English Muffin Bread!

There’s a secret weapon in my kitchen that’s saved me from countless breakfast dilemmas, midnight toast cravings, and last-minute potluck panic: English Muffin Bread. This humble loaf is everything you love about English muffins—craggy texture, buttery crisp edges, and those iconic nooks perfect for pooling jam—but without the fuss of shaping individual muffins. Best of all? It requires zero kneading, minimal effort, and tastes like it came straight from a bakery.

Whether you’re a bread-baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe is your ticket to homemade magic. Let’s dive in!

Why English Muffin Bread Belongs in Your Kitchen

No-Knead Simplicity: Mix, rise, bake—done. No stand mixer or arm workouts required.

Texture Heaven: The lumpy, bumpy dough bakes into a loaf riddled with holes (thanks to cornmeal!), just like classic English muffins.

Toasting Superpowers: It’s meant to be toasted. Crisp it up, slather it with butter, and watch it transform into golden perfection.

Pantry-Friendly: Basic ingredients you likely already have: flour, yeast, milk, and a touch of sugar.

Ingredients & Simple Swaps

(Makes 1 loaf)

3 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour for extra chew)

1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast

1 tbsp granulated sugar (or honey)

1 tsp salt

1 cup warm milk (dairy or plant-based—oat milk works beautifully)

½ cup warm water

Cornmeal (for dusting the pan)

Optional add-ins:

1 tbsp garlic powder + rosemary for savory bread.

1 cup shredded cheddar for cheesy pull-apart goodness.

2 tbsp everything bagel seasoning for crunch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Activate the Yeast:

In a large bowl, whisk together warm milk (110°F), water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Mix the Dough:

Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until just combined—it’ll look shaggy and sticky (this is good!).

Let It Rise:

Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let the dough rise in a warm spot for 1 hour. It should double in size and look bubbly.

Prep the Pan:

Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and dust the bottom and sides generously with cornmeal.

Bake:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the dough into the pan (don’t smooth it out—lumps create nooks!). Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.

Cool & Crisp:

Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. For extra crunch, slice and toast right away!

Pro Tips for Nook-tastic Success

Don’t Overmix: Lumpy dough = more nooks. Stir until just combined.

Cornmeal Is Key: It adds grit and texture, mimicking traditional English muffins.

Bake Until Golden: Underbaked bread will be gummy. Aim for a deep golden crust.

Freeze for Later: Slice cooled bread, wrap in parchment, and freeze for up to 3 months. Toast straight from frozen!

5 Ways to Jazz Up Your Loaf

Cinnamon-Raisin: Fold in ½ cup raisins + 1 tsp cinnamon into the dough.

Seedy Crunch: Top with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or sunflower seeds before baking.

Garlic-Herb: Mix 2 minced garlic cloves + 1 tbsp Italian seasoning into the dough.

Whole Wheat: Swap 1 cup all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour.

Sweet Version: Add ¼ cup honey + 1 tsp vanilla for French toast-friendly bread.

Serving Ideas Beyond Basic Toast

Eggs Benedict: Use thick slices as the base for hollandaise-drenched perfection.

Grilled Cheese: The nooks trap melty cheddar like a dream.

Bread Pudding: Stale slices make a caramelized, custardy dessert.

Avocado Smash: Top with smashed avocado, chili flakes, and a fried egg.

FAQs: Your Questions, Answered

Why didn’t my bread rise?

Your yeast might be dead. Test it first by mixing with warm water and sugar—if it doesn’t foam, replace it.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add 1 tsp xanthan gum.

Why is my bread dense?

Overmixing or under-proofing. Let the dough rise fully, and handle it gently.

How long does it last?

Store in an airtight container for 3 days at room temp, or freeze for longer freshness.

The Story Behind the Bread

English Muffin Bread is a clever hack born in home kitchens, designed to replicate the texture of store-bought English muffins without specialized rings or griddles. Its popularity soared in the 1970s as no-knead recipes gained traction, and today, it’s a staple for anyone craving artisanal flavor with minimal effort.

Final Slice of Wisdom

This bread is a reminder that sometimes, the simplest things are the most extraordinary. Whip up a loaf on a lazy Sunday, toast it slowly, and savor the fact that you’ve just mastered a bakery-worthy treat—with barely any work.