Are you dreaming of warm, crusty bread but intimidated by the kneading and rising times? Then this King Arthur Flour bread machine recipe is for you! This easy recipe transforms simple ingredients into a delicious loaf with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend baking, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that's both healthy and incredibly satisfying. Say goodbye to store-bought bread and hello to the aroma of freshly baked goodness filling your kitchen!
Ingredients:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for beginners in homemade cooking.
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups King Arthur Bread Flour
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (or 1 packet)
Instructions:
This step-by-step guide will walk you through making this delicious bread.
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Prepare Your Machine: Ensure your bread machine is clean and ready to go. Grease the pan lightly if desired, though non-stick bread pans often eliminate this step.
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Add Ingredients: Add ingredients to your bread machine in the order specified by your machine's instruction manual. Generally, liquids go in first, followed by dry ingredients, and finally, the yeast. For most machines, this means water, salt, sugar, butter, bread flour, all-purpose flour, then yeast.
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Select the Setting: Choose the basic or white bread setting on your machine. Adjust baking time as needed based on your machine’s instructions and desired crust color.
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Press Start: Sit back, relax, and let your bread machine do the work! You'll be amazed at how easy it is to make homemade bread.
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Remove and Cool: Once the baking cycle is complete, carefully remove the loaf from the pan. Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the interior to set and prevents a gummy texture.
Tips for Perfect Bread:
- Water Temperature: Using lukewarm water is crucial for activating the yeast. Too hot, and you'll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won't activate properly.
- Flour Type: While this recipe specifies King Arthur Bread Flour, you can experiment with other bread flours. The final texture might vary slightly.
- Fresh Yeast: Using fresh yeast guarantees the best rise and flavor. Check the expiration date on your yeast packet.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing can lead to a tough loaf. Let the machine do its job.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Once you master the basic recipe, try adding seeds, nuts, dried fruits, or herbs to create unique and delicious variations.
Variations:
- Whole Wheat: Replace ½ cup of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier, nuttier loaf.
- Herb Bread: Add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the dry ingredients.
- Sweet Bread: Increase the sugar to ⅓ cup and add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon for a sweeter, more aromatic bread.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Protein: Approximately 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
- Fiber: Approximately 2-3g
This nutritious and delicious bread is a perfect addition to any meal. Enjoy it toasted with your favorite spread, alongside soup, or as part of a sandwich! This quick dinner idea is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a healthy and homemade alternative to store-bought options. The best recipes are often the simplest, and this one proves it. Enjoy your freshly baked bread!