Freshly baked bread with a soft, fluffy crumb and a hint of tang? Yes, please! This Bread Machine Buttermilk Bread recipe is your answer. Let your bread machine handle the kneading and most of the work while you enjoy the delightful aroma of homemade bread filling your kitchen.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This recipe utilizes buttermilk, a baker's secret weapon. Buttermilk adds a subtle tang and richness to the bread, taking the flavor profile to the next level.
It's a crowd-pleaser that's perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, or simply enjoying warm from the oven with a smear of butter. This bread machine buttermilk bread recipe is a winner for several reasons:
- Simple and Convenient: Utilizes your bread machine to streamline the process, allowing you to relax while the machine does the work.
- Flavorful and Buttery: Buttermilk adds a touch of tang and richness, elevating the flavor profile of the bread.
- Soft and Fluffy Texture: The combination of buttermilk and proper bread machine settings results in a soft and airy crumb.
- Beginner-Friendly: Perfect for new bakers or anyone looking for an easy homemade bread recipe.
So, plug-in your bread machine, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the magic of homemade buttermilk bread!
Ingredients Overview
The star of this recipe is buttermilk, its subtle tang adding depth to the flavor. Balanced with the sweetness of sugar and richness of butter, this recipe comes together with pantry staples like bread flour (or all-purpose flour in a pinch) and instant yeast, ensuring a beautiful rise and a soft, fluffy crumb.
This recipe relies on a handful of pantry staples that come together to create a fantastic loaf:
- Bread Flour: Provides structure and chew to the bread. All-purpose flour can be substituted in a pinch.
- Buttermilk: Adds a subtle tang, richness, and helps tenderize the crumb.
- Sugar: Provides sweetness and aids in browning.
- Butter: Enhances flavor and creates a richer texture.
- Instant Yeast: Kickstarts the fermentation process for a beautiful rise.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How To Make Bread Maker Buttermilk Bread
Making this Bread Machine Buttermilk Bread is a breeze! Simply toss all the ingredients into your bread machine pan in the order recommended by your machine's instructions.
Normally, that order is liquids first, then fats, then any herbs, sugars, or melty bits you want melted, and last dry flour and yeast. The last addition might be party way through the second kneading phase, when nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate chips get added.
Select the appropriate cycle (like "white bread" or "basic") and crust color setting, and let your machine work its magic. The heavenly aroma of freshly baked bread will soon fill your kitchen, and in no time you'll be enjoying a warm, soft loaf perfect for countless uses.
Pour The Liquids Into The Bread Maker Pan
- Start with the buttermilk by pouring it into the bread maker baking pan.
Add The Butter
- Next, add the butter, salt, and sugar. Make sure the butter has been softened to room temperature first.
Add The Dry Ingredients Next
- Add the flour next. Finally, sprinkle the Instant yeast over the top of the flour, and close the lid securely.
Program The Bread Maker
- Select the "white bread" setting on the bread machine. Press start and let the bread machine do its work! The bread will be done baking in about 3 hours.
- Remove the bread from the bread machine and let it cool on a wire rack.
- Before slicing, double check the that the small metal dough paddle is not inside the bottom of the bread.
Serving Suggestions
This bread also makes a fantastic accompaniment to soups and stews, soaking up all the delicious flavors. Make hearty breakfast sandwiches with fluffy scrambled eggs, melty cheese, and crispy bacon.
Elevate your lunch game by building satisfying sandwiches piled high with roasted vegetables, savory meats, and tangy cheeses. This bread machine buttermilk bread is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in countless additional ways:
Related Recipes
- Gluten-Free Irish Soda Bread
- Apple Filled Cinnamon Rolls
- Bread Machine Cheese Bread
- Banana Bread with Self Rising Flour
- No Knead Dutch Oven Bread
Substitutions and Variations
Here are a few delicious variations when making this buttermilk bread machine recipe:
- Bread Flour vs. All-Purpose Flour: While bread flour provides a chewier texture, all-purpose flour can be used for a slightly softer loaf.
- No Buttermilk?: If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can try making a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Herbs and Spices: Add a tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme) or 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for a savory twist.
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature ingredients for optimal results.
- If your buttermilk is very cold, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before adding it to the bread machine.
- Measure ingredients accurately for a consistent loaf.
- Don't peek too often! Resist the urge to open the lid of your bread machine while the bread is baking, as this can disrupt the rise.
Storage Options
- Store leftover buttermilk bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, the bread can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before slicing and serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use active dry yeast. Just add it last on top of the flour.
You can substitute milk for buttermilk in a pinch, but the bread won't have the delicious tang from the buttermilk. Buttermilk adds a mild acidity that helps tenderize the crumb and contributes to the characteristic rise.
You can still make this bread by kneading the dough by hand and then baking it in a loaf pan.
Most bread machines have similar settings. Look for a cycle titled "basic," "classic," or "bread" - these will work well for this recipe. You can also adjust the crust color setting to your preference.
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Get the Recipe!
Bread Machine Buttermilk Bread
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1¼ cup Buttermilk Room temperature
- 2 tablespoon Butter Room temperature
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 3 tablespoon Sugar
- 3 cup Bread flour
- 2¼ teaspoon Instant Yeast or 1 envelope
Instructions
- Start with the buttermilk by pouring it into the bread maker baking pan.1¼ cup Buttermilk
- Next, add the butter, salt, and sugar. Make sure the butter has been softened to room temperature first.2 tablespoon Butter, 1 teaspoon Salt, 3 tablespoon Sugar
- Add the flour next. Finally, sprinkle the Instant yeast over the top of the flour, and close the lid securely.3 cup Bread flour, 2¼ teaspoon Instant Yeast
- Select the "white bread" setting on the bread machine for 1.5 lb loaf with a medium crust color. Press start and let the bread machine do its work! The bread will be done baking in about 3 hours.
- Remove the bread from the bread machine and let it cool on a wire rack.
- Before slicing, double check the that the small metal dough paddle is not inside the bottom of the bread.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for optimal results.
- If your buttermilk is very cold, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before adding it to the bread machine.
- Measure ingredients accurately for a consistent loaf.
- Don't peek too often! Resist the urge to open the lid of your bread machine while the bread is baking, as this can disrupt the rise.
