Ready to save time and money using the most basic ingredients you already have in your pantry? Easy bread maker bread loaf is a quick and simple recipe that anyone can make with the use of a bread maker.

Most bread maker machines have similar settings, so don’t worry if you don’t have the exact same one that I do, you will still be able to follow along. I have recommended a similar bread maker machine to the one I have listed in the equipment section below.

Why I make easy bread maker bread loaf

If you’ve been following along with my bread baking journey, you will see I have shared many different bread recipe iterations so far. After realizing how much bread is a staple in our home and pairs with almost every meal, I decided it was time to simplify the process even more. This easy bread maker bread loaf recipe does exactly that. I’m able to toss all of the ingredients into the bread maker, set it, and forg…wait. No, you won’t be able to forget it because the aroma from freshly baked bread is a constant reminder to see how many minutes are left so that you can slice and serve your latest kitchen creation.

Is this recipe for the easy bread maker bread loaf truly that easy? Yes, my friends. It is. There is no shame in using a bread maker. I’m so thankful I don’t have to babysit the dough throughout the day and can focus my time and attention on the bazillion other necessary self-imposed tasks as someone who doesn’t like to sit still.

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Equipment

• Bread maker machine
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Kitchen scale (optional)

You’ll only need very minimal equipment. I use a bread maker machine that I purchased in the Philippines once I arrived here. I already checked its availability in the States and it isn’t for sale, so I have recommended a similar bread maker based on price, settings, and loaf size. I have not used this specific brand, but it has great reviews and seems on par with the one I’m using. The one I have looks almost identical to the recommended one with the screen options as well as the two mixing blades which I really like.

Ingredients

• 1¼ cup warm water (110°F – about 296g)
• 2 tbsp sugar (raw or refined – about 30g)
• 2 tsp instant yeast (about 8g)
• ¼ cup olive oil (extra virgin – about 53g)
• 4 cups flour (all-purpose or bread flour – about 480g)
• 1 tsp salt (about 7g)

This easy bread maker bread loaf recipe uses simple ingredients you can obtain at your local grocery store or online. I like to use raw sugar in my home, but you can swap it out for refined sugar at the same ratio. Extra virgin olive oil does alter the flavor of the bread, which I think is in a good way. Using extra virgin olive oil instead of butter also makes this recipe vegan if that is what your diet consists of.

I have weighed out the ingredients in the recipe instruction photos. I would highly suggest you weigh the ingredients as well because your final result will differ depending on how packed the flour is in your measuring cup. Just words of wisdom. Have I successfully made bread loaves without measuring each ingredient? Absolutely, yes, but I’ve also had some loaves come out like a hard ball, or the dough was soppy and needed an extra cup of flour.

Instructions

Step 1

Combine 1¼ cup water (about 296g), 2 tbsp sugar (about 30g), and 2 tsp yeast (about 8g) directly into the bread pan. Allow the yeast to activate for 10 minutes. Yeast will begin to foam.

Step 2

In order, add into the bread pan ¼ cup olive oil (about 53g), 4 cups flour (about 480g), and then 1 tsp salt (about 7g) on top of the flour. Close the lid.

Step 3

Select the settings for white loaf (basic), 1500g loaf size (3lb), and select your preferred color setting. I prefer medium. Press “Start”. The blades will start to spin, mixing the ingredients and then kneading the dough. Keep the lid closed throughout the entire process.

Step 4

Once the bread machine has finished baking the bread completely, it may go into a “keep warm” function. You can turn off and remove the bread pan and bread at any point during this cycle. Allow the bread to cool in the bread pan for at least 15 minutes before removing from the bread pan. Be careful as it may still be hot. Slice and serve warm or allow the bread to cool completely before storing for later.

Notes

The first step instructs you to activate the yeast. Most bakers skip this step if using instant yeast. I like to include this step to ensure the yeast hasn’t expired.

1 cup of flour is about 120g. You can measure one cup at a time and add it into the bread pan, or measure all 4 cups for a total of 480g at once and add, the choice is yours.

How to Store

The cooled bread loaf can be stored in an airtight container for 2-4 days on the counter or 3-5 days in the fridge. You can store the bread loaf in the freezer, but it’s best to slice the loaf first so you can pull out however many pieces you may need at a time. The loaf should maintain its freshness in the freezer for up to 1 month.

Common Questions

The yeast didn’t bubble, is it still usable?

Maybe, but most likely no. Did you allow the yeast to sit with warm water and sugar for at least 10 minutes? Try covering the bowl if you have a fan or AC running. If that still doesn’t work and you’re not seeing bubbles forming, the yeast you’re using may be inactive or expired, rendering it unusable.

My dough isn’t sticky, what should I do?

Add a tiny bit of water and allow the bread maker to work it into the dough until slightly sticky. If it’s not enough, add a tiny bit more and keep kneading the dough.

My dough is too sticky, it’s not forming into a ball. What should I do?

Add a tiny bit of flour and allow the bread maker to work it into the dough until slightly sticky. If it’s not enough, add a tiny bit more and keep kneading the dough.