Basic American Bread

An easy dump-and-bake 2 lb bread machine loaf using all-purpose flour.

🍽️ Makes 1

Ingredients

1 3/4-2 cups	420–480 ml	Warm water
1.5 tsp	7.5 ml	Honey
1 tsp	5 ml	Salt
2-3 tbsp	30–45 ml	Olive oil
4 cups	960 ml	All purpose flour (I use unbleached, using scoop and level method - see notes)
2 tsp	10 ml	Bread machine yeast

INSTRUCTIONS:

Chuck all ingredients into bread maker pan, in that order, being sure to sprinkle the yeast on top.
Set to bake, or bake sandwich - whatever you like.
Walk away. Drink a coffee, read a book, watch Netflix.
When bread machine beeps done, remove loaf pan and turn out onto a tea towel.
Stand your loaf upright and allow to cool at least for a bit before you dive in!

NOTES:

This bread recipe makes a 2 LB loaf. Please double check that your bread machine has a 2 LB capacity before making this recipe!
When measuring flour, I use the scoop and level method - using a flour scoop to fill a measuring cup, then level with the back of a knife. Don't sift the flour first! Consistent measuring is definitely important in consistency between loaf to loaf!
I've edited the amount of water in this recipe from 2 cups to 1 3/4 to 2 cups. I've gotten some feedback that this results in a pretty wet dough, I've not had that problem in either of my bread machines, but it's likely due to the humidity level of everyone's homes and, therefore, flour. Please start with the lesser amount of water and keep an eye on the bread as it mixes and you'll know if you need more.