flour. If that works out well, go a little higher.

The more whole grain flour you add, the denser your bread and the smaller your loaf tends to be. Also, don’t forget to check your dough as it kneads so you can make adjustments to the consistency of the dough on the fly.

My machine has a preheat cycle. Do I need to use it?

If you can turn it off, I would. You don’t need it when you aren’t going to use the machine for baking your bread.

If you can’t turn it off, let the PREHEAT cycle run its course before the machine starts the DOUGH cycle or begin the PREHEAT cycle immediately when you walk into the kitchen. By the time you gather and measure your ingredients, it won’t be long before the DOUGH cycle starts.

Should I choose the quick DOUGH cycle or the regular DOUGH cycle?

Not all machines have more than one DOUGH cycle. If yours does, always choose the regular DOUGH cycle when using one of my recipes. The longer your dough has to rise, the better the flavor. Good bread takes time.

I don’t have an oven. Can I bake this bread in my bread machine?

Yes. You can. The first loaf pictured below was baked in a bread maker. Lower your expectations. The crust might turn out thicker and crunchier. The top may not be rounded and pretty. But hopefully, the bread will be good enough for toast. Don’t forget to open the lid and check the dough to adjust it on the fly. Hopefully, your bread won’t turn out too dense or with a crater on top due to environmental extremes or sloppy measuring techniques.

white bread baked in a bread machinePin

What kind of pan should I use to bake this in my oven?

Since this recipe calls for 3 cups of flour and is a high-riser, I suggest you use a 9×5-inch loaf pan or a 9x4x4-inch Pullman pan. If you have a dark pan, use that one for a darker crust color.

In my experience, when the sides and bottom of the loaf are darker, they are also stronger. Since this is a light and fluffy loaf, the sturdier sides help support the bread, especially when slicing it.

In the picture below, the bread on the left was baked in a shiny pan. The bread on the right was baked in a black pan. Everything else was the same.

two loaves baked in a light and dark panPin

Why did my bread blow out on one side?

Most likely, the pan you used was too small. Never fill a pan more than half full with dough. This recipe is a high-riser, so using the pan specified in the recipe is essential, or don’t put all the dough into your smaller pan. You could make rolls or an extra small loaf with the remaining dough.
white bread with blow out on one side.Pin

Why is my bread crumbly?

The dough was too dry. Weigh the flour when adding it to the dough if at all possible. Most people add too much flour when they use measuring cups.

Another reason for crumbly bread is poor shaping. Shaping structures the gluten so it looks better and holds the crumb together. The latter is especially important with sandwich bread.

What is the best way to store this bread?

Be sure your bread is completely cooled. Place in a plastic bag unsliced, or store in a bread box. You can pre-slice the bread for convenience, but I find the bread dries out faster when sliced.

You can also freeze this bread. Double-wrap it (plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or plastic bags) and try to eat it within one month for the best flavor. Avoid refrigeration since the humidity will cause the bread to go stale faster and eventually mold.

Parting thoughts: If you prefer a sturdy and chewy loaf, look at my Sourdough Sandwich Loaf or Bread Machine Oatmeal Bread. If you prefer whole wheat bread, try my Honey Wheat Bread Machine Recipe or this Wheat Berry Bread.


If you are a bread-baking beginner, these posts might help:

Recipe Help at Your Fingertips: For questions or suggestions, email Paula at saladinajar.com. If you need help, I’m happy to troubleshoot via email (faster than leaving a comment). Attach pictures and as many details as possible for the best advice.

basic white loaf for a bread machinePin

Basic White Bread Machine Recipe

Paula Rhodes
This basic Bread Machine White Bread is a soft and fluffy 1.5-pound loaf with no eggs and not a lot of sugar or fat.
Share recipe love here. ⬇
4.89 from 44 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Mix and Rise Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Course Bread
Cuisine American
Servings 14 slices
Calories 123 kcal

Video

Ingredients
 

  • 1 cup (227 g) watercool
  • 1 tablespoon sugargranulated
  • teaspoon table or sea salt
  • ¼ cup (21 g) nonfat dry milkpowdered
  • 1 tablespoon butterchopped
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 3 cups (360 g) bread flour
  • teaspoon instant or bread machine yeast

Instructions
 

Making the dough:

  • Add 1 cup (227 g) water, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1¼ teaspoon table or sea salt, ¼ cup (21 g) nonfat dry milk, 1 tablespoon butter, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 3 cups (360 g) bread flour, and 1½ teaspoon instant or bread machine yeast, to the bread machine pan. Select the DOUGH cycle and press START.
  • Check the dough at least twice during the mixing and kneading phase by lifting the lid to take a peek. The first time, look immediately after the machine starts mixing to ensure the paddles are engaged correctly. 
    Look again 15 minutes into the DOUGH cycle to assess the consistency of the dough. For most recipes, the dough should stick to the side, then pull away cleanly.
    If your dough is too wet, add flour one tablespoon at a time.
    Conversely, if the dough is too dry, add one tablespoon of liquid at a time until the dough looks just right. Read more about this surprising secret to success with a bread machine here.
  • When the DOUGH cycle completes, if the dough has doubled in size, go to the next step. If the dough has not doubled in size, leave it in the machine until it doubles before proceeding.

Shaping the dough:

  • Remove the dough from the pan onto a lightly floured surface. Push the dough down with your palms to remove the bubbles. Shape into a smooth ball. Cover and allow the dough to rest for 15 minutes.
  • Roll the dough into a rectangle shape measuring around 10 x 13-inches. Using a rolling pin to gently push down any large bubbles (especially around the edges) will improve the texture and avoid unwanted holes.
  • Begin rolling the dough from a short side (or a long side if using a Pullman pan). Roll the dough snugly without stretching. Pinch the seam shut with your fingers. Pull up each end in the direction of the seam and pinch shut. (See the process pictures in the post.)
  • Flip the cylinder of dough over so the seam is on the underside and gently place it into a greased loaf pan. This loaf will work with either a 9×5-inch loaf pan or an 8½x4½-inch loaf pan. Of course, each pan will produce a slightly different shape.
  • Cover with a towel and allow a final rise before baking. This may take anywhere from 45 minutes to well over an hour. Don’t look at the clock–look at the dough. Preheat the oven to 350 °F (180˚C) about 15 minutes before you think the bread will be ready to bake.
  • When the bread has almost doubled in size, bake in the middle of the oven for 25-30 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 195-200 °F (90-93˚C).
  • Remove from the oven and allow the bread to sit in the pan for 15 minutes. Remove to a cooling rack for at least 30 minutes more, preferably an hour before slicing.

Notes

Directions for making bread with a stand mixer or by hand:
  • To make this recipe in a heavy-duty stand mixer:  Add ingredients to the bowl in the same order. Turn on LOW to mix until all ingredients are moistened. Then, using a dough hook, turn the speed to 2 or 3. Continue beating/kneading until the dough becomes smooth and elastic (about 5-10 minutes). Cover and allow to rise in a warm place. Deflate the dough gently and shape it as indicated in the recipe.
  • If making by hand: Combine all ingredients into a shaggy ball in a large bowl. Turn dough out onto a floured surface. Knead with your hands until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Kneading will likely take 10-20 minutes, depending on your experience. Place the dough ball into a greased bowl. Cover and allow to rise until double. Deflate the dough gently and shape as indicated in the recipe.
  • Please note: If you only have active dry yeast, use 1/4 teaspoon more than called for in the recipe. It no longer needs to be dissolved first, but you can if you prefer
Note about the yeast:
If your bread takes too long to proof during the final rise, add another 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of yeast or find a warmer place to prove the dough. I prefer less yeast and a longer rise for better flavor, but this may not be convenient. Do what you need to. 
2-Pound Loaf:
1⅓ cup water (302 gr), 1 T. + 1 t.sugar (18 gr), 1¾ t salt (9gr), ⅓ cup nonfat dry milk powder (27 gr), 1⅓T. butter (17 gr), 1¼ t. lemon juice (5 gr), 4 cups flour (480 gr), 1½ t. yeast (5 gr)
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice | Calories: 123kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 225mg | Potassium: 70mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 47IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 1mg
Keyword Bread machine recipe, bread machine white bread, white loaf
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Recipe Rating




60 Comments

  1. Hi, i recently purchased a bread maker and all the ingredients needed for most bread recipes, i bought a BIG bag of powdered milk but it is Full Fat, will this make any difference? thanks again for all of your recipes, your site was one of the first i came across so will save me lots of searching now Thanks Karen

    1. Hi Karen,
      Congrats on your new machine. The extra fat will probably make most of your bread recipes even better.

  2. 5 stars
    I never review recipes but this one definitely deserves 5 stars. I’ve made bread in my machine several times but was never impressed.
    This is by far the best bread I’ve ever made and it was easy. The texture, color and taste were perfect. Thanks so much for the recipe!

    1. Hi Ashley,
      I’m so happy to hear from you. Thrilled that you love the bread. Thank you for the 5-star rating.

  3. Jacqueline says:

    5 stars
    Absolutely delicious. Following the instructions and ingredient and it is incredible. Paula, you make bread making easy and so flavourful. I normally make a vegan white bread as my 3 daughters are vegan. I will continue to make that bread for them but for myself and my husband this will be the staple bread.
    Thank you for sharing Paula.

    1. Glad you love this basic white bread! Thanks for the 5-star rating and your kind words.

  4. 5 stars
    I received a bread maker as a gift in April and whilst loving the ease of use, l really wished l could get the bread darker (even on the darkest setting).Whilst researching what to do, l came across your website. Loving your tips and guidance. Instructions are easy to follow especially given l’m new to bread baking. I’ve learnt so much. I’ve made this loaf twice now and results have been awesome each time. Such a beautiful texture and taste. I wish l could post a picture to show you. Can’t wait to try another recipe of yours. Thank you for a great website.

    1. Hi Stef,

      I would love to see a picture of your bread. You can always send it to my email address: Paula at saladinajar.com.

  5. ElisabethL says:

    I have made several loaves of white bread in my bread machine, with good but less than great results. Thank you for your detailed information, I can’t wait to make my next loaf using your dough cycle/oven process.
    For the dry ingredients, are they added to the break machine one by one in the order given in your recipe, or should they all (except for the yeast) be whisked together, then added? Or does it matter?

    1. Hi Elisabeth,
      Add all ingredients one at a time on top of each other with the flour, then yeast on top. There is no need to whisk anything together ahead of time unless the recipe specifically tells you to do that. The bread machine will mix everything for you in the first 15 seconds unless your machine has some kind of preheat or resting phase. You can turn those off if the machine will let you.

      Good luck with your bread!

  6. 5 stars
    Great recipe! I started using the dough cycle because of seeing your beautiful bread, so I wanted to try it. I AM now a bread machine dough cycle and bake-in-the-oven person. I love making bread this way now. I have made this recipe several times and my household has never been disappointed. I am so glad I found your website. Thanks SO much for all your knowledge and for passing it on to others.

    1. Thanks for the 5-star rating and your kind words, Samantha. Hopefully, this will encourage other people to try it.

  7. I made this recipe today and it is probably the best bread I have ever made, delicious 😊
    Thank you from Australia!

    1. Hi Margaret,
      You’re welcome. And thank you for taking the time to come back and write.

  8. Good morning Paula. I want to make Parker House Rolls for this Easter Sunday. Of all your bread recipes, which would you consider using? I love all your recipes so far, so it is hard to pick one. Thanks for so many delicious recipes and such a beautiful blog. Wishing you and your love one a blessed Easter.

    1. Fantastic, Patty! Thank you for the 5-star rating.

  9. 5 stars
    Thanks so much for sharing this simple recipe! I don’t have to look any further for a better one! My whole family loves it!

    1. High Five! It sounds like you hit a home run.

  10. Elizabeth Nunley says:

    5 stars
    Wonderful and easy. Turned out perfect!
    You are the BEST.

    1. It’s lovely to hear from you. Thank you for your kind words.

  11. 5 stars
    I love your 1 1/2 pound loaf of white bread. How would I convert this recipe for a 2 pound loaf? Thank you so much.

    1. Hi Joy, I hope you weigh your ingredients. That makes it easier.

      This is how I do it: Start with the original flour weight. In this recipe, that’s 360 gr. Decide how much flour you want in your new version. I chose 4 cups of flour which equals 480 grams. Start at the top of the list with water. 227 gr (the original water weight) ➗ 360 gr (the original flour weight) = .63 x 480 gr (the new flour weight) = 302 gr (the new water weight) You will need 1⅓ cup of water. I figured the weights for you below and then picked measurements that are close.

      2-lb. loaf
      * water – (302 gr) 1⅓ cup
      * granulated sugar – (19 gr) 1½ tablespoon
      * table or sea salt – (9.6 gr) 1½ teaspoon
      * nonfat dry milk, powdered -(27 gr) ⅓ cup
      * butter – (cut into small pieces) (19 gr) 1½ Tablespoon
      * lemon juice – (6.66 gr) 1½ teaspoon
      * bread flour – (480 gr) — 4 cups
      * instant or bread machine yeast – (5-6 gr) use the same or 1¾t.

      Note: Weighing is more accurate than measuring unless it is for small amounts like lemon juice or yeast. On the other hand, 1/3 teaspoon of a liquid is almost impossible to measure so that I would go to 1½ teaspoon.
      In general, you don’t want to change the yeast much–do not automatically double the yeast because you doubled the recipe. You might increase a fourth or half of a teaspoon. After experimenting, you might discover you need the same amount of yeast for even for a bigger batch. Yeast is funny like that.

      Hope this helps.

  12. I love this recipe. However this time in my winter home in Florida , I found i didn’t have any dry milk so I added creamer. Let’s hope it turns out. Waiting to see.

    1. Hi Maria,
      I bet your bread will be fine, especially if you checked the moisture level on the dough as the machine was kneading. Cream improves almost everything.

  13. 5 stars
    This recipe is such a pleasure! From the initial bread machine mixing through to the oven baking time, everything was letter perfect! The finished loaf was everything I could have hoped for and that tiny bit of lemon juice really does make a difference. Thank you for my new “go-to” White Bread recipe!

    1. Pat, This is my favorite kind of comment. Glad all went well with your bread and that you loved it. Thank you for taking the time to come back and say so.

  14. Strawberry Jan says:

    5 stars
    I’ve not made the recipe, But, I’ve owned 2, expensive bread makers and neither have baked a decent loaf of bread with any recipe. I decided years ago to never finish a loaf in the machine. I was thrilled to have your wonderful tips.
    I am planning to make your brioche recipe today and reviewing your tips will give me a far greater chance of success.
    Thanks for the great tips.

    1. You’re welcome Strawberry Jan. (Love your name.) I couldn’t agree more about baking bread in a bread machine. Not good. I can’t wait to hear how your brioche turns out. If you get some good pictures, I would love to see them: Paula at saladinajar.com

  15. 5 stars
    In the top part (description) of the recipe, it says to roll the dough from the ‘long’ side of the dough. Later, in the actual recipe, it says to roll the dough from the ‘short’ side…. which is it? Also, only 1 tablespoon of butter??

    1. Hi Donna,
      Thank you for writing. I clarified the recipe (I hope). If you use a Pullman pan, roll from the long side. If you use the 8½ x 4½ loaf pan, use the short side.

      And yes, I only use 1 tablespoon of butter. But you are welcome to experiment and add more if you like. In case you want a richer white bread, this recipe or Condensed Milk White Bread is my very favorite.

  16. Patricia Mapley says:

    5 stars
    I have been using as many as 3 bread machines at one time over the years. This loaf is wonderful. I agree with you that using a rolling pin helps make a loaf with a better texture and less air holes. When the bread was ready to bake, I brushed with a beaten egg mixed with a tablespoon of water and sprinkled with sesame seeds. Came out perfect and delicious.

    1. Hi Patricia,
      Your comment is high praise considering your experience with a bread machine. I like the idea of sesame seeds. (They are hard to come by right now where I live. Go figure.) Have you seen this bread recipe with whole grains that is covered with seeds? I think you might like it. You can always substitute whole wheat flour for sprouted wheat flour.

      1. 5 stars
        Excellent!! Baked in oven in a 9 x 5 glass dish and followed direction. This is the best!

        1. So glad you love it, Nancy. May you enjoy many more successful loaves.

  17. I just made this recipe for the first time. It was the softest, best white bread I’ve ever made. I have a bread machine that makes 3 lb loaves. I made your recipe as written in an 8″ pan. I have a large 13″ pan and would like to know if I can double the recipe so I can make a larger loaf and if so, should I double the yeast as well? Thank you so much for such a great recipe!

    1. Elaine,

      So glad you wrote. Do you have a West Bend? I think you can safely double the recipe. However, do not double the yeast. You can use the same amount or maybe an extra 1/4 teaspoon. In general, your bread will taste better when you don’t use as much yeast. The longer it takes your bread to rise, the better it tastes. But since we’re all in a hurry, we’ve become accustomed to using larger amounts.

      Happy to hear you were happy with the bread. Enjoy–(and tell your bread-baking friends where you got the recipe, thanks so much 🤗)

    2. @Paula, yes it is a West Bend! Thank you so much for your response. I will try doubling it with your instructions. I will definitely be recommending your recipe.

  18. I made this recipe as instructed and it was perfect and delicious!

    1. Fantastic!! High-five!!

  19. 1 ¼ tsp of salt and 1 ½ tsp of yeast are same 7grams?

    1. Yes. Approximately. Table salt is a bit heavier than yeast. Actually, when the weights are so small, it can be more accurate to just measure with teaspoons but some people don’t even own them so I add the weights for convenience. Thanks for writing.

  20. how do i save your recipes?.i hit save nothing happens..looooved your cinnamon buns..tia huggzz

    1. Hi Gail,
      Due to some technical changes with my blog, the save button no longer works. I have removed it from the website. Hopefully, I will be able to add it back before too long. I’m so sorry for the inconvenience.

      Glad you liked the rolls. Wish I was there to help you eat them.

      Thanks so much for taking the time to write about the SAVE button.

  21. Melissa Bobbitt says:

    5 stars
    Paula, I’ve been wanting to make your white bread for the past 2 days. Finally, today was the day. Believe me, I was so excited this morning. My husband just looked at me and said “You really like that bread machine don’t you?” I said “Yes but I’m really excited about using Paula’s recipes.” Just wanted you to know I followed your easy instructions and I have to say my loaf turned out beautifully as well as delicious. I’m a newbie to bread making and I’m so glad you’re here for me. Thank you so much! Gonna try your pizza dough next and then maybe some cinnamon rolls and who knows what next. My grocery list is “big”. I’m loving this!

    1. This is fantastic Melissa! Did I ever warn your that baking bread is very satisfying? I hope you’re feeling that satisfaction today. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave such a nice comment.

    1. Thank you, Ruth. Glad to have your here.

  22. Vanessa Faukner says:

    5 stars
    An A+ One of the best white bread recipes I’ve ever made.
    Paula, this one is a World Series winner!!
    Thank you!’

    1. Thank you, Vanessa. So glad you love it.

  23. Hi Paula! This was a really good refresher post on basic white bread. I have somehow wound up with two 6″ square pullman loaf pans. Would this recipe make two loaves using these pans? Also how high should I allow the rise before sliding on the lids. Is baking time any different using these two pans? Thanks in advance for any info.

    Viv

    1. Hi Vivian,
      I’m sorry for the delay in answering your question. I just found it. I can’t speak knowledgeably or from experience about a 6-inch Pullman pan. My advice is to try it. In general, you want the dough to fill the pan about half full when you first put your shaped dough into the pan. A little less is OK, too. I would put the lid on when the dough is within a half to one inch from the top and put the bread into a preheated oven immediately. After you do this once, you’ll have a much better idea how to do it the next time. Remember to take the lid off about 10-15 minutes before the bread is finished baking so the top can brown. Bread making is all about experimenting and adjusting until you figure out what works best in your kitchen when using your equipment. Good luck. I would love to see a picture of the finished bread.

  24. 5 stars
    I’ve been making bread with a bread machine for at least 25 years now. I am currently on my third machine! I rarely bake my bread in the machine, mainly because the paddle leaves a great hole in the bottom, so I’ve been using the dough cycle and then shaping the dough in a bread pan. I don’t normally use a rolling pin but rather flatten the dough and then shape it right in the pan and let it rise. It comes out great. I’ve experimented with different types of flour – white, whole wheat and rye – and I find that if I’m using non-white flour, I add some wheat gluten flour to give the dough more rise – up to a tablespoon depending on the size of the loaf. There’s nothing like a fresh home made bread. One more proviso, I use only room temperature ingredients – like butter, milk, eggs, etc. I have found that if any ingredients are too hot (melted butter) or too cold (milk, eggs, etc.) the yeast will not preform as well.

    1. Hi Stephen,
      Thanks for writing. Sounds like we are in agreement about the bread machine and baking in the oven. Re: using a rolling pin, I find that it makes a more even texture in the bread–fewer holes and tunnels. Rolling out the dough and then rolling it into a cylinder makes a beautiful swirly texture throughout the interior crumb. Just my opinion. I agree with you that there’s nothing like fresh homemade bread. Perhaps you live in a really cold climate and need to preheat your ingredients. However, I live in Texas where it can be really cold or really hot (in the same week). After years of preheating ingredients, I don’t do it anymore. The reason? I took the temperature of my dough at the end of the kneading phase. It is always 80˚F or higher in the summer. I don’t use hard butter (I chop it into little pieces) but everything else comes straight out of the fridge. The friction of the blade will heat everything in a hurry. That’s my experience and may not apply to everybody. Check the temperature.

    2. @Paula, I live in Canada, and right now it is COLD!!! But even in summer I bring the ingredients out of the fridge an hour or so before I’m ready to bake. I find it just ends in a better product.

      1. Hi Stephen,
        I can only imagine how cold it is where you live. Br-r-r-r. If you are baking bread in your machine, it is very important that you bring all ingredients to room temperature before starting. If you are just using the machine to mix and knead the dough as I do in all my recipes, it doesn’t make as much difference unless you are on a time schedule. As I often say, the slower the rise, the better the taste. But in the end, if your current method works for you, please keep doing it. That’s the beauty of making your own bread. You get to do it exactly how you please. Thanks so much for writing. Your method is something other readers in cold climates may want to consider.

  25. Can I make this as a French loaf and bake on a sheet pan?

    1. @Cynthia,
      Yes I have made French loaf with a very similar recipe, but generally it requires more butter or fat. Also, when baking on a sheet pan, I have lined the pan with parchment and corn meal on top of that and then the dough. Also, you should probably have an egg wash to give it a more crusty texture which you apply just before baking.

    2. Hi Cynthia,
      I’ll add my two cents to this conversation. I have not tried it, but I hope you will and let me know. The dough is pretty soft, so I would expect an uncontained loaf to spread some. However, it is the prerogative of home bakers to try anything they want. That’s my opinion. 😀