If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up to a warm, crispy, and delightfully chewy breakfast treat, this English Muffin Toasting Bread Recipe is about to become your new best friend. This recipe turns simple pantry staples into a beautifully textured loaf that captures the classic nooks and crannies of an English muffin, perfect for toasting and topping with all your favorite spreads. Whether you enjoy it with butter, jam, or eggs, this homemade bread will make every morning feel special, and the best part is how satisfying it is to bake it yourself from scratch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet vital, each playing a unique role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and golden crust of your English Muffin Toasting Bread. From the creamy milk that enriches the dough to the touch of sugar that helps yeast work its magic, every element counts.
- 3 cups (361g) unbleached all-purpose flour: The heart of the bread, providing structure and chewiness.
- 1 tablespoon (14g) sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness to balance the flavors.
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt: Enhances the overall taste and controls yeast fermentation.
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda: Helps develop the characteristic texture by reacting with the acidity in the dough.
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast: The essential leavening agent that makes the dough rise beautifully.
- 1 cup (227g) milk: Adds tenderness and richness to the crumb.
- ¼ cup (57g) water: Balances moisture, helping the dough come together just right.
- 2 tablespoons (25g) vegetable oil or olive oil: Gives softness and a slight shimmer to the crust.
- Cornmeal, for sprinkling: Prevents sticking and adds a delightful crunch to the bottom of the loaf.
How to Make English Muffin Toasting Bread Recipe
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together your flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, and instant yeast in a large bowl. This ensures even distribution of all your dry components, setting a solid foundation for the dough.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a microwave-safe bowl, blend milk, water, and your chosen oil, then warm this mixture to between 120°F and 130°F. This temperature range is perfect – warm enough to activate the yeast without killing it. Stir well before adding to the dry mix.
Step 3: Mix Dough
Pour the warm liquid slowly over your dry ingredients and mix until everything comes together. Once the dough starts to form, beat it at high speed for 1 full minute. You’ll know it’s ready when the dough feels smooth, soft, and slightly sticky.
Step 4: Prepare Pan
Lightly grease an 8 ½” x 4 ½” loaf pan, then sprinkle a generous coating of cornmeal on the bottom and sides. This step is crucial because it prevents the delicate bread from sticking and adds a subtle crunch and rustic look to the crust.
Step 5: Transfer Dough
Scoop your soft dough gently into the prepared pan, then smooth the top as evenly as possible. Handling the dough with care here helps it rise evenly for that perfect loaf shape.
Step 6: Let Dough Rise
Cover your pan with a clean towel or plastic wrap and leave it in a warm spot to rise for 45 to 60 minutes. Look for the dough to just barely crown over the pan’s rim – that little rise is a sure sign it’s ready to bake.
Step 7: Preheat Oven
While your dough is working its magic, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven is key to developing the golden crust and baking through the loaf evenly.
Step 8: Bake
Once the dough has risen, remove its cover and slide the pan into your preheated oven. Bake for 22 to 27 minutes until the top is beautifully golden and an internal thermometer reads 190°F. The aroma filling your kitchen at this stage is absolutely irresistible.
Step 9: Cool
After baking, let the bread rest in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then gently turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling helps set the crumb and keeps the loaf from becoming gummy when sliced.
How to Serve English Muffin Toasting Bread Recipe
Garnishes
This bread’s inviting nooks and crannies crave a little love from your favorite toppings. Try melting butter that seeps into every crevice, spreading homemade jam for a sweet touch, or layering avocado for a savory, creamy boost. Each garnish brings a new way to enjoy this versatile bread.
Side Dishes
Whether you’re planning a simple breakfast or a light lunch, English Muffin Toasting Bread pairs wonderfully with eggs—poached, scrambled, or fried. It also complements a bowl of soup or a crisp salad perfectly, making any meal feel a touch gourmet yet utterly comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests or simply mix it up? Slice this loaf into thick rounds and toast them to golden perfection, then top with smoked salmon and cream cheese for a brunch-worthy treat. Or create open-faced sandwiches with roasted vegetables and melted cheese, turning this humble bread into the star of the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any bread left, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for about two to three days, perfect for quick toast or sandwiches.
Freezing
English Muffin Toasting Bread freezes beautifully. Slice the loaf first, if you like, then place the slices in a freezer-safe bag with parchment paper between slices to prevent sticking. Frozen bread keeps well for up to three months, so you can enjoy your homemade treat on demand.
Reheating
For best results, thaw frozen slices at room temperature or pop them straight into the toaster. If reheating a whole loaf, warm it in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to revive its crusty exterior and tender crumb.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes! You can substitute whole wheat flour for part or all of the all-purpose flour for a nuttier flavor and denser texture. Just keep in mind the bread might need a bit more liquid and a longer kneading time.
Why do I need to warm the milk and water to 120°F-130°F?
This temperature range activates the yeast without killing it. If the liquid is too hot, it can kill the yeast, preventing your dough from rising properly. Too cool, and the yeast will be sluggish, resulting in a denser bread.
What causes the characteristic nooks and crannies in English muffin bread?
The combination of baking soda and the fermentation process creates steam and gas pockets in the dough, which form those beloved nooks and crannies. Do not skip the baking soda as it’s key to the authentic texture.
Can I make this recipe without a loaf pan?
While the recipe is designed for a loaf pan to create the perfect shape, you can shape the dough into rounds and bake on a cornmeal-dusted sheet pan. Keep an eye on baking time as it may vary slightly.
How long will the bread stay fresh after baking?
Stored at room temperature in an airtight container, this bread will stay fresh for about two to three days. For longer storage, freezing is your best option.
Final Thoughts
This English Muffin Toasting Bread Recipe is more than just a bread; it’s a warm hug in loaf form that promises to brighten your mornings and satisfy your bread cravings any time of day. Easy to make yet irresistibly delicious, it’s a treat worth making again and again. Trust me, once you try baking this at home, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought versions. So grab your ingredients and start baking – your next favorite breakfast is just a loaf away!
Print
English Muffin Toasting Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 3 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (approx. 12 slices)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
This English Muffin Toasting Bread recipe yields a soft, slightly chewy loaf perfect for slicing and toasting. Made with unbleached all-purpose flour, milk, and a hint of sugar, this bread combines the classic flavors of English muffins in an easy, oven-baked loaf form that offers the ideal texture for butter and preserves.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups (361g) unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon (14g) sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (227g) milk
- ¼ cup (57g) water
- 2 tablespoons (25g) vegetable oil or olive oil
Other
- Cornmeal, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, and instant yeast to evenly combine all the dry components.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a microwave-safe bowl, mix the milk, water, and oil, then heat until the mixture reaches 120°F to 130°F. Stir well to ensure uniform temperature before measuring and using.
- Mix Dough: Pour the warm liquid over the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined. Then, beat the mixture at high speed for 1 minute to create a smooth, soft dough.
- Prepare Pan: Lightly grease an 8 ½” x 4 ½” loaf pan and sprinkle cornmeal over the bottom and sides to prevent sticking and add texture.
- Transfer Dough: Scoop the dough into the prepared loaf pan, leveling the surface as best as possible for an even rise.
- Let Dough Rise: Cover the loaf pan and allow the dough to rise for 45 to 60 minutes or until it just crowns over the rim of the pan, indicating it’s ready to bake.
- Preheat Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure proper baking temperature.
- Bake: Remove the cover from the loaf pan and bake the dough for 22 to 27 minutes until the bread turns golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F, signaling it is fully cooked.
- Cool: After baking, let the bread rest for 5 minutes in the pan, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing to preserve texture and flavor.
Notes
- Using warm milk and water is important to activate the instant yeast properly.
- Beating the dough at high speed helps develop the gluten for a proper texture without kneading.
- Sprinkling cornmeal in the pan prevents sticking and adds a slight crunch to the crust.
- Check the internal temperature with a thermometer to ensure the bread is fully baked without overcooking.
- Let the bread cool completely to avoid a gummy texture when slicing.
