Easy Bread Machine Amish Friendship Bread

Homemade bread does not get much more hands-off than this. Four ingredients go into the bread machine, you press start, and the machine handles the mixing, kneading, rising, and baking while you get on with your day.

It is a lean loaf, made with just yeast, warm water, flour, and a spoonful of sugar to wake the yeast up and lend the faintest sweetness. With no butter or oil in the dough, it bakes into a rustic bread with a crisp crust and a chewy, simple crumb, the kind that begs for a swipe of butter while it is still warm.

The one thing to watch is the water temperature. It should feel warm to the touch, not hot. Water that is too hot kills the yeast and leaves you with a dense brick instead of a risen loaf.

Slice it for toast, sandwiches, or sopping up soup.

Kitchen Tips

• Add a pinch of salt with the flour; it sharpens the flavor of an otherwise plain loaf.
• Add the yeast last, on top of the dry flour, so it doesn’t hit the water before the cycle starts.
• For a softer crust and crumb, swap a splash of the water for milk or stir in a little oil.

Variations

• Brush the top with melted butter and dust with cinnamon sugar for a sweeter, friendship-bread feel.
• Work in raisins and a little cinnamon for a breakfast loaf.
• Add a handful of seeds or a spoon of honey for more character.