Here are a few things I’ve learned that will help you use the bread machine delay start timer.  These will be helpful no matter what type of bread machine you own.

Last Updated September 26, 2025 – Originally Published February 26, 2017

Most bread machines come with a delay start timer. It allows you to place your ingredients in the bread pan, set the timer, and let the machine start later on its own.

Typically this is used overnight so that you can wake up to fresh bread. You can also set it up in the morning and have the machine bake bread during the day.  You’ll come home to a house that smells wonderful and part of dinner will already be ready. Who wouldn’t love that?

I have a Zojirushi BB-PAC20 Virtuoso.  One nice feature of that bread maker is that the add beep doesn’t sound on the timed function.  If you’re using it overnight you don’t need to worry about the beep waking you.  

Another nice touch with my Zo is that there’s no tricky math involved. Instead of asking what time you want the machine to start, the Zo simply asks what time you want your bread to be ready. Easy!

Tips for Using the Bread Machine Delay Start Timer

Here are a few things I’ve learned that will help you use the bread machine delay start timer.  These will be helpful no matter what type of bread machine you own.

Ingredients – Stick to recipes that do not include milk, juice, fresh fruit, vegetables, eggs, or other ingredients that could spoil if left out too long.

Add Beep – Skip recipes that call for the add beep when using the delay start timer.  To be honest though, I haven’t had that much luck with the add beep.  I usually add my ingredients at the start anyway.

Test  Recipes First – You’ll want to know that you’ve got the dry to liquid ingredients ratio correct before using a recipe in this way.  But once you’ve tested a recipe and know it works, the delay timer can be a real time-saver.  

Cooling Time – Remember that fresh bread needs time to cool—plan on 45 minutes to an hour before slicing.

Keep Warm Function – If your machine has a “keep warm” function you’ll need to be there when the bread is done so you can remove it from the machine.  Otherwise, you’ll need to wait even longer before you can slice the loaf.

Bread Recipes for the Delay Start Timer:

If you’d like to give the bread machine delay timer a try, here are some recipes that work especially well:

• Raisin Bread – Experience has taught me to add the raisins at the very beginning with this recipe.  So there’s no add beep to worry about.
• Sandwich Bread – This recipe uses the “home made function” of the bread machine.  You can use this along with the timer.
• Peanut Butter Bread – The bread is thick and chewy. It has a lovely peanut butter taste and aroma. It is heavenly for breakfast toasted and with some Nutella on top.
• Onion Bread – This easy onion bread recipe has just five ingredients! It’s so simple to put together. Also, it tastes great and the aroma while cooking is fantastic.
• Extra Light Rye Bread – Do you want to try rye bread, but are a little nervous? Then this recipe is for you. The bread has a cake-like texture that’s quite nice.
• Most bread mixes will be a good match for the delay function.  Read the instructions to make sure the mix doesn’t require any dairy ingredients.

Raisin Bread Made with Delay Start Timer

The recipes above are only a sample of the bread machine delay timer recipes you’ll find here. Browse the site for more ideas, and soon you’ll have a whole collection of favorites that work beautifully with this handy feature.