homemade white bread – recipesshubb

Homemade White Bread (Bread Machine Recipe)

Soft, fluffy, and perfectly golden every time

Making homemade white bread in a bread machine is one of the easiest and most satisfying ways to enjoy fresh bread at home. This classic recipe produces a tender crumb, lightly crisp crust, and mild flavor—perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoyed warm with butter.

Designed for standard 1.5 lb (680 g) bread machines, this foolproof recipe works for most brands including Panasonic, Zojirushi, Breville, and Kenwood.

Ingredients (1.5 lb / Large Loaf)

Add ingredients in the order recommended by your bread machine manufacturer (usually liquids first, yeast last).

1 cup + 2 tablespoons (270 ml) warm water (about 38°C / 100°F)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (or vegetable oil)
2 tablespoons sugar
1½ teaspoons salt
3½ cups (420 g) bread flour
2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast or bread machine yeast

Instructions

1. Load the Bread Machine

Pour the warm water into the bread pan. Add the butter, sugar, and salt.

Add the bread flour, making sure it fully covers the liquid. Make a small well in the center of the flour and add the yeast (keep yeast separate from liquid).

2. Select Settings

Insert the pan into the bread machine and close the lid.

Choose:

Program: Basic / White Bread
Crust: Medium (or Light, if preferred)
Loaf Size: 1.5 lb (if your machine asks)

Press Start.

3. Check the Dough (Optional but Recommended)

After about 5–10 minutes of kneading, check the dough:

It should form a smooth, soft ball.
If too dry, add 1 tablespoon water.
If too sticky, add 1 tablespoon flour.

Close the lid and let the machine finish.

4. Cool Before Slicing

Once baked, carefully remove the bread from the pan and place it on a wire rack. Let cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing to prevent a gummy texture.

Tips for Perfect White Bread

Use bread flour for better structure and rise (higher protein than all-purpose flour).
Make sure your yeast is fresh for proper rising.
Measure ingredients accurately—small changes affect texture.
Remove the kneading paddle after the last knead (if your machine allows) for a cleaner loaf bottom.

Variations

Soft Sandwich Bread

Replace water with warm milk
Add 1 extra tablespoon butter

Honey White Bread

Replace sugar with honey (same amount)

Dairy-Free Version

Use oil instead of butter
Use water or plant-based milk

Extra-Fluffy Texture

Add 1 tablespoon powdered milk

Storage

Store bread at room temperature in a bread bag or wrapped in a clean towel for up to 3 days.
Freeze sliced bread for up to 3 months; toast directly from frozen.

Troubleshooting

Bread collapsed: Too much liquid or yeast
Dense loaf: Yeast expired or water too cool
Pale crust: Increase sugar slightly or choose darker crust setting

Final Thoughts

Homemade white bread from a bread machine is simple, reliable, and far better than store-bought. With minimal effort and a few basic ingredients, you’ll enjoy fresh, comforting bread any day of the week.