Basic White Bread Recipe

This basic white bread recipe is the simplest loaf to make in your bread machine.  It's a great all-rounder, makes good sandwiches and keeps well if you let it cool completely then store it in a plastic bag in your bread bin.  Don't put a warm loaf into a plastic bag as it will release steam as it cools, which can make it soggy and mouldy.  If you have to leave the house before the bread has cooled, wrap the loaf in a clean tea towel, which will keep it fresh and allow it to breath.

Ingredients basic white bread recipe

Method

Bung all the ingredients into your bread machine in the order suggested by the manufacturer.  My own Panasonic machine requires the ingredients in the order listed above, i.e. yeast first, water last.

Set to basic white loaf (it takes four hours from start to finish in my bread machine). 

Alternatives

• You can use butter instead of oil, which although not as healthy does give a slightly tastier loaf.  Use 15g (½ oz) in the small loaf, 20g (¾ oz) in the medium loaf or 25g (1 oz) in the large loaf.
• Try using half milk, half water for an improved taste.