English Muffin Bread Recipe

This English Muffin Bread recipe makes a delicious loaf that has the same flavor and texture as an English muffin. It's soft inside with a bit of sweetness and a crunchy crust and is great for breakfast, especially when toasted with butter and jam. 

This bread is easy to make with simple ingredients. It brings the goodness of English muffins in a homemade loaf.

It smells heavenly when it's baking. That combination of yeasty goodness and a hint of sweetness is hard to resist. The best part? The texture is like a giant English muffin, all soft on the inside with that perfect crunch on the crust.

What I really appreciate is the simplicity. The prep time is just 15 minutes, and the ingredients are all pantry staples. Oh, and did I mention it's a time-saver? You can let the dough rise while catching up on something else around the house – multitasking at its finest.

For serving, toast a slice and slather on some butter and jam for breakfast bliss. It's also a hit at brunch gatherings or as a side with soups and stews.

Ingredient Notes

See the printable recipe card below for all ingredients, specific measurements, and complete instructions.

• Active dry yeast: Makes the bread rise and gives it that fluffy texture.
• Sugar: Sweetens the dough a bit and helps activate the yeast.
• Lukewarm water: Used to soften the yeast and start the proofing process.
• Lukewarm milk: Adds moisture and richness to the dough.
• Flour: Forms the base of the bread, providing structure.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor by balancing sweetness and bringing out the taste of the other ingredients.
• Baking soda: Helps with the rising process and contributes to the bread's texture.
• Butter: Used for prepping the baking pan and adds a rich, buttery flavor.
• Cornmeal: Dusts the baking pan, creating a slightly crunchy texture on the crust.

How To Make English Muffin Bread

First, soften the yeast in lukewarm water with a bit of sugar - it's like waking it up. Let that proof for about 10 minutes. While it's doing its thing, butter a 9x5 inch loaf pan and give it a nice dusting of cornmeal. Glass or stone pans work best, trust me.

Now, in a big mixing bowl, pour in some lukewarm milk and stir in the yeast mixture. Then, slowly add the flour, salt, and baking soda. No need to go crazy stirring, just mix it in until everything's fully combined. The dough should be sloppy, not like your regular bread dough.

Once that's done, scrape it into the prepared loaf pan, smooth it out, and let it hang out in a warm spot to rise. 

When it's almost level with the top of the pan, preheat your oven to 425º. Pop it in there for about 30 minutes until it's golden brown. 

That's it! Slice it up and enjoy with some butter or jam. Perfect for breakfast or anytime you're in the mood for a homemade treat.

Substitutions and Variations

• Add cinnamon raisin flavor. Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the flour mixture and fold in a half cup of raisins before transferring the dough to the pan. This variation gives the bread a delightful hint of warmth and sweetness.
• Make them honey whole wheat. Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and replace the sugar with honey for a heartier, slightly sweet option. This variation is perfect for those who prefer a wholesome, nutty flavor.
• Infuse your bread with cheese and herbs. Mix in a cup of shredded cheddar or your favorite cheese and a tablespoon of dried herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, for a savory twist. This variation pairs exceptionally well with soups or as a base for gourmet sandwiches.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Freezing

Make Ahead: For advance preparation, the English Muffin Bread dough can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight after the initial rise. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator, let it come to room temperature, and proceed with the baking instructions.

Store: Leftover bread can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, wrapped tightly to maintain freshness. Alternatively, refrigerate the remaining slices to prolong their shelf life for about a week. 

Freeze: To freeze, individually wrap the slices of bread in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen slices can be reheated in a toaster or oven for a quick and convenient option.

Recipe Tips

• Ensure the water used to soften the yeast is lukewarm, not too hot or cold. It should feel comfortably warm to the touch. This step is crucial for yeast activation.
• Allow the dough to rise in a warm spot. A slightly warm oven or a covered bowl in a draft-free area works well. Check for a nearly level rise before proceeding to baking.
• Use a butterknife to loosen the edges before turning it onto a wire rack to cool.
• Cleanup is a breeze if you use parchment paper in the pan.

Here are a few more bread recipes to try!

• Tomato Focaccia Bread
• Homemade Bread
• Peach Bread Recipe
• Homemade Dinner Rolls

If you're into homemade goodness without the fuss, this English Muffin Bread is the way to go. With all the flavors and textures of classic English muffins in a convenient loaf form, it’s one of the best bread recipes you’ll ever make!