This English Muffin Toasting Bread brings the classic, irresistible flavor and texture of traditional English muffins to a loaf form. With its soft, slightly tangy crumb and the signature nooks and crannies, this bread is perfect for toasting. Whether you’re enjoying it with butter, jam, or your favorite spread, each slice delivers that perfect crunch and soft, airy interior that makes toasted bread so delightful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a simple and quick way to enjoy the texture and taste of English muffins without all the fuss. The dough is easy to mix, and the results are perfect every time. The bread’s soft interior and crisp exterior make it ideal for toasting, and the golden-brown crust adds the perfect crunch. The recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any special tools, making it an excellent choice for bakers of all experience levels.

Ingredients

3 cups (361g) unbleached all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon (14g) sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon instant yeast
1 cup (227g) milk
1/4 cup (57g) water
2 tablespoons (25g) vegetable oil or olive oil
Cornmeal, for sprinkling

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, and instant yeast.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk, water, and oil. Heat the mixture to between 120°F and 130°F. Stir well before measuring the temperature.
Mix Dough: Pour the hot liquid over the dry ingredients and mix until thoroughly combined. Beat at high speed for 1 minute. The dough will be smooth and very soft.
Prepare Pan: Lightly grease an 8 1/2″ x 4 1/2″ loaf pan and sprinkle the bottom and sides with cornmeal.
Transfer Dough: Scoop the soft dough into the prepared pan, leveling it as much as possible.
Let Dough Rise: Cover the pan and let the dough rise until it’s just barely crowned over the rim, about 45 to 60 minutes.
Preheat Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Bake: Once the dough has risen, remove the cover and bake the bread for 22 to 27 minutes, until it’s golden brown and its interior temperature reaches 190°F.
Cool: Remove the bread from the oven, and after 5 minutes, turn it out onto a rack to cool completely before slicing.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 16 slices
Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cooking Time: 22-27 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Whole Wheat Version: Substitute part or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier, more nutritious loaf.
Herbed Toasting Bread: Add dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the dry ingredients for a flavorful twist.
Cheese and Garlic: Add shredded cheese and garlic powder to the dough for a savory version that’s perfect for garlic toast.
Sweet Version: Stir in some cinnamon and sugar to the dough for a sweet, fragrant loaf that’s perfect for breakfast.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the bread at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy the bread toasted, simply slice and pop it in the toaster. You can also warm slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can use active dry yeast, but you will need to proof it in warm water before adding it to the dry ingredients. Instant yeast doesn’t need to be activated, so it’s more convenient for this recipe.

Do I need to let the dough rise twice?

This recipe only requires one rise in the pan. The dough will rise enough during baking to create that perfect soft interior.

Can I add mix-ins like raisins or nuts?

Yes, you can add raisins, nuts, or other mix-ins to the dough. Just fold them in gently after mixing the wet and dry ingredients together.

How can I tell if the bread is done baking?

The bread is done when it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also check the internal temperature—190°F indicates it’s fully cooked.

Why do I need to use cornmeal in the pan?

Cornmeal adds a nice texture and helps prevent the dough from sticking to the pan. It also contributes a subtle flavor to the crust.

Can I make this bread without a loaf pan?

This recipe is best in a loaf pan, but you could also try shaping the dough into a round loaf and baking it on a baking sheet. The texture might change slightly, but it will still be delicious.

Can I make this bread without milk?

Yes, you can substitute the milk with water or a dairy-free alternative like almond milk or soy milk for a dairy-free version.

Can I make this bread in a bread machine?

Yes, you can make this recipe in a bread machine. Just add the ingredients according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and use the dough cycle to prepare the bread. After the rise, bake it in the oven as directed.

How do I know when the bread has fully risen?

The dough should rise until it’s just slightly above the rim of the loaf pan. If it hasn’t risen enough, give it a little more time before baking.

Can I slice the bread while it’s still warm?

It’s best to let the bread cool completely before slicing to ensure the texture is just right. Slicing it while still warm can make the bread crumbly and difficult to cut.

Conclusion

This English Muffin Toasting Bread is a must-try for anyone who loves the comforting, airy texture of English muffins. It’s easy to make, quick to bake, and perfect for toasting. Whether you’re enjoying it with your morning coffee or making a sandwich, this bread brings all the best flavors of classic English muffins into a convenient loaf form. Give it a try and enjoy its delicious nooks and crannies with every slice!

English Muffin Toasting Bread

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Print Recipe

This English Muffin Toasting Bread is a simple and quick recipe that brings the classic flavor of English muffins to a soft, fluffy loaf. With its airy crumb, slightly tangy flavor, and crispy exterior, it’s perfect for toasting and enjoying with your favorite spreads. This easy bread recipe requires minimal effort and yields a delicious loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or snacking!

Total Time: 2 hour 3 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (16 slices)

Instructions

1. Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, and instant yeast.

2. Combine Wet Ingredients:

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine milk, water, and oil. Heat the mixture to 120°F to 130°F and stir well before measuring.

3. Mix Dough:

Pour the hot liquid over the dry ingredients and mix until fully combined. Beat at high speed for 1 minute. The dough will be smooth and soft.

4. Prepare Pan:

Lightly grease an 8 ½” x 4 ½” loaf pan and sprinkle with cornmeal to coat the bottom and sides.

5. Transfer Dough:

Scoop the soft dough into the prepared pan and level it out as much as possible.

6. Let Dough Rise:

Cover the pan and let the dough rise for 45 to 60 minutes until it is just barely crowned over the rim.

7. Preheat Oven:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while the dough rises.

8. Bake:

Once the dough has risen, remove the cover and bake for 22 to 27 minutes, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F.

9. Cool:

Remove the bread from the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes, then turn it out onto a rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Whole Wheat Version: Replace some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a more nutritious loaf.
Cheese and Garlic: Add shredded cheese and garlic powder to the dough for a savory version.
Herbed Bread: Mix in fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a fragrant twist.
Sweet Version: Stir in cinnamon and sugar for a sweet, fragrant loaf.

Author: Sophia
Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Mixing, Rising, Baking
Cuisine: American, Homemade
Diet: Vegetarian