What makes bread dough from machine sticky?

There are a few reasons why your bread dough might be sticky from a bread machine:

1. Too much water: This is the most common culprit. A recipe calling for too much water, or even slight mismeasurement, can lead to a sticky dough.

2. High hydration dough: Some recipes, like those for sourdough or artisan breads, naturally have higher hydration levels (more water relative to flour). This can result in a sticky dough even with proper measurements.

3. Flour quality: Different types of flour absorb water differently. Using a lower-protein flour, which absorbs less water, might lead to a sticky dough if you use a recipe designed for high-protein flour.

4. Temperature of ingredients: Cold ingredients, especially the water, will make the dough more difficult to work with and may lead to stickiness.

5. Gluten development: Over-kneading, especially with a machine, can sometimes cause the gluten to develop too much, making the dough sticky and elastic.

Here are some solutions:

* Reduce water: If you think you've added too much water, try adding a tablespoon or two of flour at a time until the dough becomes less sticky.

* Use a higher-protein flour: If you're working with a recipe that calls for lower-protein flour, consider switching to a higher-protein flour like bread flour or all-purpose flour for better gluten development.

* Let the dough rest: If your dough seems too sticky, try letting it rest for 10-15 minutes. This can help the gluten relax and become less sticky.

* Grease your hands and work surface: When handling sticky dough, use a bit of oil or cooking spray on your hands and work surface to prevent it from sticking.

* Add more flour during the kneading cycle: Some bread machines allow you to add more flour during the kneading cycle to help adjust the consistency.

Additional tips:

* Use a digital scale: To ensure accurate measurements, use a digital scale when weighing your ingredients.

* Follow the recipe carefully: Pay close attention to the instructions and ingredient ratios in your bread machine recipe.

* Experiment: Don't be afraid to experiment with different flour types and hydration levels to find what works best for you.

Remember, a little bit of stickiness is normal. You want a dough that's tacky but not overly sticky.