Bread Machines: Your Year-Round Kitchen Best Friend!

Even though we are headed into the fall, we still love that sweet smell of summer all year round. When people hear bread machine, their minds often jump straight to sourdough. And while sourdough is lovely, let’s be real— it’s BORING. Bread machines are so much more than “just bread.” They’re your secret weapon for whipping up fresh, homemade treats that make your house smell like summer even when it’s sweater weather outside.

At Kitchen Switchen®, we’re all about affordable, sustainable small appliances that keep your wallet happy and your creativity flowing. Whether you scored a certified resale machine or found one at a bargain price, trust us—your bread maker deserves to come out of hiding.

So dust it off, plug it in, and let’s prove together: bread machines aren’t just for loaves. They’re for memories, flavors, and the little “wow” moments around your table.

Why Bread Machines Rock 

Bread makers take out all the stress (and mess) of baking. No endless kneading, no second-guessing rise times—just toss in your ingredients, push a button, and boom: your kitchen smells like you’ve been working for hours.

Honestly, any bread machine with a quick setting will do the trick. Affordable, reliable, and totally user-friendly machines are our sweet spot—make sure it has a Quick/Cake setting for recipes that don’t use yeast. Translation? Sweet breads, snack loaves, and more are just a button away.

And because we’re all about flipping the script on boring, today we’re sharing two recipes that show your bread machine’s playful side. One is sunshine-in-a-slice Lemon Zucchini Bread, and the other is a farmer’s market-inspired twist: Strawberry Basil Bread. Together, they’re proof you don’t need sourdough to make your bread machine the star of your kitchen.

Lemon Zucchini Bread (Bread Machine – 1.5 lb Quick Bread)

Perfect for sneaking in veggies, keeping it moist, and giving your home that bright, summery aroma—even in the middle of fall.

Bread Machine Model: Any will do - much have a quick bread setting 
Setting: Quick | Size: 1.5 lb | Crust: Light

Note: This machine doesn’t bake “quick breads” using yeast. Since this recipe uses baking powder and baking soda, you’ll want the Quick or Cake setting.

Ingredients (Add in this order)

• 2 large eggs

• ½ cup vegetable oil

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt

• ¾ cup sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tbsp lemon zest

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 cup finely shredded zucchini (squeeze moisture out with a towel)

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

Optional Lemon Glaze:

• ¾ cup powdered sugar

• 1½ tbsp lemon juice

• ½ tsp zest (optional)

Whisk until pourable and drizzle over cooled loaf.

Steps

1. Insert kneading blade into pan.

2. Add wet ingredients first: eggs, oil, yogurt, vanilla, lemon juice.

3. Add sugar, then zucchini and zest.

4. Top with flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

5. Select Quick or Cake setting.

6. Choose 1.5 lb loaf, light crust.

7. Hit Start.

8. Remove promptly after baking and cool before glazing.

Result: Bright, tender, and tangy—the perfect tea-time or breakfast slice. 🍵

Strawberry Basil Bread (Bread Machine – 1.5 lb Quick Bread)

This one is a Kitchen Switchen® original twist. Think of it as summer jam in bread form, with a hint of fresh herbs for sophistication. Perfect for brunches, picnics, or when you just want your kitchen to smell like a farmer’s market.

Bread Machine Model: Again, any brand will do.  Make sure it has a quick bread setting. 
Setting: Quick | Size: 1.5 lb | Crust: Light

Ingredients (Add in this order)

• 2 large eggs

• ½ cup melted butter or neutral oil

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ cup milk

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced (pat dry with a paper towel to reduce moisture)

• 2 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped

Optional Glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 1 tbsp strawberry puree

• ½ tsp lemon juice

Steps

1. Insert kneading blade into pan.

2. Add wet ingredients: eggs, butter/oil, vanilla, and milk.

3. Add sugar, then flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

4. Sprinkle strawberries and basil evenly over the top.

5. Select Quick or Cake setting.

6. Choose 1.5 lb loaf, light crust.

7. Start baking.

8. Cool completely before glazing.

Result: Sweet, fruity, and herb-kissed—a loaf that feels like a garden party on your plate. 

Why We Love These Recipes

Both recipes are:

• Low stress – The machine does the work.

• Versatile – Sweet enough for dessert, wholesome enough for breakfast.

• Affordable – Made with everyday ingredients and a budget-friendly bread machine.

And here’s the best part: every loaf you bake at home is one less store-bought plastic bag in the trash. That’s why at Kitchen Switchen®, we champion resale, recycling, and rethinking how we stock our kitchens.

So go ahead—ditch the sourdough starter pressure and let your bread machine show off its fun side. Whether you’re grating zucchini or dicing strawberries, you’re not just baking bread… you’re baking joy, sustainability, and memories.

At Kitchen Switchen®, we’ll always have your back with affordable, certified resale appliances that make these moments possible. Because your kitchen isn’t just a place to cook—it’s where life gets delicious.

Sautéed with Sustainability. Rebelled with Resale.®