Are you dreaming of that perfect, pillowy-soft bread, the kind that melts in your mouth with each bite? Then look no further! This King Arthur Milk Bread recipe is your ticket to homemade bread heaven. It's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers, and the results are unbelievably delicious. This recipe delivers a loaf so tender and flavorful, it’s perfect for sandwiches, French toast, or simply enjoyed on its own with a pat of butter. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade bread – it's more rewarding than you think!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 ½ - 5 cups (570-630g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
Instructions:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic! If it doesn't foam, your yeast might be dead, and you'll need to start with a fresh packet.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the egg, sugar, and softened butter to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined. Make sure the butter is softened enough to incorporate smoothly; you can even microwave it for a few seconds if needed.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms. It's okay if it's a little sticky at this stage.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time. Kneading develops the gluten, giving your bread its wonderful texture.
Step 5: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 6: Shape and Second Rise
Gently punch down the dough to release the air. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan. Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled.
Step 7: Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C). Use a digital thermometer for the most accurate reading.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the bread to set and prevents it from becoming soggy. Slice and enjoy your freshly baked, delicious King Arthur Milk Bread!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Milk Bread:
- Use a Kitchen Scale: For best results, use a kitchen scale to measure your ingredients. This ensures accuracy and consistency.
- Don't Overknead: Overkneading can result in a tough bread. Aim for a smooth and elastic dough, but stop when it's reached that point.
- Warm Environment: A warm environment is crucial for proper rising. You can place the rising bowl in a warm oven (turned off) or use a proofing box.
- Check for Doneness: Use a digital thermometer to check the internal temperature of the bread to ensure it's fully baked.
Variations:
- Sweet Bread: Add ½ cup of raisins, cranberries, or chocolate chips to the dough for a sweeter loaf.
- Herbed Bread: Add 1-2 tablespoons of dried herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, to the dough for a savory twist.
- Garlic Bread: Brush the baked bread with garlic butter for a flavorful treat.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: Approximately 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30g
- Protein: Approximately 4-6g
This King Arthur Milk Bread recipe is a fantastic addition to your homemade cooking repertoire. It's a simple yet rewarding recipe that produces incredibly soft and delicious bread, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome!