Print

English Muffin Bread

English Muffin Bread
Print Recipe

English Muffin Bread is a soft, airy loaf with a delightfully crisp crust that combines the best qualities of traditional English muffins into a convenient sliced bread. Perfect for toast, sandwiches, and versatile meal ideas, this recipe uses simple pantry staples to create fresh, preservative-free bread that elevates everyday meals. Easy to prepare, it offers a unique texture and subtle flavor that will quickly become a household favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups bread flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup warm milk (about 105°F/40°C)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare the yeast mixture: Warm the milk slightly and dissolve the sugar and active dry yeast in it. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly, signaling that the yeast is active and ready.
  2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the bread flour, salt, and baking soda, ensuring the baking soda is evenly distributed to help form that crisp crust later on.
  3. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the yeast mixture and melted butter into the dry ingredients. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then knead it on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, roughly 1 to 1.5 hours.
  5. Shape and second rise: Punch down the dough gently, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased bread pan. Cover again and let it rise until the dough reaches the top of the pan, about 45 minutes.
  6. Bake to perfection: Preheat the oven and bake the loaf at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes until golden brown with a crisp crust. Let it cool completely before slicing to preserve the perfect texture.

Notes

  • Ensure your milk is warm but not hot to keep yeast happy and active.
  • Spend enough time kneading to develop gluten for that classic chewy texture.
  • Allow the dough to fully proof twice for the lightest, airiest loaf.
  • Measure baking soda accurately as it is key for the crust’s crispness.
  • Cool the bread completely before slicing to prevent it from becoming gummy inside.

Nutrition

Keywords: English Muffin Bread, soft bread, crisp crust, homemade bread, sandwich bread, breakfast bread

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/english-muffin-bread/