Easy & Delicious English Muffin Bread Recipe: Homemade Goodness
English muffin bread is a delightful twist on the classic breakfast staple. Imagine the nooks and crannies of an English muffin, but in a convenient sliceable loaf. This recipe makes a slightly tangy, wonderfully textured bread that’s perfect for toast, sandwiches, or simply enjoying with a smear of butter. It’s surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers, and the results are incredibly rewarding. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring a perfect loaf of English muffin bread every time. Prepare to be amazed by the ease and deliciousness of homemade bread!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Easy to make:** Unlike some bread recipes, this one doesn’t require kneading or complicated techniques. The dough comes together quickly and easily.
* **No-knead convenience:** Seriously, no kneading! This makes it incredibly accessible for busy bakers or those who prefer a simpler approach.
* **Deliciously textured:** The bread has that characteristic English muffin texture with plenty of nooks and crannies, making it perfect for soaking up butter or jam.
* **Versatile:** Enjoy it toasted, as a sandwich bread, or simply sliced and enjoyed with your favorite toppings.
* **Homemade goodness:** There’s nothing quite like the taste and satisfaction of homemade bread. It’s a simple pleasure that elevates any meal.
* **Freezer-friendly:** This bread freezes beautifully, so you can bake a loaf (or two!) and enjoy it whenever you like.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious English muffin bread:
* **All-purpose flour:** The foundation of our bread. Use unbleached all-purpose flour for best results. Bread flour can also be used for a slightly chewier texture.
* **Active dry yeast:** This is what makes the bread rise. Ensure your yeast is fresh and active for optimal results. Instant yeast can also be used; just skip the proofing step and add it directly to the dry ingredients.
* **Granulated sugar:** A small amount of sugar helps to activate the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness to the bread.
* **Salt:** Essential for flavor! Salt enhances the other flavors and controls the yeast’s activity.
* **Baking soda:** This contributes to the signature nooks and crannies. It helps to create the characteristic bubbly texture of English muffins.
* **Milk:** Adds richness and moisture to the dough. You can use whole milk, 2% milk, or even non-dairy milk alternatives like almond milk or soy milk.
* **Water:** Provides the liquid necessary for the yeast to activate and the dough to form. Use lukewarm water (around 110-115°F) for best results.
* **White vinegar:** A secret ingredient that helps to create the tangy flavor and contributes to the bread’s texture. You can use apple cider vinegar as a substitute.
* **Cornmeal:** Used for dusting the loaf pan to prevent sticking and add a slightly gritty texture to the crust, just like English muffins.
**Detailed Ingredient List and Measurements**
* 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
* 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
* 1 ½ teaspoons salt
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 ½ cups milk, lukewarm
* ¾ cup water, lukewarm
* 2 tablespoons white vinegar
* 2 tablespoons cornmeal, for dusting
Equipment You’ll Need
* **9×5 inch loaf pan:** This is the standard size for most bread recipes. Grease it well and dust with cornmeal to prevent sticking.
* **Large mixing bowl:** For mixing the dough.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** For accurate measurements.
* **Whisk:** For combining the dry ingredients.
* **Wooden spoon or spatula:** For mixing the dough.
* **Clean kitchen towel:** For covering the dough while it rises.
* **Wire rack:** For cooling the bread after baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get baking! Follow these detailed instructions to create your own delicious loaf of English muffin bread.
**Step 1: Proof the Yeast (If Using Active Dry Yeast)**
* In a large mixing bowl, combine the lukewarm milk, lukewarm water, and sugar.
* Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the liquid. Give it a gentle stir.
* Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast is foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use. If the yeast doesn’t foam, it might be old or inactive, and you’ll need to use fresh yeast.
**Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients**
* In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda.
**Step 3: Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients**
* If you proofed the yeast, add the white vinegar to the yeast mixture.
* Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. The dough will be quite sticky, and that’s perfectly fine. Do not overmix.
**Step 4: First Rise**
* Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
* Place the bowl in a warm place and let the dough rise for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size. The rising time will vary depending on the temperature of your kitchen.
**Step 5: Prepare the Loaf Pan**
* While the dough is rising, grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with butter, shortening, or cooking spray. Make sure to grease it thoroughly to prevent sticking.
* Sprinkle the bottom and sides of the greased loaf pan with cornmeal. This will give the bread a slightly gritty texture and help it release easily from the pan.
**Step 6: Shape the Dough**
* Gently punch down the dough to release some of the air.
* Transfer the dough to the prepared loaf pan. Spread it out evenly in the pan.
**Step 7: Second Rise**
* Cover the loaf pan with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
* Let the dough rise again for 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen about an inch above the rim of the pan.
**Step 8: Bake the Bread**
* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should be around 200-210°F (93-99°C).
* If the top of the bread is browning too quickly, you can tent it loosely with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
**Step 9: Cool the Bread**
* Remove the loaf pan from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes.
* After 5-10 minutes, carefully turn the bread out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Tips for Success
* **Use fresh yeast:** This is crucial for a successful rise. Check the expiration date on your yeast and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.
* **Don’t overheat the liquids:** Lukewarm water and milk are ideal for activating the yeast. If the liquids are too hot, they can kill the yeast.
* **Don’t overmix the dough:** Overmixing can develop the gluten too much, resulting in a tough bread. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
* **Let the dough rise in a warm place:** A warm environment helps the yeast to thrive and the dough to rise properly. You can place the bowl in a slightly warmed oven (turned off!) or near a warm stove.
* **Don’t skip the cornmeal:** The cornmeal adds a characteristic texture and flavor to the bread, similar to English muffins. It also helps to prevent sticking.
* **Cool completely before slicing:** This allows the bread to set properly and prevents it from becoming gummy.
Variations and Additions
This recipe is a great starting point, but you can easily customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas:
* **Add cheese:** Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, or Parmesan cheese to the dough for a savory twist.
* **Add herbs:** Mix in dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano for added flavor.
* **Add spices:** A pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or red pepper flakes can add a delicious kick.
* **Add seeds:** Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or sesame seeds can add texture and flavor.
* **Make it whole wheat:** Substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version.
* **Add fruit:** Stir in chopped dried cranberries, raisins, or blueberries for a sweet and fruity bread.
* **Everything Bagel Seasoning:** Sprinkle Everything Bagel seasoning on top of the loaf before baking for that signature flavor.
* **Jalapeno Cheddar:** Add diced jalapenos and cheddar cheese for a spicy and savory loaf.
Serving Suggestions
English muffin bread is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:
* **Toast:** The classic way to enjoy English muffin bread. Toast it and top with butter, jam, honey, or your favorite spread.
* **Sandwiches:** Use it as a sandwich bread for your favorite fillings. It’s especially good with breakfast sandwiches, grilled cheese, or deli meats.
* **Breakfast sandwiches:** Perfect for breakfast sandwiches with eggs, cheese, and bacon or sausage.
* **Eggs Benedict:** Use slices of English muffin bread as the base for Eggs Benedict.
* **Bruschetta:** Toast slices of English muffin bread and top with chopped tomatoes, basil, and garlic for a simple and delicious bruschetta.
* **Garlic bread:** Brush slices of English muffin bread with garlic butter and bake until golden brown for a quick and easy garlic bread.
* **Croutons:** Cube the bread and bake until crispy for homemade croutons.
* **Bread pudding:** Use cubed English muffin bread as the base for a delicious bread pudding.
Storage Instructions
* **Room Temperature:** Store the cooled bread in an airtight container or bread bag at room temperature for up to 3 days.
* **Freezer:** For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
*Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion size.*
* Calories: Approximately 150-200 per slice
* Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams
* Protein: 4-6 grams
* Fat: 1-3 grams
Recipe Card
**Easy English Muffin Bread Recipe**
A simple no-knead recipe for homemade English muffin bread with that signature nooks and crannies texture. Perfect for toast, sandwiches, and more!
**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Rise Time:** 1.5-2 hours
**Bake Time:** 30-35 minutes
**Total Time:** Approximately 3-4 hours
**Yield:** 1 loaf
**Ingredients:**
* 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
* 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
* 1 ½ teaspoons salt
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 ½ cups milk, lukewarm
* ¾ cup water, lukewarm
* 2 tablespoons white vinegar
* 2 tablespoons cornmeal, for dusting
**Instructions:**
1. **Proof the Yeast (If Using Active Dry Yeast):** In a large mixing bowl, combine the lukewarm milk, lukewarm water, and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the liquid. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast is foamy.
2. **Combine the Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda.
3. **Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients:** If you proofed the yeast, add the white vinegar to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. The dough will be sticky.
4. **First Rise:** Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Place the bowl in a warm place and let the dough rise for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
5. **Prepare the Loaf Pan:** While the dough is rising, grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with butter, shortening, or cooking spray. Sprinkle the bottom and sides of the greased loaf pan with cornmeal.
6. **Shape the Dough:** Gently punch down the dough to release some of the air. Transfer the dough to the prepared loaf pan. Spread it out evenly in the pan.
7. **Second Rise:** Cover the loaf pan with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise again for 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen about an inch above the rim of the pan.
8. **Bake the Bread:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can check internal temperature and it should be around 200-210°F (93-99°C).
9. **Cool the Bread:** Remove the loaf pan from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes. Carefully turn the bread out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Conclusion
This English muffin bread recipe is a true gem. It’s simple, satisfying, and delivers that unmistakable English muffin flavor and texture in an easy-to-slice loaf. From breakfast toast to lunchtime sandwiches, this bread is a versatile addition to any kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and prepare to enjoy the delightful taste of homemade English muffin bread. Happy baking!