Unleash Your Inner Baker: Delicious Recipes with King Arthur’s New Bread Baking Mixes
King Arthur Baking Company has long been a trusted name in baking, known for its high-quality flours and baking ingredients. Their new line of bread baking mixes promises to bring that same quality and ease to your home baking adventures. These mixes take the guesswork out of bread making, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. In this article, we’ll explore some delicious and creative recipes you can make using King Arthur’s new bread baking mixes, going beyond the basic instructions and offering exciting variations and tips to elevate your baking game.
Why Choose King Arthur Bread Baking Mixes?
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s quickly touch on why King Arthur’s bread baking mixes are a great choice:
* **Quality Ingredients:** King Arthur uses high-quality ingredients in their mixes, ensuring a delicious and consistent result every time.
* **Ease of Use:** These mixes are designed for convenience, simplifying the bread-making process and saving you time.
* **Consistent Results:** Say goodbye to bread-making failures! The carefully formulated mixes deliver reliable results.
* **Versatility:** While you can simply follow the package instructions, these mixes can also be used as a base for more creative recipes.
Getting Started: Essential Tips for Success
No matter which King Arthur bread baking mix you choose, here are some essential tips to ensure success:
* **Read the Instructions Carefully:** This might seem obvious, but taking the time to read and understand the instructions on the package is crucial.
* **Use Accurate Measurements:** Accurate measurements are vital in baking. Use measuring cups and spoons specifically designed for baking.
* **Check the Expiration Date:** Ensure the mix is within its expiration date for optimal results.
* **Use the Correct Temperature Water:** The recipe will specify the water temperature. Using water that is too hot or too cold can affect the yeast activity.
* **Don’t Overmix the Dough:** Overmixing can lead to tough bread. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
* **Proper Proofing:** Proofing allows the yeast to activate and the dough to rise. Follow the recommended proofing time and temperature.
* **Oven Temperature Accuracy:** Ensure your oven is accurately calibrated. Use an oven thermometer to check the temperature.
Recipe 1: Classic King Arthur Bread – Elevated
Let’s start with a simple yet satisfying recipe using the King Arthur Classic Bread mix. We’ll elevate it with some simple additions for a more complex flavor profile.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 package King Arthur Classic Bread Mix
* 1 1/4 cups warm water (as directed on the package)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, finely chopped
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* Optional: Coarse sea salt for topping
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the King Arthur Classic Bread Mix, warm water, olive oil, rosemary, and garlic powder. Mix with a wooden spoon or dough whisk until a shaggy dough forms.
2. **Knead the Dough:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for kneading.
3. **First Rise (Proofing):** Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 60-90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
4. **Shape the Dough:** Gently punch down the dough to release the air. Shape the dough into a round or oblong loaf. Place the loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. **Second Rise (Proofing):** Cover the loaf with a damp towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until nearly doubled in size.
6. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
7. **Bake:** Just before baking, lightly brush the top of the loaf with water and sprinkle with coarse sea salt, if desired. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
8. **Cool:** Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Add Cheese:** Incorporate 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan or Asiago cheese into the dough for a cheesy flavor.
* **Spice It Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
* **Herbed Butter:** Serve with herbed butter for an extra burst of flavor.
Recipe 2: Pizza Dough Perfection with King Arthur’s Pizza Dough Mix
King Arthur’s Pizza Dough Mix is a fantastic shortcut to homemade pizza. This recipe shows you how to make a delicious and customizable pizza at home.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 package King Arthur Pizza Dough Mix
* 1 1/4 cups warm water (as directed on the package)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Your favorite pizza toppings (e.g., tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, vegetables)
* Optional: Cornmeal for dusting the pizza stone
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the King Arthur Pizza Dough Mix, warm water, and olive oil. Mix with a wooden spoon or dough whisk until a shaggy dough forms.
2. **Knead the Dough:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
3. **First Rise (Proofing):** Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 60-90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
4. **Preheat Oven and Pizza Stone:** Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well. This will help create a crispy crust.
5. **Shape the Dough:** Gently punch down the dough to release the air. Divide the dough in half for two smaller pizzas, or keep it whole for one large pizza. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to your desired thickness.
6. **Assemble the Pizza:** If using a pizza stone, sprinkle it with cornmeal to prevent sticking. Carefully transfer the dough to the pizza stone or a baking sheet. Spread tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Add your favorite toppings.
7. **Bake:** Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. **Cool and Serve:** Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Garlic Herb Crust:** Brush the crust with garlic herb butter before baking for added flavor.
* **Gourmet Toppings:** Experiment with gourmet toppings like artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, goat cheese, and prosciutto.
* **Different Sauces:** Try using pesto, Alfredo sauce, or barbecue sauce instead of tomato sauce.
* **Grilled Pizza:** Grill the pizza dough for a smoky flavor.
Recipe 3: Cinnamon Rolls Made Easy with King Arthur’s Cinnamon Roll Mix
Who doesn’t love warm, gooey cinnamon rolls? King Arthur’s Cinnamon Roll Mix makes it easy to enjoy this classic treat at home.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 package King Arthur Cinnamon Roll Mix
* Warm water (as directed on the package)
* Melted butter (as directed on the package)
* Optional: Cream cheese frosting (recipe below)
**Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional):**
* 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1-2 tablespoons milk
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Dough:** Follow the package instructions to prepare the dough using the King Arthur Cinnamon Roll Mix and warm water.
2. **First Rise (Proofing):** Let the dough rise in a warm place for the recommended time, or until doubled in size.
3. **Roll and Fill:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle. Spread melted butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the filling from the mix evenly over the buttered dough.
4. **Roll Up:** Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
5. **Slice:** Use a serrated knife or dental floss to slice the log into 1-inch thick rolls.
6. **Second Rise (Proofing):** Place the rolls in a greased baking pan, leaving a little space between each roll. Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
7. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the package.
8. **Bake:** Bake the cinnamon rolls for the recommended time, or until golden brown.
9. **Cool and Frost:** Let the cinnamon rolls cool slightly before frosting with cream cheese frosting (recipe below) or the frosting included in the mix.
**Cream Cheese Frosting Instructions:**
1. **Cream:** In a medium bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.
2. **Add Sugar:** Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until well combined.
3. **Add Vanilla and Milk:** Stir in the vanilla extract and milk until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Nutty Cinnamon Rolls:** Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a nutty crunch.
* **Orange Zest:** Add orange zest to the filling for a citrusy twist.
* **Caramel Sauce:** Drizzle with caramel sauce after frosting for an extra indulgent treat.
* **Maple Frosting:** Substitute maple syrup for vanilla extract in the frosting for a maple-flavored frosting.
Recipe 4: Focaccia Fun with King Arthur’s Focaccia Mix
Focaccia is a delicious Italian flatbread that’s perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or sandwich bread. King Arthur’s Focaccia Mix makes it easy to create a flavorful focaccia at home.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 package King Arthur Focaccia Mix
* Warm water (as directed on the package)
* Olive oil
* Your favorite toppings (e.g., rosemary, sea salt, olives, cherry tomatoes)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Dough:** Follow the package instructions to prepare the dough using the King Arthur Focaccia Mix and warm water.
2. **First Rise (Proofing):** Let the dough rise in a warm place for the recommended time, or until doubled in size.
3. **Shape the Dough:** Grease a baking sheet with olive oil. Gently stretch the dough to fit the baking sheet. The dough will be quite sticky.
4. **Dimple and Drizzle:** Use your fingertips to create dimples all over the dough. Drizzle generously with olive oil.
5. **Add Toppings:** Sprinkle with your favorite toppings, such as rosemary, sea salt, olives, and cherry tomatoes. Gently press the toppings into the dough.
6. **Second Rise (Proofing):** Cover the baking sheet and let the dough rise for another 30-45 minutes.
7. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the package.
8. **Bake:** Bake the focaccia for the recommended time, or until golden brown and cooked through.
9. **Cool and Serve:** Let the focaccia cool slightly before slicing and serving.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Roasted Garlic:** Top with roasted garlic cloves for a savory flavor.
* **Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Pesto:** Combine sun-dried tomatoes and pesto for a Mediterranean-inspired focaccia.
* **Caramelized Onions:** Top with caramelized onions for a sweet and savory flavor.
* **Cheese Focaccia:** Sprinkle with grated Parmesan or Asiago cheese before baking.
Recipe 5: Sourdough Starter Discard Crackers (Using Sourdough Bread Mix Discard)
If you’re using King Arthur’s Sourdough Bread Mix and maintaining a sourdough starter, you’ll inevitably have discard. Instead of throwing it away, use it to make these delicious and crispy crackers!
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup sourdough starter discard (from King Arthur Sourdough Bread Mix)
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* Optional: Everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or herbs for topping
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a bowl, combine the sourdough starter discard, olive oil, salt, and garlic powder. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
2. **Rest:** Let the mixture rest for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the dough to become more manageable.
3. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
4. **Roll Out Dough:** Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper. Roll out the dough as thinly as possible. The thinner the dough, the crispier the crackers will be.
5. **Remove Top Parchment Paper:** Carefully peel off the top sheet of parchment paper.
6. **Score and Top:** Use a pizza cutter or knife to score the dough into cracker-sized squares or rectangles. Sprinkle with your favorite toppings, such as everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or herbs. Gently press the toppings into the dough.
7. **Bake:** Transfer the parchment paper with the dough to a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crackers are golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly.
8. **Cool and Break:** Let the crackers cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, break them along the scored lines.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Cheese Crackers:** Add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese to the dough for cheesy crackers.
* **Spicy Crackers:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dough for a spicy kick.
* **Herb Crackers:** Add dried herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano, to the dough for herb-flavored crackers.
* **Seed Crackers:** Add various seeds, such as flax seeds, sunflower seeds, or poppy seeds, to the dough for added texture and flavor.
Troubleshooting Common Bread Baking Issues
Even with the convenience of bread baking mixes, you might encounter some common issues. Here’s a quick troubleshooting guide:
* **Dough Not Rising:**
* **Cause:** Yeast is inactive (expired or killed by hot water). Incorrect water temperature. Room is too cold.
* **Solution:** Check the expiration date of the mix. Use the correct water temperature. Ensure the room is warm enough for proofing.
* **Dough Too Sticky:**
* **Cause:** Too much water. Humid environment.
* **Solution:** Add a little extra flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough is manageable. Flour your hands and work surface.
* **Bread Too Dense:**
* **Cause:** Not enough rising time. Overmixing. Oven temperature too low.
* **Solution:** Allow the dough to rise for the full recommended time. Avoid overmixing. Ensure your oven is accurately calibrated.
* **Crust Too Hard:**
* **Cause:** Baking at too high a temperature. Overbaking.
* **Solution:** Reduce the oven temperature slightly. Check the bread for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time.
* **Bread Sinking in the Middle:**
* **Cause:** Not enough gluten development. Overproofing.
* **Solution:** Knead the dough adequately. Avoid overproofing – the dough should be nearly doubled, not more.
Storing Your Homemade Bread
Proper storage is essential to keep your homemade bread fresh for as long as possible.
* **Cool Completely:** Always let the bread cool completely before storing it. This prevents condensation, which can lead to mold.
* **Bread Box:** A bread box is an excellent option for storing bread at room temperature. It provides a slightly humid environment that helps keep the bread from drying out.
* **Plastic Bag:** Store the bread in a plastic bag or airtight container at room temperature. This will help keep it soft, but the crust may soften as well.
* **Freezing:** For longer storage, freeze the bread. Slice the bread before freezing for easy access. Wrap the slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Frozen bread can last for several months.
* **Reheating:** To reheat frozen bread, thaw it at room temperature or toast it directly from frozen.
King Arthur Baking Mixes: A Baker’s Best Friend
King Arthur’s new bread baking mixes offer a convenient and reliable way to enjoy homemade bread. With a little creativity and these recipes, you can transform these mixes into a variety of delicious baked goods that will impress your family and friends. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, King Arthur’s mixes are a baker’s best friend, helping you create delicious and satisfying bread every time. So, grab a mix, preheat your oven, and get ready to unleash your inner baker!