BREAD MACHINE RECIPES

100% Whole Wheat Bread

100% Whole Wheat Bread Machine

Baking 100% whole wheat bread in a bread machine can be tricky, often resulting in a dense, heavy loaf. But this recipe is specifically designed to overcome those challenges, producing a wonderfully soft, moist, and sliceable loaf with a rich, nutty flavor. The secret is in the ingredients and a few key techniques.

The Best 100% Whole Wheat Bread Machine Recipe (Soft & Sliceable)

This recipe creates a tender, well-risen loaf by using ingredients that support the structure of whole wheat flour. The addition of vital wheat gluten is the non-negotiable secret to achieving a light, airy texture instead of a brick. It's a healthy, delicious, and satisfying bread that's perfect for sandwiches and toast.

Yields: One 1.5 lb loaf Prep time: 5 minutes Machine Cycle: Whole Wheat or Basic (approx. 3-4 hours)

Why This Recipe Works

The Power of Vital Wheat Gluten: Whole wheat flour contains bran and germ, which interfere with gluten development, leading to a dense loaf. Vital wheat gluten is pure gluten protein. Adding it gives the dough the strength and elasticity it needs to trap the gas from the yeast and rise properly. This is the single most important ingredient for success.
Perfect Hydration: Whole wheat flour is thirstier than white flour. This recipe uses a higher liquid ratio to ensure the flour is fully hydrated, which softens the bran particles and results in a much softer, less crumbly texture.
A Touch of Sweetness and Fat: A small amount of honey (or maple syrup) not only adds a pleasant, earthy sweetness but also helps to tenderize the loaf and gives the yeast a little extra food. A touch of oil further softens the crumb and improves the shelf life.

Ingredients

1 ¼ cups (300ml) warm water (110-115°F / 43-46°C)
2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
2 tbsp vegetable oil or melted butter
1 ½ tsp salt
3 ½ cups (420g) whole wheat flour
1 ½ tbsp vital wheat gluten (this is crucial!)
2 tsp active dry yeast (one standard packet)

Instructions

Add Ingredients to the Pan: This order is important for most bread machines. Add the ingredients to your bread machine pan in the following order:
- Warm water
- Honey
- Vegetable oil
- Salt (place it in a corner of the pan, away from the yeast)
- Whole wheat flour
- Vital wheat gluten (sprinkle it evenly over the flour)
- Yeast (create a small well in the center of the flour and pour the yeast in, ensuring it doesn't touch the liquid or the salt).
Select the Cycle: Place the pan securely in the bread machine. Close the lid and select the "Whole Wheat" cycle. If your machine doesn't have one, choose the "Basic" or "White" cycle, but be prepared for a longer kneading time. Select a "Medium" crust setting.
The "Dough Check" (Highly Recommended): After about 5-10 minutes of mixing, when the machine is in its kneading cycle, open the lid and check the dough. It should be a smooth, soft, and slightly tacky ball that pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- If it's too wet and looks like a pancake batter: Add 1 tablespoon of whole wheat flour at a time until it forms a ball.
- If it's too dry and won't come together, or is making a thumping sound: Add 1 teaspoon of warm water at a time until it comes together into a smooth ball.
Let the Machine Do the Work: Close the lid and let the machine run its full cycle. It will mix, knead, rise, and bake the bread.
Cool Completely: Once the cycle is complete, immediately remove the loaf from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. This is very important for whole wheat bread, as slicing it while warm can result in a gummy texture due to the high moisture content.

Tips for Success & Variations

What is Vital Wheat Gluten? You can find it in the baking aisle of most major supermarkets or online. It comes in a small box or bag and is an essential pantry item for anyone baking with 100% whole grain flours. Do not skip it!
The Soaking Method (For an Even Better Loaf): For a superior texture, try this. Place the whole wheat flour and vital wheat gluten in the bread pan. Add the warm water and honey. Mix it lightly with a fork to form a shaggy dough. Let this mixture sit in the pan for 30-60 minutes before adding the remaining ingredients (oil, salt, yeast) and starting the cycle. This allows the bran to fully soften, resulting in a softer loaf.
For a Better Crust: If you prefer a crisper, browner crust than the machine provides, use the "Dough" cycle instead. Once the dough is finished rising, remove it from the machine, shape it into a loaf, place it in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan, and let it rise in a warm place for 45-60 minutes. Then, bake it in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 30-35 minutes.
Add Seeds or Nuts: For a delicious multi-grain bread, add 2-3 tablespoons of sunflower seeds, flax seeds, or chopped walnuts at the "add-ins" beep on your machine (usually during the final kneading cycle).
Use Buttermilk: For a softer crumb and a slight tang, replace the warm water with 1 ¼ cups of warm buttermilk.

Enjoy your wonderfully soft, healthy, and delicious 100% whole wheat bread

BREAD MACHINE Buttermilk Bread

Here’s a wonderful Bread Machine Buttermilk Bread recipe — soft, slightly tangy, and perfect for sandwiches or toast. 🥖✨

It combines the rich flavor of with the convenience of your for an easy, reliable loaf every time.

🍞 Bread Machine Buttermilk Bread

Ingredients (1½ lb loaf):

¾ cup buttermilk, warmed to room temperature
2 tablespoons butter, softened
2 tablespoons honey (or sugar)
1 teaspoon salt
2 ¼ cups bread flour
½ cup whole wheat flour (optional — or use more bread flour for a lighter loaf)
2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast or bread machine yeast

🧡 Instructions

Step 1: Add ingredients to bread machine

Add ingredients to the bread pan in the order recommended by your machine manufacturer.

(Usually: liquids first, then dry ingredients, and yeast last on top.)

Make sure the yeast does not touch the liquid until the machine starts mixing.

Step 2: Select your settings

Choose the Basic (White Bread) or Sandwich setting.

Select Light or Medium crust, depending on your preference.

Press Start and let the machine do its work!

Step 3: Cool and slice

When baking is complete, carefully remove the loaf from the pan.

Let it cool on a wire rack for at least 20–30 minutes before slicing.

This helps the crumb set and prevents tearing.

🌿 Optional Add-ins & Variations

Add 1 tablespoon of oats or flaxseed for a rustic texture.

Swap honey for for a different flavor.

For a richer loaf, use 3 tablespoons of butter instead of 2.

🥛 If You Don’t Have Buttermilk

You can easily make your own substitute:

Mix ¾ cup milk + 2 teaspoons lemon juice or vinegar.

Let it sit for 5 minutes until slightly curdled — then use as buttermilk.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Bread

Soft, moist texture with a tender crumb

Slight tang from the buttermilk — adds depth and flavor

Stays fresh longer than regular white bread

Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or dinner sides

Bread Machine Dinner Rolls

Bread Machine Dinner Rolls

Using a bread machine to make dinner rolls is the ultimate kitchen hack. You get all the wonderful flavor and texture of homemade rolls with the machine doing all the hard work of mixing and kneading. This recipe creates incredibly soft, fluffy, and buttery rolls that are perfect for any occasion.

Easy & Perfect Bread Machine Dinner Rolls

This recipe is designed for success. The bread machine creates a perfectly soft and elastic dough, and then you shape the rolls for a final rise and bake in your oven. This two-step process gives you the convenience of the machine and the beautiful, golden-brown finish of an oven-baked roll.

Yields: 12-15 rolls Prep time (Machine): 5 minutes Rise time (Machine): ~1.5 hours (on Dough cycle) Shaping & 2nd Rise: 45 minutes Bake time: 15-20 minutes

Why This Recipe Works

The Bread Machine Does the Work: It precisely controls the temperature and mixing action, developing the gluten perfectly to create a strong, elastic dough that rises beautifully. This takes all the guesswork out of kneading.
An Enriched Dough: The addition of milk, butter, and a little sugar creates a tender, rich crumb. These ingredients interfere with gluten formation just enough to make the rolls soft and cake-like rather than chewy like a bread loaf.
The Two-Stage Rise: The first rise in the machine develops the complex flavor of the yeast. The second rise, after shaping, is what creates the light, airy, and pillowy texture we all love in a dinner roll.

Ingredients

1 cup (240ml) warm water (110-115°F / 43-46°C)
1 large egg, separated (yolk goes in the dough, white is reserved for the wash)
3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
3 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp salt
3 cups (360g) bread flour (or all-purpose flour, bread flour will give a chewier, softer result)
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (one standard packet)

Instructions

Phase 1: Making the Dough in the Bread Machine

Add Ingredients to the Pan: This order is important for most machines. Add the ingredients to your bread machine pan in the following order:
- Warm water
- Egg yolk
- Softened butter
- Sugar
- Salt
- Bread flour
- Yeast (create a small well in the center of the flour and pour the yeast in, ensuring it doesn't touch the wet ingredients).
Select the Cycle: Place the pan in the bread machine. Select the "Dough" cycle and press Start.
Check the Dough: After about 5-10 minutes of mixing, open the lid and check the dough. It should be a soft, slightly tacky ball that pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- If it's too sticky: Add 1 tablespoon of flour at a time until it forms a ball.
- If it's too dry or won't come together: Add 1 teaspoon of warm water at a time until it comes together.
Let the Cycle Complete: Let the machine run its full Dough cycle, which will include mixing, kneading, and the first rise. This typically takes about 1.5 hours.

Phase 2: Shaping and Baking the Rolls

Preheat and Prepare: About 30 minutes before the dough cycle is done, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Punch Down and Divide: Once the cycle is complete, lightly flour a clean surface. Remove the dough from the machine and punch it down gently to release the air. Divide the dough into 12-15 equal pieces. A kitchen scale is great for this, but you can do it by eye.
Shape the Rolls: Take one piece of dough and pull the edges underneath, pinching them together to form a tight, smooth ball. Place it on your prepared baking sheet, seam-side down. Repeat with the remaining pieces, placing them about 1-2 inches apart.
The Second Rise (Proofing): Cover the baking sheet loosely with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Place the pan in a warm, draft-free spot (like an oven that is turned off but has the light on) for 30-45 minutes, or until the rolls have doubled in size and are puffy.
Prepare for Baking: In a small bowl, lightly beat the reserved egg white with 1 teaspoon of water. This is your egg wash.
Bake to Perfection: Gently brush the tops of the risen rolls with the egg wash. This will give them a beautiful, shiny, golden-brown crust. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the rolls are deep golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped.
Cool: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the rolls cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely (or serve them warm!).

Tips for Success & Variations

Make-Ahead Rolls: You can prepare the rolls a day in advance! After shaping them and placing them on the baking sheet, cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate them. The next day, let them sit at room temperature for about an hour to warm up and finish their second rise before baking as directed.
Cheesy Garlic Rolls: After shaping the rolls, brush them with melted garlic butter and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before the second rise. Omit the egg wash.
Herb Rolls: Add 1-2 teaspoons of your favorite dried herbs (like rosemary, thyme, or an Italian blend) to the flour in the bread machine pan.
Whole Wheat Version: Substitute up to half of the bread flour with whole wheat flour. The rolls will be a bit denser but still delicious.

Enjoy the incredible aroma and the praise that will surely follow these amazing homemade rolls

Buttermilk Oat Bread

Here’s a wholesome and flavorful Buttermilk Oat Bread recipe — soft, hearty, and perfect for breakfast or sandwiches. 🍞✨

🥣 Buttermilk Oat Bread

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups buttermilk, warmed (about 110°F / 43°C)
2 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
1 ½ cups rolled oats (plus extra for topping)
2 ¾ to 3 cups all-purpose flour (or half whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf)
1 ½ teaspoons salt

🧡 Instructions:

Step 1: Activate the yeast

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm buttermilk, honey, and yeast.
Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until it becomes foamy and bubbly — this means the yeast is active.

Step 2: Mix the dough

Add the melted butter, oats, and salt to the yeast mixture.
Stir in 2 cups of flour to form a sticky dough.
Gradually add the remaining flour, a little at a time, until the dough comes together and is soft but not sticky.

Step 3: Knead the dough

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- (If using a stand mixer, knead with a dough hook for 5–6 minutes.)

Step 4: First rise

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it once to coat.
Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 5: Shape and second rise

Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
Place it in a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan.
Brush the top lightly with melted butter or milk, then sprinkle a few rolled oats on top.
Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes, until the dough has risen slightly above the rim of the pan.

Step 6: Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake the bread for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
(Optional: Cover with foil after 25 minutes if it browns too quickly.)

Step 7: Cool and serve

Remove the bread from the pan and cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Brush with a little melted butter for a soft, glossy crust.

🍯 Tips & Variations

For extra texture: Add ¼ cup chopped nuts or sunflower seeds to the dough.
For a sweeter version: Use ¼ cup brown sugar instead of honey.
No buttermilk? Make your own by mixing 1 ½ cups milk + 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

💛 Why You’ll Love It

This Buttermilk Oat Bread is soft, slightly nutty, and subtly tangy from the buttermilk. The oats add texture and heartiness, making it perfect for toast, sandwiches, or just with butter and jam. It stays moist for days and freezes beautifully.

Bread Machine Jalapeno Cheese Bread

This recipe for Jalapeno cheese bread made in a bread machine is straightforward to prepare and results in a pleasantly "hot" bread. The essential components of this delightful recipe include shredded cheese, fresh Jalapenos, and butter.

Your family will appreciate this Jalapeno cheese bread as it offers a moderate level of spiciness, making it suitable for sandwich lunches. For instance, it is excellent for a slightly spicier grilled cheese sandwich, ham and cheese sandwich, chicken salad sandwich, and more. Additionally, this bread can be enjoyed for dipping in soup, among other uses.

Delicious Jalapeno Cheese Bread

Slices of bread machine jalapeno cheese bread displayed on a wooden cutting board.

If your family has a strong preference for hot and spicy foods, you may opt to use 2 Jalapenos instead of the single Jalapeno specified in the recipe below. Conversely, if your family is not fond of Jalapeno peppers, you can always try my standard (non-Jalapeno) Bread Machine Cheese Bread.

As this Jalapeno cheese bread recipe is prepared using a bread machine, it is both simple and convenient to make. I typically spend about 5-10 minutes on preparation, after which the bread machine takes care of the remaining tasks. For your information, Bread Dad provides a printable and "pin-able" recipe at the bottom of the page.

Ingredients – Bread Machine – Jalapeno Cheese Bread

1 1/8 Cups – Milk (warm) – 1 1/8 cups of milk is equivalent to 1 cup and 2 tablespoons of milk
4 Tablespoons – Unsalted Butter (softened)
3 Cups – Bread Flour
1 Cup – Shredded Cheese – It is advisable to use a cheese with a stronger flavor to avoid a bland taste in the bread
1 – Jalapeno Pepper (diced into small pieces)
1 Tablespoon – Brown Sugar
1 Teaspoon – Italian Herbs – Optional ingredient
1 1/2 Teaspoons – Salt
1 1/2 Teaspoons – Bread Machine Yeast

Servings – Approximately 12 slices

Equipment – Measuring cup & spoons, silicone spatula, oven mitts, cooling rack… and a bread machine.

Key Ingredient – Shredded Cheese

Measuring cup filled with shredded cheese.

Instructions – Bread Machine – Jalapeno Cheese Bread

Bread machine settings – 2-pound loaf, light color, and “basic/white” bread setting.

Unplug your bread machine and carefully remove the bread pan.

Pour the milk into the bread pan, followed by the other ingredients, including the diced Jalapeno. Ensure that the bread machine yeast is added last, keeping it separate from the liquid until the machine is activated and the ingredients begin to mix.

Reinsert the bread pan into the bread machine and plug it back in.

Select the appropriate settings (e.g., basic/white bread, 2 lb, and light color) and press the start button.

Once the bread machine has completed the baking process, unplug it. Carefully take out the bread and place it on a cooling rack. Use oven mitts when handling the bread machine container (bread loaf pan) as it will be extremely hot!

After taking out the bread, remember to detach the mixing paddle if it remains stuck in the bread. Use oven mitts since the mixing paddle will also be very hot when removed from the bread machine. Alternatively, you can wait until the bread has completely cooled before removing the mixing paddle.

In our bread machine, the baking duration is approximately 3 hours for a 2-pound loaf at the light color and basic bread settings.

However, baking times may vary between machines, so it is advisable not to be away from home when the bread machine’s “finished” alarm sounds! Your bread machine should display the baking time after you have set the parameters, allowing you to know when to be present in the kitchen to take out the bread.

Before operating your bread machine, it is essential to review the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure effective and safe use. Additionally, some bread machines may function slightly differently, so please...

For detailed information regarding your machine's specific baking process, kneading duration, and other related aspects, please refer to the guidelines provided by your bread machine manufacturer.

Please consult the tips section below for additional insights on successfully preparing this recipe.

Tips – Jalapeno Cheese Bread Recipe

The following tips are intended to assist individuals who are new to using bread machines, as well as those who have not utilized their machines in a considerable amount of time.

If you wish to print this recipe, please click on the "print recipe" link. This will provide you with all the necessary ingredients and instructions. However, please note that the printed version will not include our tips section. It is advisable to review the tips section to prevent common issues that may arise during the recipe preparation.

This recipe is part of Bread Dad’s collection of simple Bread Machine Recipes, which includes banana bread, French bread, and multigrain bread.

When purchasing ingredients for this recipe, ensure that you do not mix up your chili peppers. Jalapenos have a moderate level of heat, while other varieties can be significantly spicier.

To enhance the cheese flavor in your bread, opt for a strongly flavored cheese, such as extra sharp cheddar. A milder cheese may contribute little to no cheese flavor. For optimal results, it is also recommended to use your family's preferred cheese!

If your family enjoys spicier dishes (like my youngest son), consider using two Jalapeno peppers instead of the single diced Jalapeno specified in the recipe.

I diced the entire Jalapeno, including the seeds, when preparing this recipe. If you prefer a milder flavor, you may choose to remove the seeds.

For those interested in cultivating Jalapenos at home, visit Bread Dad’s Grow Your Own Ingredients page for hot pepper seeds and other related items.

Exercise caution when slicing jalapenos, as the juice can cause discomfort if it comes into contact with your eyes or any cuts on your fingers. To mitigate this risk, some individuals prefer to wear plastic kitchen gloves and protective eyewear while handling jalapenos.

Avoid using cold milk, as it can hinder yeast growth and lead to denser bread. Yeast thrives in warm conditions.

I prefer to use whole milk for its enhanced flavor. Nevertheless, you may opt for 2% milk, skim milk, or non-dairy alternatives such as soy milk or oat milk. Choose the milk that aligns best with your family's tastes.

I refrain from using pickled jalapenos as they can impart a subtle vinegary "pickled" flavor to the bread. I recommend opting for fresh jalapenos.

However, it is worth noting that several of our visitors have utilized pickled jalapenos and reported that the bread still turns out well (thank you, Margaret!).

If you decide to use pickled jalapenos, ensure that you drain any excess pickle "juice". Adding more liquid than specified in the recipe may lead to underbaked bread or cause the bread to collapse.

Additionally, here are some valuable tips from our visitors – Carol mentioned, "I discovered that adding the cheese to the bread maker at the start breaks it down too much, and using shredded cheese instead of small diced cheese tends to mask the cheesy flavor. It is crucial that the cheese cubes are small (approximately 1/8 inch). Otherwise, the melting cheese creates large holes in the loaf."

If you enjoy cheese breads, you might want to try my "regular" Bread Machine Cheese Bread and my Bread Machine Garlic Cheese Bread recipes. Alternatively, you may wish to explore my oven-baked Italian Herb & Cheese Bread recipe.

Should you encounter any issues with a bread machine recipe, please ensure that you are adhering to the recipe precisely (for instance, using the correct bread machine settings), measuring the ingredients accurately (such as mistakenly adding a teaspoon when a tablespoon is required), and utilizing the appropriate ingredients (for example, bread machine yeast instead of regular yeast or bread flour instead of all-purpose flour), etc. Avoid improvising with recipes.

If you begin to replace ingredients, you are engaging in experimentation and should not anticipate results that are identical to the recipe provided above. While you may achieve some successes, there is a higher likelihood of encountering disappointments when you start to experiment with recipes.

Be mindful that certain bread recipes may vary slightly depending on the type of bread machine used. Consequently, it is advisable to consult your bread machine manufacturer’s guidelines for basic bread recipes (such as white bread or whole wheat bread) as these are more likely to yield successful results with your specific bread machine.

If your bread machine has not been utilized for an extended period, it is recommended to purchase some NEW bread machine yeast prior to baking your bread. Old yeast may become inactive or lose its effectiveness, resulting in bread that fails to rise adequately. Bread machine yeast may not be effective if it has been stored in your pantry for several years.

Always use oven mitts or gloves when handling a bread machine. The bread pan and the rest of the machine can become extremely hot during the baking process. This indicates that the bread pan and the machine are likely to be very hot when you attempt to remove a baked item from the bread machine and/or bread pan.

For additional simple bread machine ideas (such as banana bread, pizza dough, and extra soft white bread), please refer to Bread Dad’s main section on Bread Machine Recipes.

Bread Dad’s Recipe Sections

Bread Machine Recipes – Banana bread, extra soft white bread, sourdough bread, pizza dough, cinnamon raisin bread, etc.

Bread Recipes – Greek yogurt bread, buttermilk bread, French bread, bagels, Italian bread, etc.

Banana Bread Recipes – Banana nut bread, blueberry banana bread, cranberry banana bread, Greek yogurt banana bread, etc.

“Quick Bread” Recipes – Recipes utilizing baking soda or powder, including pumpkin bread, cranberry bread, sweet potato bread, gingerbread, etc.

What is a Jalapeno?

A Jalapeno is a pepper that possesses a moderate level of heat, with a Scoville heat unit rating ranging from 3,500 to 8,000. In comparison, hotter varieties like the Habanero can reach ratings between 100,000 and 350,000 on the Scoville scale. For further information regarding the Scoville heat or spiciness rating system utilized for peppers, it is advisable to consult this Wikipedia article.

A nice bread machine recipe...try this one !
Bread Machine Recipes Ingredients :

* 1 cup water
* 3 1/2 cups bread flour
* 1/2 cup cornmeal
* 2 tablespoons sugar
* 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
* 1 1/2 tablespoons butter
* 1 can (4 ounces) chopped jalapeno peppers, well drained using a strainer
* 3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded Montery Jack and Cheddar cheese blend
* 2 1/2 teaspoons instant or bread machine yeast

Bread Machine Recipes INSTRUCTIONS
Put all ingredients in the bread machine pan in the order recommended by your bread machine manufacturer. Use the quick, or rapid, cycle with medium or light crust. If desired, brush with melted butter while the loaf is still hot.
Bread-machine-recipes-apricot-oat-bread

Bread Machine Pizza Dough

This pizza dough made in a bread machine is a beloved weekend tradition in our household! The crust's exterior is slightly crunchy, yet your teeth will effortlessly penetrate the soft, airy layer beneath. Just prepare this dough and allow your bread machine to handle the laborious tasks for you!

Are you feeling hungry yet? I certainly am! You may also find my 15-minute easy Margherita flatbread and this delightful mini pizza recipe appealing. Don’t possess a bread machine? Scroll down to discover how to prepare it manually.

Pizza Dough Recipe for a Bread Machine

Creating pizza dough using a bread machine (here’s the Bread Machine I utilize) may initially seem daunting (or perhaps even unfeasible). However, there are several tips that will simplify this process, and I am about to provide you with all the information necessary to become proficient in making pizza dough with a bread machine!

The method of preparing pizza dough in a bread machine requires minimal effort on your part. Simply place the ingredients into the bread machine and retrieve the ideal pizza dough 1.5 hours later. No kneading, no overflowing sink of dishes. Just perfection. Every. Time.

What constitutes the best Pizza Dough?

Classic pizza dough consists solely of finely milled wheat flour, water, yeast, and salt. The quantity of yeast is minimal to facilitate a prolonged, cold fermentation process, which enhances the flavors, allowing them to deepen, mature, and develop complexity. Once the dough is prepared, it is stretched, topped generously, and then baked in a scorching wood-fired oven for 60-90 seconds, resulting in an exquisitely crispy crust.

The brief baking duration prevents excessive moisture loss, ensuring that the pizza remains delectably crispy on the outside while being soft, chewy, and moist on the inside. The ideal combination of flavors, textures, and aromas is what renders authentic pizza a favorite among many.

The goal with the bread machine pizza dough is to replicate a flavor and texture that is comparable to the original. Since the bread machine completes the pizza dough in just 1.5 hours, there are several factors that need to be considered.

How to make this SIMPLE Bread Machine Pizza Dough taste authentic

To achieve a bread machine pizza dough that closely resembles the traditional version, modifications to the original recipe's ingredient list are necessary. These modifications include the incorporation of oil, sugar, and an increase in the quantity of yeast.

YEAST: The increase in yeast quantity is essential to accelerate the rising process, as this pizza dough will not undergo fermentation in the refrigerator for several days; rather, the entire procedure is condensed to 1.5 hours.

OIL: Next, we consider the oil. Baking pizza for an extended period means that the dough has a greater chance of losing moisture, resulting in a crust that can become quite hard. The oil serves to prevent the crust from hardening during the baking process.

You may wish to experiment to find the ideal amount of oil that suits your palate, but a range of 1-4 tablespoons is recommended. If you opt for less than 4 tablespoons, ensure that you compensate with water. Using 4 tablespoons yields a flavor that is very soft and tender, reminiscent of cafeteria-style pizza. Conversely, with 1-2 tablespoons, the crust becomes crispier on the outside while remaining slightly chewy on the inside, which aligns more closely with my personal preference.

SUGAR: Now, let us discuss sugar. Sugar is essential for aiding the crust in browning within the oven and enhancing its flavor through the Maillard reaction (the chemical process responsible for browning and thus a more appealing flavor profile). Additionally, the inclusion of sugar helps to retain moisture in the crust and facilitates a quicker rise of the yeast.

Secrets to Achieving the Ideal Pizza Crust in a Bread Machine

One of the most enchanting aspects of pizza is its crispy crust adorned with leopard-like char marks. This distinctive charring at the base of the pizza is accomplished by baking it at very high temperatures in wood-fired brick ovens. Such extreme heat contributes to the formation of a crispy, non-floppy crust, enabling you to hold a slice without it bending or causing toppings and cheese to fall off.

However, how can we replicate this effect when our home ovens do not retain heat as effectively, especially since opening the oven door results in significant heat loss? There are various techniques we can employ to approximate the authentic experience as closely as possible.

A freshly baked pizza emerging from the oven on a wooden stone. The dough is prepared using a pizza dough recipe in a bread machine.

Increase Heat

To begin with, it is essential to allow the oven to accumulate heat, which will mitigate heat loss each time the oven door is opened. When I first started making pizza, I observed that the pizzas I baked initially took longer to cook compared to those baked later. Additionally, the last pizza I baked exhibited a crispier crust with a more appealing leopard-like pattern on the bottom.

Consequently, I now preheat the oven for one hour at 550°F before baking my first pizza to achieve the best and crispiest crust possible. Preheating the oven approximately 30 minutes before the dough cycle on your bread machine concludes will provide sufficient time to heat the home oven to its maximum temperature.

Once the dough has rested, been stretched, and topped, your oven will be primed to bake the finest pizza that a home oven can produce.

Utilize Stone or Steel for Optimal Crust on Homemade Pizza

Preheating the oven is the initial step to achieving the finest crust on your pizza. Additionally, you can enhance this process by employing either a pizza stone or pizza steel. Both options assist in minimizing heat loss and improving heat retention.

A pizza stone will yield superior results compared to baking the pizza on a baking sheet, while pizza steel will outperform both. Refer to this article by SeriousEats, which elucidates the differences and explains why one option is more effective than the other.

Baking the pizza on a pizza stone or steel ensures that the crust receives an immediate surge of heat upon entering the oven, preventing it from becoming soggy or limp, and instead producing an exceptionally crispy crust with large air pockets. I have been utilizing pizza steel for some time, and since acquiring it, bread machine pizza has become a staple in my regular menu. It is simply too convenient and delicious not to prepare!

A close-up view of homemade pizza crust crafted from the finest bread machine pizza dough recipe, garnished with a few basil leaves.

Tips for Creating the Best Bread Machine Pizza Dough Ever

Are you ready to begin? Let us delve into some valuable tips for preparing pizza machine bread dough.

Flour: The best pizza is crafted using bread flour, as it results in a crispier exterior, a chewier crumb (due to the higher protein content), and a more authentic flavor. However, all-purpose flour can also suffice if that is what you have available.

To create a whole wheat crust, I suggest a blend of 75% all-purpose flour and 25% wheat flour.

Add the ingredients for the bread machine pizza dough to the machine in the specified order. Each ingredient interacts in a particular manner with the others, so following the listed order will ensure optimal results.

Preheat your oven with the pizza stone placed inside. This method ensures a perfectly crispy crust!

To achieve a thin crust, stretch the dough thinner and shorten the cooking time by a few minutes. Prefer a thicker crust? Opt for a smaller diameter pizza, increase the baking time by a few minutes, and monitor it closely!

As you can see, mastering this bread maker pizza dough recipe opens up endless possibilities! Now, let us proceed!

Pizza Dough Ingredients

Flour – Using bread flour will yield the best results, although all-purpose flour will still outperform many store-bought pizza dough options.

Salt enhances the flavor of the pizza dough, ensuring a well-balanced taste.

Warm Water – Warmer water accelerates yeast activity, but do not exceed 100°F to avoid killing the yeast, which would render it ineffective. Most bread makers will warm the dough during kneading, so room temperature water is also acceptable.

Granulated Sugar – Sugar contributes flavor to the pizza dough, aids in browning the crust, and helps retain moisture. Honey can be used as a natural substitute for sugar.

Yeast – Both active dry and instant dry yeast are suitable for this dough.

Oil keeps the pizza dough soft and prevents the crust from becoming overly hard during baking. Adding 4 tablespoons, as the recipe suggests, will result in a very soft crust. If you prefer a chewier texture, use only 2 tablespoons and substitute the remaining 2 with warm water.

Add all ingredients to the bread maker in the specified order. Close the lid and select the cycle labeled leavened dough, which usually lasts for 90 minutes.

Process images for incorporating ingredients into the bread machine pizza dough recipe.

Approximately 20 minutes into the dough cycle, assess the texture of the pizza dough. You should observe a smooth, soft ball of dough with all the flour fully mixed in. If the mixture appears too runny, gradually add one or two tablespoons of flour until the desired texture is achieved. Conversely, if the dough seems too thick, add flour by the tablespoon, then resume the dough cycle.

Bread machine pizza dough before and after rising in the machine.

Preheat the oven: 30 minutes prior to the completion of the dough cycle in your bread machine, preheat the oven to 500°F, placing the baking rack in the top third. If available, include the pizza stone or steel to preheat simultaneously.

Divide: After the dough cycle concludes, take the dough ball out of the machine and place it on a lightly floured surface. Divide it into four equal portions.

Shape each of the four pieces into a tight ball by flattening each into a patty and repeatedly folding it in half until further folding is no longer feasible. Then, tuck in the ends to create a ball shape from the homemade pizza dough.

Rest: Allow the dough to rest on a well-floured board or in an oiled baking dish, ensuring ample space for expansion, and cover it with either plastic wrap or a kitchen towel to prevent a skin from forming. Resting the dough will enable the gluten to relax, making it easier to stretch into a pizza.

Shape: generously flour the working surface. Position the dough ball at the center, then using the flat part of your fingers, begin to flatten and stretch the pizza from the center outward, avoiding the outer 1 inch of the pizza. Subsequently, stretch it over the knuckles of your hands to form a 12-inch pizza pie.

Step-by-step instructions for shaping the pizza, transitioning from a pizza dough ball to the fully stretched pizza.

Add your preferred sauce, cheese, and toppings.

Bread machine pizza dough rolled out on wax paper, with cheese and toppings being added on top.

Bake in a preheated oven for approximately 7 minutes or until the edges are nicely browned and the cheese in the center is bubbling. Remove from the oven, slice into wedges, and serve immediately.

What Toppings Should I Use on My Bread Maker Pizza Dough?

One of the most enjoyable aspects of pizza is its ability to be tailored to your preferences. You can incorporate any toppings you desire into your bread maker pizza dough, but here are a few suggestions.

Sauce

Desiring a “classic” pizza? Opt for red sauce! I strongly recommend using a high-quality tomato sauce (this serves as the foundation for your pizza, after all).

However, do not restrict yourself solely to tomato sauce. Other pizza sauces include olive oil, pesto, alfredo, or even a white pizza sauce. Personally, I also enjoy barbecue sauce on my pizza!

In a pinch, a blend of half and half, cream cheese (trust me on this), pressed garlic, and a generous amount of grated parmesan cheese will come to the rescue and create an exceptional white sauce. Be sure to season with salt and pepper to taste as well. Simply use a whisk to combine everything and spread it over the pizza crust before adding the toppings.

Cheese

This pizza dough made in a bread maker can be adorned with a variety of cheese selections! The finest cheeses for pizza are mozzarella, parmesan, and feta cheese. Additionally, for a sharper flavor, you might consider adding gouda or cheddar alongside the mozzarella base. Feel free to mix and match for enhanced taste!

Meat

Meat-topped pizzas are a beloved choice in my household. Here are some suggestions:

pepperoni
grilled chicken (especially leftover rotisserie chicken)
ground beef
sausage
bacon
Canadian ham

Veggies

Incorporate some delightful vegetables to create a veggie pizza. Suggestions include:

mushrooms
artichokes
onions
peppers
tomatoes
olives
spinach or arugula (to complete the pizza)
pineapple chunks

Herbs

This is your opportunity to be inventive for added flavor. My preferred herbs for pizza are:

sautéed garlic
oregano
basil
pesto (a blend of herbs, nuts, and oil)

Can I Freeze This Recipe?

I prefer to have a few frozen pizzas stored in my freezer for those hectic weeknights. Fortunately, this homemade pizza dough freezes exceptionally well.

To freeze:

Once the dough is prepared, divide it into portions, apply oil generously, and place it in a freezer-safe plastic bag.

Freeze for a maximum of 2 months.

To thaw, leave it in the refrigerator for 8-12 hours, then proceed from step 4 in the recipe.

Scroll to the bottom for the complete recipe with exact ingredient quantities.

Can I make this recipe without a Bread Maker?

Absolutely! You can utilize the same recipe to prepare pizza dough by hand using just a bowl or a stand mixer.

Mix & Knead: To adapt the recipe, simply combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix until they form a cohesive mixture. Then, knead the dough for approximately 5-10 minutes, or until it achieves a smooth and slightly tacky texture.

Add oil: Subsequently, incorporate the oil, adding one tablespoon at a time, and knead it into the dough.

Proof: Grease a large bowl and place the dough inside. Cover it with a kitchen towel and allow it to rest in a warm area until it has doubled in size.

Use to create pizzas or calzones.

More Bread Recipes to Explore:

4-Ingredient Artisan Dough Bread – if you have the time, prepare this dough for your pizza. The flavor will astonish you!

Easiest Bread Ever (Bread Machine Recipe) – enjoy fresh bread with minimal effort? Absolutely!

Baguette Recipe – elevate your baking by making this baguette at home. The crunch is delightful!

Homemade Pita Bread Recipe – nothing compares to freshly baked, soft pita pockets.

Note 1: Prepare in advance –

If you do not intend to bake the pizza immediately, place each ball of pizza dough into a well-oiled container that allows for expansion of at least 2-3 times its current size, cover it with a lid, and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

When you are ready to use it, let it sit at room temperature for about an hour, then stretch it into a pizza shape, add sauce, cheese, and toppings, and bake.

A great bread machine recipe to try !
Ingredients:

* 1 cup water
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
* 1 teaspoon salt
* dash garlic powder
* 2 tablespoons sugar
* 2 tablespoons softened butter
* 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

INSTRUCTIONS
Add ingredients to the bread machine following manufacturer's suggested order. Choose the dough cycle and start.

When the dough is finished, turn out onto a floured surface. Roll out to fit your pizza pan (approximately 12 to 16 inches, depending on the size of the pan and thickness of crust). Fit into the pan and cover with a clean dish towel; let stand for about 10 to 15 minutes. Spread with sauce, toppings, and cheeses of your choice. Bake at 400° for about 25 minutes, or until nicely browned and cheese and toppings are melted and bubbly. The bread machine recipe of pizza dough is ready .....enjoy it !
Bread Machine-creole-tomato-bread.