Imagine the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen, with each slice warm, soft, and ready to be slathered with butter. The King Arthur bread recipe is a classic favorite for a reason—it’s tried, tested, and loved by bakers around the world. Whether you’re new to bread-making or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises a tender crumb and golden crust that will leave you craving for more.
King Arthur Bread Recipe
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy10
servings15
minutes30
minutes170
kcalBaking a King Arthur bread recipe is like bringing a warm, cozy bakery into your kitchen. This recipe creates a soft, golden crust and fluffy interior, perfect for breakfast or sandwiches.
Ingredients
- For the Bread
3 cups King Arthur all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons sugar
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (110°F)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)
- For the Oat-Molasses Variation (optional):
Replace 2 tablespoons sugar with 3 tablespoons molasses
Add 1/2 cup rolled oats to the flour mixture
Directions
- Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar.
- In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add the yeast mixture and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place in a greased loaf pan.
- Second rise
- Let the dough rise again for 30 minutes until it fills the pan.
- Bake the bread
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- For a crustier bread, place a small pan of water on the oven floor while baking.
- Use bread flour instead of all-purpose for a chewier texture.
- This recipe can be doubled if you want to freeze a loaf for later.
Tips for homemade King Arthur Bread
- Make sure the water temperature is just right—too hot and it will kill the yeast; too cold and the dough won’t rise.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing for the best texture.
- For a softer crust, brush the top with melted butter right out of the oven.
- Adding rolled oats or seeds on top before baking can give a rustic look and extra crunch.
Recipe Variant
Oat Molasses Bread Recipe (King Arthur Inspired): Replace sugar with molasses and add oats for a heartier loaf with a hint of sweetness.
FAQ
Yes, but the texture will be denser. Consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for a softer loaf.
You can try using a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may differ as gluten is key for elasticity.
This bread is perfect with homemade soups like our Potato Soup Recipe—a comforting combo on a chilly day!
Loved this bread recipe? Try our Potato Soup Recipe for the perfect side dish to go with your freshly baked loaf!
There’s something magical about making bread from scratch—the kneading, the rising, and that first warm slice. This King Arthur bread recipe is easy enough for beginners but satisfying for seasoned bakers. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or toasted with your favorite spread, this homemade bread will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
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