English Muffin Toasting Bread Recipe
If you love the crispy, golden edges and pillowy centers of classic English muffins, you’re going to be obsessed with this English Muffin Toasting Bread. It’s everything you crave in an English muffin—those iconic nooks and crannies, a hint of tang, and a perfectly chewy bite—but in a simple, sliceable loaf that’s practically begging to be toasted. With a brief prep time and no kneading required, this bread is a weeknight-friendly baking project that will become your new breakfast staple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how such a legendary loaf can come together with a handful of pantry basics. Each ingredient in this English Muffin Toasting Bread plays a starring role, from the flour that forms the structure to the cornmeal that delivers that signature crunch.
- All-purpose flour: This gives the bread its sturdy, tender crumb and the perfect base for all those nooks and crannies.
- Granulated sugar: Just a touch, to help feed the yeast and balance the flavors.
- Salt: Enhances the dough’s flavor and brings out the classic English muffin tang.
- Baking soda: Works with the yeast to create extra lift and a light, airy texture inside the loaf.
- Instant yeast: For fast, reliable rise and that signature yeasty flavor—no proofing required!
- Milk: Adds richness and softness, making each slice extra satisfying.
- Water: Helps hydrate the dough for just the right consistency.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender without overpowering the flavor.
- Cornmeal: The secret to that irresistible, crunchy crust—don’t skip this step!
How to Make English Muffin Toasting Bread
Step 1: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients
Start by grabbing your largest mixing bowl and whisking together the flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, and instant yeast. This simple step ensures the leaveners and salt are evenly distributed, giving your English Muffin Toasting Bread a consistent rise and spot-on flavor in every bite.
Step 2: Warm the Wet Ingredients
In a small saucepan—or a microwave-safe bowl if you’re in a hurry—combine the milk, water, and oil. Gently heat this mixture until it’s warm but not hot, aiming for around 120–130°F. This temperature wakes up the yeast and helps everything blend together smoothly for a perfectly textured dough.
Step 3: Combine and Beat the Dough
Pour the warm wet ingredients into your bowl of dry ingredients and stir until a sticky dough forms. Don’t worry, it’s supposed to be sticky! Now, beat the dough vigorously by hand or with a mixer for 1–2 minutes. This step helps develop the structure, so your bread has those classic nooks and crannies when toasted.
Step 4: Prepare the Pan
Generously grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan, then sprinkle cornmeal over the bottom and sides. This not only prevents sticking but also adds the iconic English muffin crunch and flavor to every edge of your English Muffin Toasting Bread.
Step 5: Fill the Pan and Let It Rise
Spoon the sticky dough into your prepared pan and use a spatula to even out the top. Cover loosely (a clean kitchen towel works perfectly) and let the dough rise in a warm spot for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s puffed up just above the rim of the pan—magic!
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
While your loaf is rising, preheat the oven to 400°F. Once the dough has risen, bake it for 22–25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped. For precision, an internal temperature of 190°F means it’s done. Let it cool on a wire rack before slicing—it’s worth the wait!
How to Serve English Muffin Toasting Bread
Garnishes
English Muffin Toasting Bread shines with a simple swipe of butter that melts into every crevice, but you can take it up a notch with a drizzle of honey, your favorite jam, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a cozy twist.
Side Dishes
This bread is a breakfast superstar, pairing beautifully with fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or a vibrant fruit salad. It’s also wonderful alongside a steaming bowl of soup or as the base for a classic eggs Benedict at brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to get playful! Try using thick slices for epic breakfast sandwiches, toast wedges for a rustic cheese board, or cube it for homemade croutons. English Muffin Toasting Bread is sturdy enough for all your culinary creativity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your English Muffin Toasting Bread in an airtight container or a zip-top bag at room temperature for up to three days. Slicing before storing makes for grab-and-go toasting on busy mornings.
Freezing
This bread is freezer-friendly! Slice the cooled loaf and layer parchment between slices before sealing in a freezer bag. Pop slices straight into the toaster from frozen for a fresh, hot treat anytime you want it.
Reheating
The very best way to enjoy leftover English Muffin Toasting Bread is to toast it until golden. The toaster or oven both work wonders, reviving the edges to crispy perfection and bringing out those signature nooks and crannies.
FAQs
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes! Just proof the active dry yeast in the warm milk and water with the sugar before mixing with the dry ingredients. Your English Muffin Toasting Bread will turn out just as delicious with a few extra minutes of prep.
What if I don’t have cornmeal?
Cornmeal is traditional and gives the loaf its authentic English muffin crunch, but if you’re out, you can dust the pan with semolina or even fine breadcrumbs as a substitute.
Why does my bread seem dense?
This bread should be light with a chewy bite, so density usually means the dough didn’t rise enough or the yeast was old. Make sure your yeast is fresh and let the dough rise until it’s just above the rim of the pan.
Can I make this bread dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute any unsweetened plant-based milk for the dairy milk and use a neutral oil. You’ll still get gorgeous, toasty slices every time.
How do I get the perfect nooks and crannies?
The magic of English Muffin Toasting Bread comes from the sticky dough and vigorous mixing—don’t be tempted to knead or add extra flour. Toasting each slice really brings out those craggy pockets for maximum butter-melting power!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a breakfast treat that’s equal parts easy and irresistible, give this English Muffin Toasting Bread a try. With its crave-worthy texture and endless serving possibilities, it might just become the most-requested loaf in your kitchen. Happy baking!
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English Muffin Toasting Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This English Muffin Toasting Bread recipe produces a soft, slightly chewy loaf with the distinctive nooks and crannies characteristic of traditional English muffins. Perfect for slicing and toasting, this bread offers a delightful texture enhanced by a subtle cornmeal coating, making it an ideal breakfast staple or snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Others
- Cornmeal (for dusting)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, baking soda, and instant yeast to ensure even distribution and aeration.
- Heat Wet Ingredients: Warm the milk, water, and vegetable oil in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl until the temperature reaches about 120–130°F, creating an ideal environment to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Combine and Mix Dough: Pour the warm wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until a sticky dough forms. Beat vigorously by hand or with a mixer for 1–2 minutes to develop the dough’s structure and improve texture.
- Prepare the Pan: Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly and sprinkle the bottom and sides with cornmeal to prevent sticking and add texture to the crust.
- Shape and Proof Dough: Spoon the sticky dough into the prepared loaf pan and level the top with a spatula. Cover loosely with a cloth or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes, or until the dough rises just above the rim of the pan.
- Preheat Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is ready for baking.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F, indicating it is fully baked.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and carefully turn it out onto a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely to finish the cooking process and avoid sogginess when slicing.
- Slice and Toast: For optimal texture and flavor, slice the loaf and toast the slices before serving to bring out the characteristic nooks and crannies of English muffin bread.
Notes
- This bread features the signature nooks and crannies of traditional English muffins, making it perfect for toasting.
- Do not skip the cornmeal dusting on the loaf pan, as it adds a pleasant flavor and texture to the crust.
- For best texture, always slice and toast the bread before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 260 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
