Make Professional-Quality Bread at Home with King Arthur Flours Classic White Bread Recipe!
King Arthur Flour Classic White Bread Recipe is a foolproof way to make delicious, fluffy bread that tastes like it was made by a professional. With a secret ingredient that adds a subtle yet addictive flavor, this recipe will keep you coming back for more. What could this mysterious ingredient be? Try it out and satisfy your curiosity.
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For centuries, white bread was a luxury reserved for the wealthy. From ancient Egypt to medieval Europe, bread was often made with grains such as barley and rye, which were more readily available and less expensive than wheat. However, as trade routes expanded and manufacturing techniques improved, wheat bread became more accessible to the masses.
By the early 20th century, white bread had become a symbol of progress and prosperity in the United States. Innovations in milling, such as the introduction of the steel roller mill in the late 1800s, made it possible to produce flour that was whiter and finer than ever before. As a result, bread made from this flour had a softer texture and longer shelf life, which made it more appealing to consumers.
However, in the mid-20th century, concerns about the health consequences of processed, white flour began to arise. Some researchers argued that the bleaching process used to whiten flour removed important nutrients and fiber, increasing the risk of diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. As a result, many people began to seek out whole grain and artisanal breads, which were perceived as healthier and more natural.
Despite these concerns, white bread has remained a staple in many households. And for good reason! There’s nothing quite like a fresh loaf of homemade bread straight out of the oven. This recipe for Classic White Bread with King Arthur Flour is easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Give it a try and taste the difference for yourself!
Ask the Chef: Pro Tips for making Classic White Bread with King Arthur Flour
Measuring Flour Correctly
Measuring flour correctly is important to get the right consistency of bread dough. When measuring flour, use a scale or spoon the flour into your measuring cup, then level with a knife. Do not pack the flour, or you may end up with a dry and tough loaf.
Using the Right Water Temperature
It’s essential to use lukewarm water, not too hot or too cold. Water that is too hot can kill the yeast, resulting in a dense and brick-like bread. On the other hand, cold water will slow down the yeast activation process and may affect the bread’s rise.
Kneading the Dough
Kneading the dough for the appropriate amount of time is crucial to create a chewy, light, and airy texture. Make sure to use a dough hook attachment to save time and effort. Dough should be kneaded for at least 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
Rising the Dough
Rising the dough is an important step in any bread recipe. Let the dough rise in a draft-free place where it can double in size in approximately an hour. If the room is too cold, try placing the bowl in a turned-off oven with the oven light turned on.
Get the Crispy Crust
The secret to a crispy crust is simple: steam. To achieve a satisfying crispy crust, place a pan of hot water on the lowest shelf of the oven while baking the bread.
Rest the Bread Properly Before Slicing
Once you’ve removed the bread from the oven, let it cool on a wire rack before slicing. Slicing hot bread can cause the bread to become gummy and not hold its shape. Plus, a properly cooled bread will have a better flavor and texture when sliced.
How Many Calories are in Classic White Bread with King Arthur Flour?
Nutrition Facts
1 Serving per Recipe (1 Loaf)
Calories: 1860
- Total Fat: 44g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 36g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 3900mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 327g
- Dietary Fiber: 12g
- Total Sugars: 7g
- Added Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 53g
What Drinks Pair Best with King Arthur White Bread?
Wine pairing: A Chardonnay or a Sauvignon Blanc would be a good pairing for this recipe. The crisp, refreshing acidity of these wines will balance the richness of the bread, while their fruity and floral aromas will complement the bread’s subtle sweetness.
Beer pairing: A Belgian Dubbel would be a great beer pairing for this classic white bread recipe. The toasty and nutty flavors of the bread would complement the rich and malty taste of a Belgian Dubbel, while the beer’s carbonation and bitterness cuts through the bread’s richness. Try Chimay Premiere (Red) or Westmalle Dubbel for a fantastic pairing.
Cocktail pairing: There is no suitable cocktail pairing for King Arthur Flour Classic White Bread Recipe.
How to Make Classic White Bread with King Arthur Flour
Ingredients for King Arthur Flour Classic White Bread:
- 4 Cups King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 2 Tsp Salt
- 2 Tsp Instant Yeast
- 1 1/2 Cups Lukewarm Water
- 1/4 Cup Vegetable Oil
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
- Add the lukewarm water and vegetable oil to the mixing bowl.
- Using a dough hook attachment on a mixer, mix on low speed until the dough comes together.
- Increase the speed and knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Lightly grease the mixing bowl with oil and place the bread dough in it. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth.
- Allow the dough to rise in a draft-free place for about 1 hour.
- After 1 hour, the dough should have doubled in size, so punch it down and place it on a lightly floured surface.
- Shape the dough into an oval or rectangle shape.
- Place the bread dough into a greased 9″ x 5″ loaf pan, cover with the damp cloth, and let rest for another 30 minutes until it rises.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and place the bread in the oven.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Remove the bread loaf from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack.
- Once the bread has cooled, slice and serve. Enjoy!
