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.