Why Make This Recipe

Easy English Muffin Bread is a simple and delicious recipe that brings the joy of homemade bread to your kitchen without the fuss. This bread is perfect for breakfast or snacks. Its texture is soft and tender, while the crust offers a delightful crunch when toasted. Every bite is buttery perfection, making it a great addition to your meal.

How to Make Easy English Muffin Bread

Ingredients

4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (you may need less or a little more)
2 tbsp active dry yeast (or 2 packets)
1 tbsp honey (or sugar)
1/4 cup warm water (110°F)
2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
2 1/4 cups warm milk (110°F; whole milk is great for extra flavor)
Butter (for greasing the pans)
Cornmeal (for dusting the pans)

Directions

Combine the yeast, honey, and warm water in a bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it gets bubbly and fragrant.
In another bowl, whisk together the salt, baking soda, and 1 cup of flour until evenly distributed.
Once the yeast is activated, add the warm milk to the mixture and stir until well combined.
Gradually add the remaining flour, mixing until you have a soft, goopy dough that sticks slightly to your fingers.
Divide the soft dough between two greased and cornmeal-dusted 8-inch loaf pans, or pour it into one 9-inch pan.
Cover the pans with a clean towel and set aside in a warm spot for 30-45 minutes, or until the batter doubles in size.
As the dough rises, preheat your oven to 425°F.
Gently sprinkle cornmeal over the tops of the loaves before baking to add a little crunch and texture.
Place the pans in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes until they sound hollow when tapped and register 190°F-200°F internally.
For a more golden crust, continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes until nicely browned.
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Easy English Muffin Bread

You can serve Easy English Muffin Bread warm or toasted. Spread some butter, jam, or your favorite spread on top for a delightful taste. It’s also great for making sandwiches or enjoying with soups.

How to Store Easy English Muffin Bread

To store this bread, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it. You can toast it straight from the freezer whenever you want.

Tips to Make Easy English Muffin Bread

Make sure your milk and water are warm, but not too hot, to activate the yeast properly.
If the dough is sticky, add a little more flour until it’s manageable.
Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to avoid a gummy texture.

Variation

For a different flavor, consider adding herbs like rosemary or garlic to the dough. You can also incorporate cheese for a savory twist.

FAQs

Q: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
A: Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but it may change the texture slightly. You might need to adjust the liquid amounts.

Q: What can I do if my bread doesn’t rise?
A: Make sure your yeast is fresh and that your liquids are warm, not hot. If your kitchen is cold, try placing the dough in a warmer area.

Q: How do I know when my bread is done baking?
A: The bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped and has an internal temperature of 190°F-200°F.