What Can You Make in a Bread Maker? (Beyond White Bread)

By the Bread Wise editorial team · Updated 2026 · How we test & score

A bread maker does far more than a basic white loaf. With the right programmes you can bake a wide range of breads, prepare dough to shape yourself, and even make jam.

Breads

Beyond white, most machines bake wholemeal, granary, French-style, seeded and sweet loaves, and many have a gluten-free programme. Rapid-bake settings make a loaf faster when you're short on time, and crust control lets you choose light to dark. You can also bake fruit and nut loaves, especially on models with an automatic dispenser that adds the extras at the right stage.

Dough, jam and more

A dough programme mixes, kneads and proves dough that you then shape and bake in the oven - perfect for pizza bases, rolls, focaccia and shaped loaves that don't have the paddle hole. Many machines also have a jam setting that cooks fruit and sugar into jam, and some can make cakes or bake gluten-free recipes. It's worth checking the programme list for the specific bakes you want.

Our top picks

Frequently asked questions

Can you just make dough in a bread maker?

Yes - the dough programme mixes, kneads and proves, then you shape and bake it in the oven. It's great for pizza, rolls and shaped loaves without the paddle hole.

Can a bread maker make jam?

Many can - a jam programme cooks fruit and sugar down into jam. Check whether your chosen model includes it if that appeals.

Bottom line

Our top pick is the Bread Maker (our score 9.6/10) - A practical bread maker for fresh home-baked bread with minimal effort..

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