English Muffin Toasting Bread Recipe

If you have ever craved the perfectly textured, crisp-on-the-outside and tender-on-the-inside bread that makes every breakfast or snack extra special, then this English Muffin Toasting Bread Recipe is about to become your new kitchen obsession. It’s like a warm hug from your toaster, delivering that iconic nooks-and-crannies texture that soaks up butter and jam like a dream while offering the convenience of a loaf you slice and toast whenever you please. Whether you’re an avid baker or someone who just loves the charm of homemade bread, this recipe brings a deliciously rustic yet soft bread experience straight to your countertop.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple with everyday ingredients that work in harmony to create incredible flavor, texture, and aroma. Each component is essential, from the flour’s sturdy structure to the touch of sugar and salt that balance the taste perfectly, and the yeast that brings the loaf beautifully to life.

• 3 cups (361g) unbleached all-purpose flour: The backbone of your bread, providing structure and tenderness.
• 1 tablespoon (14g) sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that helps the yeast activate and develop flavor.
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda: A gentle leavening agent helping to give the bread its unique texture.
• 1 tablespoon instant yeast: Ensures a steady and reliable rise for a light, airy crumb.
• 1 cup (227g) milk: Adds richness and a tender crumb to the bread.
• ¼ cup (57g) water: Hydrates the flour and blends everything together smoothly.
• 2 tablespoons (25g) vegetable oil or olive oil: Keeps the loaf moist and adds a delicate flavor depth.
• Cornmeal, for sprinkling: Creates that classic English muffin bottom crust texture and prevents sticking.

How to Make English Muffin Toasting Bread Recipe

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

Begin by whisking together the flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, and instant yeast in a large bowl. This step ensures all dry components are evenly distributed, giving your bread a perfectly consistent texture and rise.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a microwave-safe bowl, mix the milk, water, and oil, then heat gently until the mixture reaches about 120°F to 130°F. This warm liquid activates the yeast without killing it, which is crucial for a good rise and soft crumb.

Step 3: Mix Dough

Pour the warm wet mixture over the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly to combine. Then beat the dough at high speed for about a minute; this will give you a smooth, soft dough that’s easy to work with but still full of potential for fluffiness and tenderness.

Step 4: Prepare Pan

Lightly grease an 8 ½” x 4 ½” loaf pan, then sprinkle cornmeal all over the bottom and sides. This trick not only prevents sticking but also mimics the texture of traditional English muffins, giving your bread that signature slightly crunchy, grainy crust.

Step 5: Transfer Dough

Transfer your soft dough into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Handling the dough gently keeps the air bubbles intact, so the bread bakes up light and full of those perfect nooks and crannies.

Step 6: Let Dough Rise

Cover the pan and let the dough rise for 45 to 60 minutes. You want it just barely to crown over the rim of the pan — that’s a sign it is perfectly proofed and ready for the oven.

Step 7: Preheat Oven

While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven ensures a nice golden crust and that lovely English muffin texture.

Step 8: Bake

Once risen, remove the cover and bake the bread for 22 to 27 minutes. Watch for a golden-brown top and an internal temperature of about 190°F to know your bread is thoroughly baked but still tender inside.

Step 9: Cool

Let your bread rest for 5 minutes in the pan before turning it out onto a cooling rack. Cooling fully before slicing lets steam escape, keeping every slice from becoming gummy or dense.

How to Serve English Muffin Toasting Bread Recipe

Garnishes

Serve slices toasted with a swipe of real butter that melts into every nook and cranny. For a touch of sweetness, try your favorite preserves, honey, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a cozy twist on the classic.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with both savory and sweet sides. Think smooth avocado mash with a pinch of lemon and chili flakes, hearty scrambled eggs, or a fresh fruit salad to complement its versatile flavor profile.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not make mini breakfast sandwiches with sausage patties, cheese, and fried eggs using your homemade English muffin toasting bread? Or top a slice with creamy ricotta, fresh berries, and a drizzle of honey for a surprisingly elegant treat that transforms any meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps your bread fresh while maintaining its beloved texture.

Freezing

If you want to keep your loaf longer, slice it first and freeze individual pieces separated by parchment paper. This way, it’s easy to pull out just what you need and still enjoy that fresh-baked feeling on demand.

Reheating

To bring your bread back to life, toast slices until golden brown or warm them in the oven wrapped in foil. This gentle reheating revives the crispy crust and soft inside as if it’s freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour in this English Muffin Toasting Bread Recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute part or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and denser texture. Just keep in mind the bread may need a bit more hydration and a slightly longer rise time.

Why is cornmeal important in this recipe?

Cornmeal adds that classic English muffin crunch on the bottom crust and helps the bread release easily from the pan. It gives a little grainy texture that is signature to English muffins but unique when baked as a loaf.

Can I make this bread dairy-free?

Yes! Simply swap the milk for any plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat milk. The texture may shift slightly but the bread will still be delicious and perfect for toasting.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The best way is to check that the top is golden brown and use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the internal temperature hits 190°F. This guarantees the loaf is baked through but still soft and tender.

Can I speed up the rising process?

While you can place the dough in a warm, draft-free spot to encourage faster rising, rushing it too much may compromise the flavor and texture. Patience here truly rewards you with the best possible bread.

Final Thoughts

Trying this English Muffin Toasting Bread Recipe will transform your bread game with its incredible texture and homey flavor that’s perfect for every occasion. It’s a real joy to bake and even more satisfying to eat when you bite into that soft, nubby crumb with a perfectly crisp crust. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll keep coming back to this recipe again and again — I promise your toaster will thank you!

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