Tired of store-bought loaves that go stale before you finish them? I was too—until I found this Italian bread recipe for the bread machine.
It’s the one that finally gave me that perfect balance: tender crumb inside, golden crust outside, and just enough chew to keep it interesting.
Now it’s a weekly staple in my kitchen, whether I’m making it for cozy soups or late-night toast with butter.
Why This Bread Machine Recipe Is a Must-Try
When it comes to baking bread at home, convenience and flavor don’t always go hand-in-hand. That’s where this Italian bread recipe shines.
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It’s incredibly easy to throw together, thanks to the bread machine’s set-it-and-forget-it simplicity—but the result tastes anything but basic.
- Perfect texture: soft, airy inside with a subtle, golden crust.
- Family-friendly: mild flavor appeals to both picky eaters and foodies.
- Ideal for any meal: excellent for toast, sandwiches, or soup-side dipping.
- Low effort, high reward: just load your machine and let it handle the rest.
How to Use This Bread for Every Occasion
This Italian bread isn’t just for dinner—it’s a utility player in your kitchen lineup. Once you try it, you’ll start finding ways to work it into your week.
- For breakfast: Toast slices and spread with jam, honey, or whipped ricotta.
- For lunch: Layer with prosciutto, arugula, and mozzarella for a Mediterranean sandwich.
- For dinner: Serve warm with soups, stews, or pasta.
- For entertaining: Cut into cubes for a rustic charcuterie board centerpiece.
One loaf often turns into three in my house—because once it’s sliced, it disappears fast.
Small Tweaks for Custom Flavor
One of the best things about this bread machine recipe is how easily it adapts to your preferences. With a few quick adjustments, you can put your own spin on the classic Italian bread profile.
- Swap out water for milk or buttermilk for a richer taste.
- Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough before baking.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds or coarse salt on top before the final rise for texture and flair.
- Use garlic-infused butter to elevate your loaf into full-on garlic bread territory.
It’s a great starter recipe, but also a canvas for your creativity.
Diet-Friendly Modifications You Can Try
While Italian bread isn’t known for being low-carb, there are ways to adapt this recipe if you’re working within dietary preferences or restrictions.
- Dairy-free: Use plant-based milk and margarine or olive oil instead of butter.
- Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend specifically designed for bread machines.
- Low-sodium: Reduce salt by half and flavor with garlic or onion powder for extra taste.
- Vegan: Skip the egg and replace it with 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water.
These tweaks can help you enjoy your favorite comfort food while staying aligned with your goals.
Serving Suggestions That Go Beyond the Basics
Sure, you could slice this loaf and stop there—but where’s the fun in that? A few thoughtful touches can turn this Italian bread into a star attraction.
- Rustic garlic toast: Brush slices with olive oil and rub with fresh garlic, then broil until golden.
- Mini bruschettas: Top triangles with tomato, basil, and balsamic drizzle for a quick starter.
- Simple dunker: Serve warm with herb-infused olive oil or a bowl of your favorite stew.
- Sweet treat: Lightly toast, then spread with cinnamon butter or Nutella for a dessert twist.
Whatever the occasion, this loaf rises to it—literally and figuratively.
Best Italian Bread Machine Recipe
Equipment
- Bread machine with Basic/White program
- 1½- to 2-pound loaf capacity pan
Ingredients
Basic Version – 1½-Pound Loaf
- ¾ cup milk
- 3 tbsp water
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp butter, softened and cut into pieces
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 1¼ tsp active dry yeast
Basic Version – 2-Pound Loaf
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ cup water
- 1 large egg
- 1½ tbsp butter, softened and cut into pieces
- 4 cups bread flour
- 1¼ tsp sugar
- ¾ tsp kosher salt
- 1½ tsp active dry yeast
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to your bread machine’s baking pan in the order listed, starting with milk and ending with yeast.
- Select the Basic or White bread program, depending on your bread machine’s options.
- Choose the appropriate loaf size setting (1½ lb or 2 lb) based on your ingredient list.
- Press Start and let the machine do the work.
- Once baking is complete, remove the loaf from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Use room-temperature ingredients for best results.
- For a richer flavor, substitute whole milk and use high-quality butter.
- Store leftovers in a sealed bag at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze slices for longer storage.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.