One of the simplest ways to save money (especially if you love bread as much as I do) is to home-make your bread rather than buying it at the store. A loaf of bread from the bakery at the grocery store costs at least $2. If you buy all the necessary staples to make bread at home, you can make never-ending loaves of bread for probably less than 50¢ or 25¢ each. (And most of the ingredients you probably already have on hand!)
If you’re worried about it taking too much time, a bread machine is your best friend. You literally throw the ingredients in the machine and let it do its thing. A few hours later, you have a beautiful and delicious loaf of bread that feeds the entire family.
Yes – bread machines can be expensive. You can often find them at thrift stores and garage sales, though! I’ve bought a couple different bread machines over the years, and they have never cost me more than $10 each.
Do you make bread at home? Do you enjoy it and find that it is much cheaper?
Do you have a Frugal Tip you’d like to share? Please send me an email!
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Teresa, go to the King Arthur website(You can google it). They have many good recipes for beginners and experienced bakers. Also you can sign up for their e news letter which includes fabulous recipes.HTH
Does anyone have the recipe? I don't have a bread maker. Thanks
I absolutely love my breadmaker!! I buy yeast by the pound bag from king Arthur which cuts the cost, and you can wait for a sale or free shipping promotion and buy the pound size then. I enjoy the different flavors and textures of my homemade bread. I LOVE that I can add my home grown herbs to it or some Cheddar cheese or raisins and cinnamon. I highly recommend it.
i make bread all the time!!
I got a Breadmaker at a church yard sale on Saturday for 10.00. I have made 3 loaves of bread this week and we absolutely LOVE it.
I make bread at home every other week. Here's a breakdown of the cost of 2 loaves:
There are 20c of flour in a 5 lb bag, which typically costs $3 for King Arthur Unbleached flour, 6c: $.0.90
A 3 pack of yeast is on sale at 1.50 or so, 2 packets: $1
.33 c sugar: $.08
1.5 tsp salt $0.06
Add in cost of gas for the stove for 35 minutes at 350F $0.05
Total cost for 2 loaves: $2.09 or about $1.09/loaf.
The good: you know what's in your bread.
The bad: you eat the bread faster than normal, and end up giving it to your neighbors, etc.
When you factor in the 3 hours of your time, and that you can get mass-produced loaves of bread for $1 on a good sale, it's not really a savings. If you compare it to bakery or artisan bread, it's a huge savings.