Recipe – Simple White Bread

This is a super simple white bread recipe. It has four ingredients, if you skip the salt. You’d be hard-pressed to find a simpler recipe. It follows the basics of leavened bread, which has been around for roughly 6,000 years.

There’s something uniquely satisfying about baking your own bread at home. The aroma that fills the kitchen, the golden crust, and the soft, fluffy interior make it worth every effort. For those who love homemade bread but are looking for simplicity, a bread machine is a game-changer. In this article, we’ll walk you through the simplest homemade bread machine white bread recipe without eggs.

Why Make Bread at Home?

Homemade bread is not only delicious but also free from preservatives and additives commonly found in store-bought varieties. Baking at home allows you to control the ingredients and customize the bread to suit your taste and dietary needs. Plus, it’s a satisfying and rewarding experience. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is designed to be straightforward and foolproof, ensuring you get perfect results every time.

Ingredients by Loaf Size

Load Your Bread Machine

• Generally, this is done by adding the liquids first, the dry ingredients, and the yeast last. Following this order, keep the yeast separate from the liquid ingredients until the kneading cycle begins. However, you may check your owner’s manual and use the order explicitly recommended for your machine.

Bread Machine Cook Cycle

• Set your bread machine for the appropriate loaf size, crust darkness, and white bread setting, and start the baking process. The basic or white bread cycle typically takes 3 to 4 hours and is intended for use with many simple bread recipes.

Cool and Serve

• Once the baking cycle is complete, carefully remove the bread pan from the machine. Turn out the loaf onto a wire rack and let it cool completely before slicing.

Baker’s Note

• I occasionally add 1/4 cup of dry rolled oats to add a little texture, but it is strictly optional.

Storage Tips

Shelf Life

Homemade bread doesn’t contain preservatives, so it has a shorter shelf life than store-bought bread. Typically, it will stay fresh for:

• Room Temperature — 2-3 days
• Refrigerated — Up to 1 week

How to Store Homemade Bread

To maximize the freshness of your bread:

• Room Temperature — Store the bread in a paper bag or bread box to maintain a crisp crust. Avoid plastic bags as they trap moisture and make the crust soggy.
• Refrigerator — To prevent the bread from drying out, wrap it in a clean cloth or place it in a bread bag.

How to Freeze Homemade Bread

Freezing bread is an excellent way to extend its shelf life. Follow these steps:

1. Cool Completely — Ensure the bread is fully cooled before freezing to prevent condensation and ice crystals.
2. Slice — If you plan to use only a few slices at a time, slice the bread before freezing.
3. Wrap — Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
4. Bag It — Place the wrapped bread in a freezer-safe bag or container to protect it from freezer burn.

How to Thaw Frozen Bread

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen bread:

1. Room Temperature — Remove the bread from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature. This usually takes a few hours.
2. Oven Method — For a quicker option, wrap the bread in foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
3. Microwave Method — Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 10-15 seconds.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Dense or Heavy Bread

If your bread turns out too dense, consider these tips:

• Check Yeast Freshness — Ensure your yeast is not expired.
• Measure Accurately — Use precise measurements for all ingredients, especially flour.
• Room Temperature Ingredients — Use room temperature water and milk to activate the yeast properly.

Bread Collapses in the Middle

This can be due to:

• Too Much Liquid — Reduce the water or milk slightly.
• Over-proofing — Make sure your yeast isn’t overactive by keeping ingredients at the correct temperature.

Uneven Texture

For a more uniform texture:

• Add Ingredients in the Correct Order — Follow the recommended order to ensure proper mixing and rising.
• Avoid Opening the Lid — Do not open the bread machine during baking as this can cause temperature fluctuations.