With a handy bread machine, you can make homemade bread and other dough-based dishes in just a few hours.
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This Is Why Your Kitchen Needs a Bread Machine
Updated on Sep. 11, 2023
We’re all about the ’90s coming back in the kitchen. This means blue and white Corningware, farmhouse-inspired decor and, yes, the bread machine! But if you ask our Test Kitchen, these gadgets are always in style. Here’s why you’ll want to dust yours off—or invest in a new one.
What can a bread machine do?
Bread makers are an all-in-one appliance. To make bread, add your ingredients and select the program for your recipe; from there, the machine will mix, knead, proof and bake the bread. It’s really that simple.
You can also use a bread machine for more specific tasks or portions of your favorite bread recipe.
Mixing and Kneading
The paddle inside a bread maker is designed to fully incorporate ingredients. This goes for basic bread recipes as well as ones with added flavors or mix-ins. In fact, many newer models come with a chute and alert you when to add in those extras. This feature is especially handy when making recipes like our Test Kitchen’s favorite panettone.
Bread makers will also knead the bread dough for you so it’s just the right texture. It works the same way a dough hook does when you use a stand mixer to knead dough.
Proofing
Getting the right proof on your bread can be tricky—especially when you’re kitchen isn’t particularly warm or humid (musts for the yeast inside the bread). A bread machine will gently heat the dough so it gets the right lift.
Custom Bakes
Some bread recipes are more challenging than others. Breads that use whole wheat, rye or other nontraditional flour can be tricky to get just right in terms of kneading and proofing. Bread machines make creating these loaves so simple. Most models come with a whole-grain loaf preset.
You’ll also find that some bread machines have settings for other popular bread styles like rustic loaves with a crusty exterior, sourdough or even banana bread! You can even use a bread machine to make pizza dough.
Time
Bread machines are an asset for busy folks. Instead of lingering in the kitchen all morning to mix, knead, proof, shape, proof (again) and bake, a bread machine tackles all that for you. With a bread machine, you can have fresh bread with only a few minutes of hands-on time.
Plus, many models have settings that allow you to schedule your bakes to start when you see fit. That means you can set up this gadget to have a loaf of bread ready the same time you’re pulling dinner out of the oven.
The Best Bread Machines You Can Buy
Our Test Kitchen knows that bread machines are incredibly useful—when you choose the right one. That’s why our pros put 10 different models to the test. In the end, these models got our pros’ stamp of approval.
- Best for beginners: Cuisinart Bread Maker
- Best for serious bread bakers: Breville Custom Loaf Bread Maker
- Easiest to clean: Hamilton Beach Premium Dough & Bread Maker
- Best compact model: Dash Everyday Bread Maker
Get Started with These Bread Machine Recipes
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Oatmeal BreadThe aroma wafting from the kitchen as this old-fashioned oatmeal bread bakes will make everyone want to sample it fresh from the oven.
Soft Garlic BreadsticksMake use of your bread machine with this garlic breadsticks recipe. In a couple hours, you'll have a whole basket of soft, seasoned breadsticks for serving with soups, stews and saucy pastas.
Love Olive Garden breadsticks? Who doesn't! This recipe is so similar to the restaurant's and it's a breeze to put together. Use your bread machine to knead the dough—the hardest part of bread-making.
Golden Honey Pan RollsA cousin in North Carolina gave me the recipe for these delicious honey-glazed rolls. Using my bread machine to make the dough saves me about 2 hours compared to the traditional method. The rich buttery taste of these rolls is so popular with family and friends that I usually make two batches so I have enough! —Sara Wing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
No family dinner is complete without a side of rolls. Instead of relying on a store-bought package, you can make your own with ease. This recipe relies on a bread machine to do all the work. In fact, once you master this recipe, it's just as easy as making an extra run to the store (and way more delicious).
Seeded Whole Grain LoafMy husband and I want whole grain bread, but we don't like the spongy store-bought whole wheat breads. I drastically altered one of my favorite batter bread recipes to create this earthy bread. It is crunchy, chewy and easy. The add-ins are just suggestions. Sometimes I use pepitas, sesame seeds or even 1/4 cup of a multi-grain hot cereal mix. —Amber Rife, Columbus, Ohio
Typically, whole grain breads are more challenging to make. Using nontraditional flours can make kneading and proofing less straightforward. However, the bread machine allows you to make a more challenging loaf with ease.
Garlic Herb Bubble LoafI adapted an old sour cream bread recipe for this deliciously different pull-apart loaf that smells heavenly while baking. It has a light crust, tender interior and lots of herb and butter flavor. We think it's wonderful with a hot bowl of potato soup. —Katie Crill, Priest River, Idaho
Who doesn't love a good tear-and-share bread? This tempting bubble loaf dough is made all in the machine, then individual pieces of dough are dipped in butter and herbs to create a loaf everyone will be happy to tear to pieces.
Flavorful Herb BreadThis bread is one of my favorites. It has a wonderful texture and slices beautifully, and the flavor of the herbs really comes through. (Psst—If you don't have a bread machine on hand, learn how to make bread without one!) —Gerri Hamilton, Kingsville, Ontario
This bread is herbaceous and perfect for serving with simple suppers—like a hearty soup or stew. While it might sound more complicated, this bread is really a basic white loaf with lots of tasty herbs mixed in to amp up the flavor. While it is tasty, know that if you have leftovers, it's easy to freeze bread.
Mini Maple Cinnamon RollsThese bread machine cinnamon rolls are a sweet and gooey treat, dripping with flavor thanks to maple syrup, a fine spice blend and a dose of sugar too.
Nope, bread machines aren't just for basic loaves. Use your machine to make homey cinnamon rolls. These mini buns are perfect to make for a brunch for friends or overnight guests. This recipe is also one of our favorite bread machine recipes of all time.
Bread Machine NaanEasy to make and even easier to enjoy, this bread machine naan recipe is one you will come back to again and again.
When you start cooking Indian food at home, you'll want to spend your time focusing on getting the right spice blends and flavors for your tikka masala and chicken korma. While you work on those mains, you can have homemade naan working in the bread machine. All you have to do is take the dough out of the appliance and quickly bake it in a skillet.
Pumpkin BreadWhen everything's coming up pumpkin in the fall, make this easy pumpkin bread recipe. Filled with classic pumpkin spice flavor, this sweet quick bread is perfect for breakfast, snacks or any time you need a slice of autumn.
I keep my freezer stocked for our harvest crew with home-baked goodies like this deliciously spicy, easy pumpkin bread recipe. —Joyce Jackson, Bridgetown, Nova Scotia
Pecan Raisin BreadWe love raisin bread and also enjoy the nutty flavor of pecans, so I decided to combine the two for this delectable loaf. It smells terrific and the taste…oh-so good! —Lora Sexton, Wellington, Texas
To make this bread, you'll need a bag of bread flour. This type of flour gives the bread more structure and a perfectly chewy texture. And don't worry about having that bag in your pantry. There are lots of recipes that use this common bread ingredient. 
Bread Machine Pumpkin Monkey BreadI love making this pumpkin monkey bread for a holiday brunch. Leftovers reheat well, and the sauce is good enough to make extra to use as waffle and pancake syrup. —Emily Main, Tonopah, Arizona
There's nothing wrong with making shortcut monkey bread with biscuits from a can. But if you want to level up (while still keeping the process easy), make monkey bread right in your bread machine.
Sour Cream Chive BreadThis savory loaf mildly flavored with chives is delicious when served warm with a meal, soup, salad or stew. It also tastes wonderful toasted the next day for breakfast. —Deborah Plank, West Salem, Ohio
Chives and sour cream are a classic combo. Impress your family when you slice into this loaf at dinnertime. It's an easy yeasted bread you'll make over and over.
Pepperoni Cheese BreadAs a stay-at-home mother of two little girls, I pack a lot of activity into my days. The bread machine makes it a snap to turn out this attractive loaf that gets its zip from cayenne pepper, pepperoni and Mexican cheese. —Dusti Christensen, Goodridge, Minnesota
When it comes to homemade bread, can it get any tastier than a pizza-flavored bread? This loaf is made like a regular bread machine loaf, but with cheese and pepperoni added in at the end.
Bread Machine PanettoneThis bread machine panettone is easy to make. Every tender, moist slice is filled with candied fruit and raisins. —Josephine Bianchi, Bristol, New Hampshire
Many holiday bread recipes can be pretty complicated. With this Italian panettone, you can get those holiday flavors easily. Make the dough right in the bread machine and fill it with candied and dried fruit. It's simple and oh-so tasty.
