If you’ve ever wondered what makes a loaf rise to the level of legendary, the King Arthur bread recipe holds the answer. This isn’t just a basic loaf, it’s the foundation of every bread lover’s dream. The first time I tried this recipe, I was skeptical. Could a simple, no-fuss formula really deliver that old-school, artisan-style perfection? But one bite into that warm, golden crust and cloud-like crumb, and I was completely sold.
This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to master an everyday sandwich loaf or a crusty dinner side that wows. Whether you’re baking your first loaf or your hundredth, it adapts to your schedule, your pantry, and your taste. It fits beautifully into a weekend meal prep routine, a cozy family dinner, or even your sourdough starter experiments.
And yes, this King Arthur bread recipe is just as regal as it sounds. Let’s dive into what makes it such a beloved staple in the baking world.
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Why This King Arthur Bread Recipe Works Every Single Time
This bread recipe stands out because of its reliability. It’s been tested (and perfected) by thousands of bakers over decades. It uses pantry staples—think flour, yeast, salt, and water—and turns them into something extraordinary with a technique that balances patience and science. The high hydration of the dough gives the crumb its chewy, slightly open structure, while proper gluten development leads to that perfect, bakery-style rise.
Another reason this King Arthur bread recipe works so well is its flexibility. Want to add whole wheat? Go for it. Prefer to toss in some seeds, herbs, or grated cheese? Totally doable. Even the flour choice, whether you’re using King Arthur’s bread flour or their organic all-purpose, can be adjusted based on your preference or availability.
What’s more, this recipe offers options for both quick baking and slow, cold fermentation. The latter enhances flavor while fitting around your schedule (hello, overnight rise!). And for those aiming to reduce sugar or salt intake, the measurements are easy to tweak without sacrificing structure or flavor.
Whether you bake it in a loaf pan or shape it free-form for a rustic boule, the result is consistently beautiful. The crust sings when you tap it. The crumb is just dense enough to hold sandwich fillings yet soft enough to melt in your mouth.
Recipe Card
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.
- Once you’ve kneaded your dough, stretch a small piece between your fingers. If it stretches thin without tearing and you can see light through it, the gluten’s just right.
- 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.
- I know it’s hard to resist, but letting the bread cool fully prevents gummy texture. That patience? Totally worth it.
King Arthur Bread Recipe Variants
1. Whole Wheat King Arthur Bread
Swap out half (or all) of the all-purpose flour with King Arthur’s White Whole Wheat Flour for a nuttier, more wholesome loaf. Whole wheat absorbs more water, so increase hydration slightly (about 1–2 tablespoons extra water). This version is perfect for sandwiches or morning toast with almond butter.
2. King Arthur Honey Oat Bread
A fan favorite, this variation includes rolled oats and a touch of honey. Add ¾ cup rolled oats and 3 tablespoons of honey to the dough. The oats give the bread a rustic look and chewy texture, while honey adds mild sweetness. Sprinkle oats on top before baking for that bakery-style finish.
3. Rustic Artisan Version with Sourdough Starter
If you have a sourdough starter, replace ½ cup of the flour and ½ cup of the water with 1 cup of active starter. This adds a subtle tang and complexity to the flavor. Extend the fermentation time to develop that lovely open crumb and deeper crust color.
4. King Arthur Cinnamon Swirl Bread
For a breakfast or snack-worthy twist, roll the dough into a rectangle, brush with butter, and sprinkle generously with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar before rolling it up and placing in the pan. This makes the most heavenly aroma while baking, and even better toast.
FAQs
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!
Your Perfect Loaf Awaits
Now that you have all the tools and tips to make the perfect King Arthur bread, it’s time to get baking! Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or just because the smell of fresh-baked bread is irresistible, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite. The best part is that you can personalize it with all the delicious variants we discussed, so it never gets boring!
Loved this bread recipe? Try our Potato Soup Recipe for the perfect side dish to go with your freshly baked loaf!
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