English muffin bread is the perfect blend of rustic texture and rich flavor, offering the signature nooks and crannies of traditional English muffins in an easy-to-bake loaf form. It’s delightfully chewy on the inside with a golden, crispy crust, making it ideal for toasting and slathering with butter or jam. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, as a sandwich base, or alongside a hearty soup, this versatile bread will quickly become a household favorite.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) instant yeast
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- Cornmeal, for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, yeast, and baking soda. Stir to mix evenly.
- Heat the liquids: In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, warm the milk, water, and melted butter until the mixture reaches about 120°F-130°F (warm to the touch but not scalding).
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually pour the warm liquid into the dry ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula until a sticky dough forms.
- Shape and rise: Lightly grease an 8×4-inch loaf pan and sprinkle the bottom with cornmeal. Transfer the dough into the pan, spreading it out evenly. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm spot for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake: Remove the cover and bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool and serve: Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. Toast slices to enjoy the classic English muffin texture.
