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, made without eggs and with minimal sugar and fat. And yes, your bread machine can help create this beautiful loaf. Plus, don’t miss the secret ingredient that makes this the best bread machine white bread recipe!

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Have you tried the basic white bread recipe from your bread machine manual? Not impressed? I’ve got a better option for you.
Four Reasons to Skip the Owner’s Manual Recipes:
- 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?
- 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 Bakers 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

If you want your loaf to have perfectly straight up-and-down sides like the one pictured, use a 9x4x4-inch USA Pullman pan (paid link) and this one is worth the extra money. Notice the beautifully golden brown and tender crust. You will never get this result by baking bread in a bread machine.
Recipe Inspiration
Ready to explore a new way to use your bread machine beyond the one-button start-to-finish method? If so, I can show you how to elevate your bread-making game.
- Your bread machine is an incredible kneader with a built-in timer, making it perfect for hands-off dough prep. Add the carefully measured ingredients, set the machine, and let it work while you focus on your next project.
- To ensure perfect dough, peek inside once or twice to check if it’s too dry or wet. Then, let the machine work its magic for about an hour and a half (time may vary), and you’ll have dough ready to shape.
- The secret to amazing bread? Use the DOUGH cycle only. This allows the machine to handle the mixing and kneading (a lifesaver if kneading by hand is difficult). After that, shape the dough yourself, let it rise again, and bake it in your conventional oven.
Worried it’s too much work? It might take a few extra minutes, but the results are absolutely worth it.

“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.“–A Paula-ism
Ingredients and Substitutions

- WATER:
- SUGAR:
- Granulated sugar, honey, or brown sugar
- Avoid sugar substitutes–not ideal for yeast
- SALT:
- Table or sea salt
- Use ¼ teaspoon extra if Kosher salt is preferred
- Try this no-salt bread recipe if salt-restricted
- NONFAT DRY MILK:
- Use powdered milk for delayed starts
- If substituting with fresh milk, check dough consistency—it may need more flour
- BUTTER:
- Use real butter, non-dairy butter, or vegetable oil.
- No need to soften; chop butter and add directly to the pan.
- LEMON JUICE:
- Adds lightness and freshness.
- Optional, but recommended.
- FLOUR:
- Bread flour is best for rise and texture
- All-purpose flour works, but bread may not rise as much.
- YEAST:
- Instant/bread machine yeast is ideal.
- Add 1/4 tsp more or allow extra rise time for active dry yeast
How To Make White Bread Dough with a Breadmaker



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 if there’s wet dough underneath the paddles, add a tablespoon of flour. Wait a minute or two for it to mix in while kneading. Repeat this process until the dough sticks to the side and pulls away cleanly.
b) If the dough is too dry and bounces off the wall or rides on top of the paddle like a merry-go-round, add a tablespoon of water. Give the machine a minute to mix it in. You might need to use a spatula to help incorporate the water into the dough.

c) If the dough doesn’t rise in an hour, it’s likely due to missing yeast, inactive yeast, or a low ambient temperature. When yeast is cold, it is in no mood to eat and belch carbon dioxide, causing the dough to rise.
d) At the end of the DOUGH cycle, check if the dough has doubled using the two-finger test: gently press two flour-covered fingers into the dough. If the holes slowly close but not entirely, the dough is ready. If it springs back, wait until it leaves a temporary impression. When ready, remove the dough from the pan and shape it as shown below.
Shaping the Dough








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.
Common Questions I Get About this Recipe:
- Can I use whole wheat flour in this recipe?
- Whole-grain flour requires a different approach. If you’re new to bread baking, stick to the recipe as written. Check out this recipe if you really want a 100% whole wheat loaf.
- For experienced bakers, start by substituting half a cup of whole wheat flour for half a cup of bread flour. If that goes well, you can gradually increase the amount.
- Keep in mind that the more whole-grain flour you use, the denser and smaller your loaf will be. Also, monitor the dough as it kneads to adjust the moisture if needed.
2. My machine has a preheat cycle. Do I need to use it?
- If your bread machine has a PREHEAT cycle and allows you to turn it off, do so, especially if you’re not baking in the machine.
- If you can’t disable the PREHEAT cycle, let it finish before starting the DOUGH cycle. Another option is to start the PREHEAT cycle when you first enter the kitchen; by the time you’ve gathered and measured your ingredients, the DOUGH cycle should be ready to start.
3. Should the butter be warmed or melted before adding it to the bread machine?
4. Should I choose the quick or regular DOUGH cycles?
- If your bread machine has multiple DOUGH cycles, always choose the regular DOUGH cycle for my recipes. The longer rising time enhances the flavor of the bread. Remember, good bread requires time to develop those complex yeast flavors.
5. I don’t have an oven. Can I bake this bread in my bread machine?
- Yes, you can bake bread in a bread maker, but be prepared for some imperfections.
- The crust may be thicker and crunchier.
- The top might not be perfectly rounded or pretty.
- The bread should still be good enough for toast.
- Open the lid and check the dough. Make adjustments to the moisture level as needed.
- Adjustments can help prevent the bread from being too dense or developing a crater on top.
- Imperfections can result from environmental factors or inaccurate measurements.

6. Why did my bread blow out on one side?
- If your bread overflowed or blew out on one side, the pan was likely too small.
- Never fill a pan more than halfway with dough.
- This recipe produces a high-rising bread, so using the specified pan size is crucial.
- If your pan is smaller, don’t use all the dough—use the excess for rolls or a smaller loaf.

7. Why is my bread crumbly?
- The dough was too dry—try weighing the flour instead of using measuring cups, as most people tend to add too much flour.
- Crumbly bread can also result from poor shaping.
- Shaping structures the gluten, improving the bread’s appearance and helping to hold the crumb together, which is especially important for sandwich bread.
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
- 6+ Bread Maker Tips You Need To Make Marvelous Bread
- The Surprising Secret to Making Better Bread with a Bread Machine
- Why Is My Bread So Dense? (Bread Machine Section Included)
Need help troubleshooting? Please email me: Paula at saladinajar.com–photos welcome!
Paula Rhodes, owner
As a retired home economist, I created Saladinajar.com to share my belief that you don’t have to be a chef to find joy in creating homemade food worth sharing. Bread machines (used in an unconventional way), homemade yogurt, and quick microwave recipes are my specialty.