English Muffin Bread Recipe
If you’ve ever wished you could capture the perfect texture and flavor of an English muffin in a convenient, sliceable loaf, then this English Muffin Bread recipe is your dream come true. It’s soft, chewy, and packed with just the right amount of warmth and tang, making every slice a little moment of breakfast bliss or snack-time joy. Whether toasted and slathered with butter or used for sandwiches, this bread brings all the nostalgic charm of an English muffin without the hassle of splitting each piece. Let me take you through how simple it is to create this bakery-style treat in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this English Muffin Bread is thoughtfully chosen to bring out the best texture, flavor, and appearance possible. Using only pantry staples, you’ll find how straightforward it is to whip up a loaf that’s both hearty and tender.
- All-purpose flour (5½ cups): The foundation for a tender crumb and structure that holds together perfectly.
- Dry active yeast (2 Tbsp): The yeast helps the dough rise beautifully, contributing to that airy, soft texture you expect from English muffins.
- Honey (1 Tbsp): Just enough sweetness to balance the salt and enhance the flavor.
- Warm water (¼ cup): Activates the yeast and helps develop the dough’s texture.
- Kosher salt (2 tsp): Enhances all the flavors and strengthens the dough.
- Baking powder (¼ tsp): Gives a slight lift and helps mimic that traditional English muffin craggy texture.
- Warm milk (2¼ cups): Adds richness and helps create a soft, tender crumb.
- Cornmeal (for dusting pans): Adds a rustic crunch and keeps the bread from sticking to the pans.
How to Make English Muffin Bread
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Begin by mixing the dry active yeast with honey and warm water. This step awakens the yeast and allows it to start bubbling away. The hint of honey gives the yeast food to work with, resulting in a better rise and slightly sweet undertone in the bread. Once the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly, you know it’s ready.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
Sift together the salt, baking powder, and flour to ensure even distribution throughout the dough. This step is vital because evenly mixing salt and baking powder prevents uneven rising and flavor pockets, giving your English Muffin Bread a consistent texture and taste.
Step 3: Mix the Dough
Add the warm milk and one cup of the flour into the yeast mixture, blending well to begin forming the dough. Slowly incorporate the remaining flour and beat the dough until it forms a very soft, slightly sticky dough. The batter will be loose at first—that’s exactly how it should be to get that signature lightness inside your loaf.
Step 4: Prepare Pans and Proof the Dough
Grease two loaf pans and dust them generously with cornmeal, which adds a subtle texture to the crust and stops the bread from sticking. Divide the soft dough evenly between the pans and place them in a warm spot to rise until the dough doubles and reaches the tops of the pans. This is crucial for achieving a tall, fluffy loaf.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 425ºF. Before baking, dust the tops of your risen loaves with a bit more cornmeal for that classic English muffin look. Bake each loaf for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the crust turns a perfect golden brown. Once baked, cool the loaves completely before slicing to enjoy that true English Muffin Bread texture and flavor.
How to Serve English Muffin Bread
Garnishes
English Muffin Bread is a versatile canvas for toppings. Spread warm butter that melts into every nook, drizzle honey for natural sweetness, or try a smear of your favorite jam or marmalade. A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or a light brushing of garlic butter before toasting will add an extra flavor punch that feels like a hug.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with classic breakfast plates like scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or a bowl of fresh fruit salad. For a cozy afternoon snack, serve it alongside a hot bowl of tomato soup or a fresh garden salad. The soft, chewy texture complements a wide range of dishes, making it a great staple for meals throughout the day.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking beyond toast and sandwiches? Turn English Muffin Bread into mini pizzas by adding your favorite toppings before baking for a fun twist. Or, make luxurious French toast slices—dip your bread in a cinnamon-egg mixture and fry until golden for an indulgent breakfast treat. Its open crumb structure soaks up flavors beautifully, elevating any creative recipe you dream up!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once fully cooled, wrap the English Muffin Bread in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Kept at room temperature, it stays fresh for a few days with minimal drying out. This means you can easily bake ahead and enjoy it over several breakfasts or snacks without worries.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this English Muffin Bread longer, freezing is an excellent option. Cool the bread completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. Stored this way, it maintains its flavor and texture for up to 3 months, so you can always have a slice ready when cravings hit.
Reheating
To revive frozen slices, simply thaw at room temperature. For that fresh-baked warmth and crunch, toast the bread or warm it quickly in the oven. This will bring back the delightful crisp edges and soft, chewy interior that makes this bread so special.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of dry active yeast?
Yes! If you’re using rapid rise or instant yeast, you can skip the proofing step with warm water because it dissolves directly into the flour mixture. This speeds up the process but still delivers that lovely rise and texture.
What if I want a healthier option; can I use whole wheat flour?
You absolutely can substitute whole wheat flour. Keep in mind that the bread will be denser and have a nuttier flavor, but it will still be delicious and reminiscent of classic English Muffin Bread.
Can I add extras like nuts or fruit?
Definitely. Adding dried cranberries, blueberries, chopped almonds, pecans, or even a pinch of cinnamon can bring interesting textures and flavors to your loaf, making it uniquely yours each time you bake.
How sticky should the dough be?
The dough for English Muffin Bread is softer and stickier than traditional bread dough, which is part of what gives it that iconic texture. Just make sure not to overmix it; it should be loose but manageable.
What’s the best way to slice this bread?
Use a serrated bread knife and slice only after the bread has completely cooled to ensure clean, even slices without squashing the loaf. This way, every piece holds its shape and texture beautifully.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend making this English Muffin Bread enough. It’s delightfully easy, endlessly versatile, and makes any meal feel just a little more special. Whether you’re new to homemade bread or a seasoned baker, enjoying the warm aroma and the soft, chewy slices fresh out of your oven is truly a pleasure worth savoring. Give it a try and watch this become one of your all-time favorites!
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English Muffin Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 loaves 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
English Muffin Bread is a soft, fluffy bread with the distinctive texture and flavor of English muffins, great for sandwiches or toasting. This recipe yields two loaves with a light crumb dusted with cornmeal for authenticity.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 5½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 Tbsp dry active yeast
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- cornmeal for dusting the pans and tops
Wet Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp honey
- ¼ cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2¼ cups warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the dry active yeast with the honey and warm water. Stir gently and set aside for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture is frothy and bubbles form, indicating the yeast is active.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift together the flour, kosher salt, and baking powder in a large mixing bowl to ensure even distribution.
- Make the Dough: Add the warm milk and one cup of the flour mixture to the yeast mixture. Stir well to combine into a thick batter. Gradually add the remaining flour, mixing well. Beat the dough thoroughly. The dough will be very soft and slightly sticky, which is normal for this bread.
- Prepare the Pans: Grease two standard loaf pans lightly with butter or oil, then dust generously with cornmeal to prevent sticking and mimic the texture of English muffins.
- Rise the Dough: Divide the dough evenly between the two prepared loaf pans. Cover loosely and place in a warm, draft-free spot. Allow the dough to rise until it doubles in size and reaches or slightly passes the top edge of the pans, about 1 to 1½ hours depending on room temperature.
- Preheat the Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 425ºF (220ºC).
- Prepare for Baking: Once risen, dust the tops of the dough with additional cornmeal for texture before baking.
- Bake the Bread: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the loaves are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the loaves from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing to preserve texture.
Notes
- Do not overmix the dough; it will remain loose and sticky, which is expected for this recipe.
- The dough can be mixed by hand or in a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.
- If using instant or rapid rise yeast, you can skip the proofing step and add it directly to the flour.
- Variations include adding dried cranberries or blueberries, a pinch of cinnamon, or chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for extra flavor and texture.
- Whole wheat flour can be used but will produce a denser bread.
- The bread freezes well: cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 50g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: English Muffin Bread, homemade bread, soft bread, breakfast bread, easy bread recipe
