Awesome Homemade Crusty Bread (Bread Machine)

Ok so I have made this bread three times in three days - each way just slightly different based on some of the other reviews.
1 - exactly as the instructions say using regular unbleached flour (I buy it from Costco): It was the best bread I've ever made. Instantly became my "go-to" bread recipe. Used the 1.5 size and a medium crust color and it was delish!
2 - again using regular all-purpose unbleached flour, I replaced the shortening with butter - no change in taste that I could discern, but the crust was softer and less crusty.
3 - My personal favorite - I returned to using the shortening instead of butter but I used bread flour (Kroger brand) instead and the taste and texture were significantly improved in my honest opinion - THIS version is now my "go-to" bread recipe - absolutely the best homemade bread I've ever made or had. My daughter cannot get enough of it - she asks for it constantly!
Oh, and in 2 & 3 I did reduce the cook time to the light setting for the crust. My daughter doesn't like her crust "too brown".
I am so glad I found this recipe! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

This is a wonderful bread recipe. I have made it at least 5 times. We use it for everything including sandwich bread! It makes a mean grilled ham and cheese :)
I follow the recipe, except that I add 1 and 1/4 teaspoon of vital gluten. I also add my yeast, sugar and warm water to the bread machine first and let it sit a few minutes until it starts to bubble. Then I add all the other ingredients and set the machine to dough cycle. Once the dough cycle is complete I place the dough on a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf. Place it into a greased loaf pan and allow it to rise for about 30 minutes. Then bake in a 350 preheated oven for 30 minutes! We just love it!!! Thanks so much :)

Best bread I've ever made!! I substituted bread flour for ap flour and it turned out great!! It holds up to thin slicing for sandwiches and toast!! Awesome, awesome recipe!! I only used the bread machine for the dough cycle, hate that hole the paddle makes at the bottom of the loaf!!

Makes a chewy, crusty loaf with nice flavor. I subbed coconut oil for the shortening and would do so again. Thank you for sharing!

This bread is AWESOME! So light and airy on the inside and crusty outside. I've tried alot of bread machine recipes and this is one of my most favorites. Thanks so much for sharing this! Just a note I set my machine to light crust.