Got a new bread machine? Start strong with these 22 easy recipes that anyone can master—no kneading, no guesswork, just fresh homemade bread. I’ve spent many mornings experimenting with these simple recipes.
Each recipe brings a unique twist to bread-making, from sweet to savory, and every option is perfect for those busy weeknights. These ideas make it easy to explore classic recipes and creative variations without feeling overwhelmed.
With accessible ingredients and minimal fuss, your new bread machine will soon become your favorite kitchen companion. Let’s get baking!
1. Classic White Bread
Begin your bread journey with Classic White Bread. Warm memories of a soft, fluffy loaf emerging from the machine will fill your kitchen with comforting aromas. This gentle, slightly buttery bread suits sandwiches, toast, or just a quick nibble with jam.
Begin by combining basic ingredients like all-purpose flour, yeast, salt, sugar, and water in the pan. Hit the “Basic” or “White Bread” cycle, and before you know it, you’ll have a tender, golden loaf that epitomizes the joy of homemade bread.
2. Whole Wheat Bread
A hearty, nutty profile defines this loaf, enhanced by a drizzle of honey to keep flavors balanced. The crumb feels dense yet tender, offering a wholesome bite perfect for everyday meals.
Mix your bread machine’s recommended ratio of whole wheat flour to bread flour, plus a spoonful of honey. Select the whole wheat cycle if available, and anticipate a loaf that marries nutrition with the rich taste of classic wheat.
3. Honey Oat Bread
A lightly sweetened and soft bread that pairs well with any sandwich or morning toast routine. The oats lend texture and a rustic charm, while the honey adds a subtle sweetness that melts on the tongue.
Combine bread flour (or half whole wheat), rolled oats, honey, and just enough yeast to help it rise evenly. Set to the “Basic” cycle, then watch the machine transform these simple ingredients into a cozy, golden loaf.
4. Cinnamon Raisin Bread
Sweet, spiced dough peppered with plump raisins, perfect for those craving a warm, homey slice. Each bite brings a subtle hint of cinnamon and bursts of chewy fruit that feel right at dawn or dusk.
Load your machine with flour, cinnamon, raisins (added at the beep, so they don’t break apart), and a pinch of sugar. Choose the “Sweet” or “Basic” cycle, then slice thick to appreciate the swirl of raisins and spice.
5. French Bread
A crisp crust and airy interior transport you to a quaint French boulangerie. The ingredients are few—flour, water, yeast, and salt—but they yield a loaf with a delicate crackle on the outside.
Serve with a smear of butter, a bowl of soup, or plain, to savor that classic, satisfying crunch.
6. Cheddar Cheese Bread
Savory, gooey cheese woven into tender dough, resulting in a loaf that’s hearty and crowd-pleasing. Bits of melted cheddar surprise you in every slice, ideal for pairing with chili or slicing into grilled cheese.
Add grated cheddar during the last kneading cycle, ensuring it scatters evenly throughout the dough. Let the machine do the work, then relish the golden crust perfumed with cheesy goodness.
7. Garlic Herb Bread
A dough infused with dried herbs and a punch of garlic for a loaf that boldly complements pasta or soup. It delivers a fragrant, savory aroma as it bakes, filling your home with welcoming warmth.
Toss dried rosemary, oregano, or thyme into your basic flour-yeast mixture, plus a spoonful of garlic powder. Once baked, slice it up and watch it vanish at the dinner table.
8. Banana Bread (Yeast-Based)
A lighter, yeast-risen spin on the classic banana loaf that’s typically dense and sweet. Mashed bananas impart moisture and gentle fruitiness, while the yeast lifts it to a fluffier crumb.
Blend mashed bananas with flour, sugar, and yeast, then set the machine to the basic or sweet cycle. In about three hours, you’ll have a unique, lofty twist on your favorite banana bread.
9. Milk Bread (Hokkaido-Style)
Soft, slightly sweet, and famously bouncy—this loaf is a cherished staple in many Asian bakeries. The gentle flavor and pillowy texture make it perfect for snacking or building a stellar sandwich.
Add milk, sugar, bread flour, and a bit of butter, then let the machine handle the kneading. Await a tender, cloudlike bread that practically melts on your tongue.
10. Dinner Rolls (Dough Cycle)
A batch of soft, warm rolls straight from your oven, shaped by hand but kneaded by your bread machine. They come out pillowy, ready for butter and a sprinkle of flaky salt.
Simply run the dough cycle, then remove and shape into rolls. Bake until golden for an easy companion to soups, roasts, or holiday feasts.
11. Sweet Hawaiian Bread
Hints of pineapple juice lend a gentle tropical twist to this soft, slightly golden bread. The sweet, light crumb makes it a festive choice for sweet-savory dishes.
Substitute pineapple juice for some of the water in your dough. That subtle fruity note transforms everyday bread into a breezy, island-inspired delight.
12. Onion Bread
Caramelized or dried onions folded into dough lend a savory vibe that’s irresistible. Each slice hums with the earthy sweetness of onions, perfect for sandwiches or dipping in hearty soups.
Add the onions when the machine beeps for mix-ins, ensuring they distribute evenly. Expect a toasty aroma that begs for a pat of butter right when it emerges from the machine.
13. Pumpkin Spice Bread
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and real pumpkin puree paint a loaf that’s comforting any time of year, not just fall. The subtle sweetness and inviting aroma elevate breakfast or teatime alike.
Mix the pumpkin puree with a bit of water, ensuring the dough remains moist. Enjoy a warm slice topped with cream cheese or a dusting of powdered sugar.
14. Multigrain Bread
Seeds, rolled oats, and whole grains join forces for a nutty, dense bread that’s truly satisfying. Each slice reveals a world of crunchy texture and hearty flavor.
Measure out your favorite seed blend—like sunflower, pumpkin, or flax—and stir them in during the knead. Get ready for a loaf that delivers extra protein, texture, and down-to-earth goodness.
15. Sourdough-Style Bread (With Starter)
A quicker, machine-friendly approach to sourdough, where a bit of starter coaxes tangy undertones without all the fuss. This loaf balances a crusty exterior with a soft, airy crumb.
Add a modest amount of sourdough starter to your usual flour-water-yeast combo, and choose a robust cycle. You’ll get a slice of tang without days of babysitting a traditional sourdough process.
16. Chocolate Chip Bread
Sweet dough and scattered chocolate chips create a dessert-like loaf that doubles as a decadent breakfast. Each slice boasts pockets of melted chocolate that delight at any time of day.
Wait until the machine’s mix-in signal to toss in the chips, preserving their shape. Drizzle with a bit of icing for a special brunch treat or late-night indulgence.
17. English Muffin Bread
Inspired by the beloved breakfast muffin, this loaf sports a soft, airy center studded with delightful holes. Toasting unlocks that classic “nooks and crannies” texture ideal for butter or jam.
Set your bread machine for a medium or normal cycle, then prepare to slice and toast. Each bite captures the comforting, familiar taste of English muffins with half the effort.
18. Italian Herb Bread
Thyme, oregano, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil turn a standard loaf into a Mediterranean delight. The crust emerges lightly crisp, the interior soft and tinged with herbal notes.
Simply blend your dried herbs into the flour mixture before starting the machine. Use it to make garlic bread or as a companion to pasta for a flavorsome, homestyle feast.
19. Brioche-Style Bread
Soft, buttery, and reminiscent of bakery luxury, this bread is simpler than it appears. The machine spares you the intense kneading, and you end up with a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth treat.
Incorporate milk, eggs, and butter, then trust the machine’s dough cycle. Bake it yourself for a golden crust that hints at sweet, silky layers beneath.
20. Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil Bread
Chewy sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil whisk your taste buds straight to a Mediterranean countryside. The tangy tomatoes punctuate each slice, while basil offers an herbal lift.
Add the chopped tomatoes and basil when the cycle beeps for extra ingredients. Expect a loaf that pairs perfectly with olive oil, grilled chicken, or fresh mozzarella.
21. Peanut Butter Bread
Peanut butter drips into the dough, producing a slightly sweet, robust loaf that begs for jelly. The machine’s easy kneading ensures a consistent crumb that bakes up firm yet tender.
Simply swirl in a bit of peanut butter along with your liquid. Let the aroma fill your kitchen as you contemplate the best jam to spread on this nutty masterpiece.
22. Gluten-Free Bread
A special mix or blend of gluten-free flours helps produce a tender, sliceable loaf that stands up to sandwiches. This recipe works perfectly for those with dietary constraints or anyone curious about GF baking.
Load the machine with GF flour, xanthan gum, and the liquid recommended. You’ll discover that homemade gluten-free bread can indeed be soft, flavorful, and worth the effort.