Whether you’re exploring gluten-free goods, learning how to make bread, researching “what can you make in a bread maker” before you buy one, or just curious about what this versatile appliance can do, join us as we explore what bread makers can do for home bakers.
What kind of bread can you make with a bread maker?
Since there are a wide variety of models, figuring out how to use a bread maker and what you can make will differ. At the very least, bread makers handle the mixing, kneading, and baking of the bread dough, with a variety of options and settings possible from there.
Here are a few examples of the types of bread you can make with a bread maker:
● Health- and diet-conscious bread – One perk of bread makers is that you have full control over the ingredients you put in them. This lets you bake bread specific to your health and dietary desires, such as vegan, gluten-free, or yeast-free bread.
● Artisanal and specialty bread – While many recipes require you to turn up the oven to get a crispier finish, a bread maker simplifies the dough-making process to help you craft artisanal bread like sourdough, ciabatta, bagels, or focaccia.
● Sweetbreads and pastries – Some bread makers include the option to dispense fruit and nuts into the dough at the ideal baking time, creating perfectly textured chocolate chip banana bread, cranberry bread, or cinnamon raisin bread.
These are just a few examples to spark your imagination. As a home baker, the answer to what you can make in a bread maker is limited only by your imagination.
What else can you make with a bread maker?
While bread is the star of the show when it comes to bread makers, these adaptable kitchen appliances can do so much more.
Here are a few surprising things you can make in a bread maker:
● Homemade jams – Some bread makers come with a special setting for jams and preserves—the perfect spread to pair with a freshly baked loaf.
● Pizza dough – From thin and crispy to thick and chewy, a bread maker can help you achieve a flavorful and customized pizza dough to match your tastes.
● Pasta – Making fresh pasta at home can be time-consuming, but not with a bread maker. Simply roll out the resulting dough into your desired pasta shapes, such as fettuccine or ravioli.
A good bread maker can be a valuable and versatile kitchen companion, opening the door to all kinds of culinary possibilities.
What mixes can you use in a bread maker?
Bread maker mixes are a premade blend of dry ingredients that further streamline the baking process and can be bought at the store or made from scratch.
The exact combination of ingredients depends on what kind of loaf you want to make, but in general, mixes are made up of four key ingredients:
● Flour
● Sugar
● Salt
● Yeast
Once you’re ready to bake, simply add the wet ingredients (water, vegetable or olive oil, and milk, depending on your bread recipe) adhering to your bread maker’s instructions.
When making your own mix, it’s especially important to check the manufacturer's recommendations. Some bread makers, for example, work better with active dry yeast versus cake yeast (also known as fresh or wet yeast).
Is buying a bread maker worth it?
A bread maker can be a kitchen game-changer, but is it worth it for you? Let’s consider a few of the advantages to see if a bread maker is the right fit for your baking needs.
● Time-saving – Bread makers offer the convenience of automating the more challenging aspects of a homemade bread recipe, like mixing and kneading, saving you time and energy.
● Consistent results – Sticking to the recommended measurements and bread maker instructions takes the guesswork out of baking, resulting in reliable and quality loaves every time.
● Versatility – Whether you’re craving classic white bread, hearty whole wheat, or gluten-free bread, this appliance offers greater control and flexibility over your baked goods compared to their shelved counterparts.
Ultimately, the choice to purchase a bread maker depends on your personal preferences and baking aspirations. That said, if you value time-saving convenience, consistency, and the ability to explore a myriad of breads with ease, a bread maker is an excellent addition to your kitchen.
Bake unforgettable memories with Breville
Anyone can be a home baker. We just make it a little easier.
Breville’s Custom Loaf bread maker takes the hard work out of the baking equation to help you focus on what’s important: Filling your home with unforgettable memories—and the aroma of fresh-baked creations, of course.
With ultra-easy preset programs, 9 customizable recipe slots, and a collapsible kneading paddle, the Custom Loaf™ bread maker delivers a hand-crafted and deliciously consistent loaf for every homemade bread craving.
Sources:
1. Good Housekeeping. 25 Amazing Bread Machine Recipes That Make Home Baking a Breeze. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/g32071475/bread-machine-recipes/
2. Country Living. How to Use Your Bread Maker to Get the Best Results. https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/a32029414/how-to-use-bread-maker-machine/
