Delicious and Easy English Muffin Loaf Recipe
Do you love the taste of homemade bread, but can’t be bothered with the hassle of kneading and shaping dough? Look no further than this English Muffin Loaf recipe, perfectly designed for your bread machine. With a short ingredient list and simple steps, you can have delicious warm bread in no time at all.
The key to this recipe is using bread flour, which has a higher percentage of gluten than regular flour. This will give you that classic, chewy texture found in English muffins. And don’t worry if you don’t have any on hand – I’ll provide substitutions and variations later on.
Whether you’re using it for toast or sandwich bread, this English Muffin Loaf will not disappoint. Plus, the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your home is reason enough to give this recipe a try. So, dust off your bread machine and let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of the same old bread from the grocery store? Let me introduce you to this mouth-watering English Muffin Loaf, made in your very own bread machine. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create homemade bread that’s just as delicious as the bakery version.
One of the reasons you’ll love this recipe is its versatility. This loaf can be enjoyed toasted with butter and jam or used as sandwich bread. It even makes a great base for French toast or bread pudding. The possibilities are endless! Plus, the texture of this bread is less dense than regular bread, making it perfect for toasting.
Another reason to love this recipe is that it uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry- flour, sugar, salt, eggs, milk, and yeast. That’s it! No need to make a special trip to the grocery store. You can switch up the type of flour you use if you want whole wheat or gluten-free options.
But let’s not forget about the ultimate perk of using a bread machine- no kneading required! Just toss all of the ingredients in the machine and let it do all of the work for you. All you’ll have to do is shape it into a loaf before popping it in your oven.
Finally, there’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh bread wafting through your home. With this recipe, that aroma will be all yours to enjoy. Your friends and family won’t believe that you made such a delicious loaf all on your own.
So why not give this English Muffin Loaf recipe a try? You’ll impress yourself and those around you with your baking skills and enjoy homemade bread like never before.
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this English Muffin Loaf (Bread Machine) Recipe:
- Bread flour: 4 cups
- Sugar: 3 tablespoons
- Salt: 1 1/4 teaspoon
- Instant yeast: 2 teaspoons
- Lukewarm milk (2% or whole), lukewarm water and vegetable oil: 1/4 cup each
- Large eggs, room temperature: 2
- White vinegar (or cider vinegar): 1 teaspoon
- Baking soda: 1 teaspoon
- Cornmeal or semolina flour for dusting: 1/4 cup
Make sure you have a bread machine that has a “dough” or “manual” setting. All of these recipe ingredients can be found at your local grocery store, but keep in mind that using high-quality ingredients will give you the best result.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gathered our ingredients and prepared everything, let’s start creating an English Muffin Loaf using a bread machine!
Instructions
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Add all the ingredients into the bread machine in the following order: 1 1/2 cups lukewarm milk, 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, 3 cups of bread flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of instant yeast.
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Select the Basic/White program and the Light Crust Cycle. Then push the Start button.
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Wait until after the first kneading cycle to add two beaten eggs.
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Optional: sprinkle cornmeal on a greased loaf pan to give your loaf an authentic English muffin texture.
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Transfer dough into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan and let sit for about 10-15 minutes while you preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
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Bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes or until it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
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Cool the bread in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack.
Important Tips
- Do not exceed yeast requirement more than what is needed because it may cause the dough to rise excessively which leads to uneven texture bread.
- To check if your English muffin loaf is done, insert a thermometer into its center, it should read between 190°F and 200°F (87°C – 93°C).
- If you’re not a fan of eggs or if you’re trying to make a Vegan recipe, Omit eggs and consider using apple cider vinegar instead, but reduce it to only one teaspoon.
- If you’re making this recipe by hand instead of using a Bread Machine, follow the same instructions but do so by kneading the dough until it’s soft, elastic and still sticky.
With these steps, your delicious English Muffin Loaf should come out light and fluffy like a perfect Toasting bread or even as a traditional English muffin but less dense than regular bread.
Substitutions and Variations
Folks, let me tell you that this recipe is super versatile! You can make it exactly as it’s written in the ingredient list and directions, or you can mix it up with some of these substitutions and variations to create a whole new bread experience that’s perfect for you.
First things first, if you’re looking for a healthier option, consider swapping out some or all of the white flour for whole wheat flour. This will give your bread an earthy flavor and add some extra nutrition to your diet.
If you’re on a gluten-free diet, don’t worry! You can easily substitute the bread flour with gluten-free flour, and still enjoy the delicious taste of English muffin bread.
For those who don’t have a bread machine or don’t want to use one, fear not! You can mix and knead these ingredients by hand or with a stand mixer. Just remember to follow the same measurements.
If you like sweeter breads, add a little more sugar into the mix. For savory variations, omit the sugar and add garlic or onion powder instead.
Feeling experimental? Try adding some raisins or dried cranberries to give your muffin bread a sweet twist. Or add some cheese to create a cheesy muffin toast that goes perfectly with soups and salads.
Jazz up your muffin toast even more by adding anything from jam and butter to smoked salmon and avocado slices on top. The options are endless!
With all these substitutions and variations possibilities, you’ll never get bored with this recipe!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you have baked your English Muffin Loaf to a perfect golden-brown crust, it’s time for the most enjoyable part – serving and pairing it with your favorite spreads and toppings.
First, make sure to let the bread cool down completely before slicing it. Cutting it while it’s still warm may cause the slices to crumble or fall apart. Once cooled, use a serrated knife to slice the loaf into even portions. The best part about this recipe is that the slices are slightly thicker than regular sandwich bread; they have the perfect thickness for toasting.
Toast your slices to your preferred level of crispiness and slather on some butter or margarine. For a classic English breakfast toast, top with scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheese. Keep it simple with jam, marmalade, or honey. Make a savory breakfast sandwich by adding avocado, tomato, and bacon. Or go fancy with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and chives.
The possibilities are endless! You can also serve this bread as a side dish to soups or stews. Make croutons out of leftover slices for your Caesar salad or French onion soup. Toasted muffin bread is perfect for dipping in cheese fondue or olive oil dips.
When it comes to pairing drinks, English tea is an obvious choice. Brew yourself a cup and enjoy the quintessential British experience. You can also enjoy this bread with coffee or milk.
Overall, having English Muffin Loaf in your bread stash is a game-changer – this versatile bread can be enjoyed at any mealtime of the day!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now that you’ve crafted a perfectly baked English muffin loaf, you may find yourself wanting to make some in advance or store leftovers for future use. To keep your muffin bread fresh and flavorful, simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to three days. If stored in the refrigerator, your muffin bread will maintain its freshness for up to a week.
To freeze your muffin bread, slice it up into desired portions before wrapping tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil or freezer bags. When ready to eat, let it thaw completely at room temperature before reheating in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for five to ten minutes until warmed through.
If reheating individual slices, microwave them on high for 20-30 seconds or toast them using a toaster oven or regular toaster. You can also slice and grill the muffin bread for a delightful twist on traditional toast.
Remember, the key to keeping your muffin bread tasting its best is to avoid exposing it to excess air, moisture and light. Keep it as airtight as possible and avoid prolonged exposure to heat sources.
With this easy-to-follow recipe and helpful tips, you’ll have a perfectly crafted English muffin loaf that’s sure to make even the most seasoned bakers envious!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to baking bread, there are a few tips and tricks that can help ensure your English muffin loaf turns out perfectly. Here are some helpful tips:
Firstly, make sure to use bread flour in this recipe rather than all-purpose flour. Bread flour has a higher percentage of gluten, which will result in a less dense loaf with better structure.
Secondly, consider using instant yeast instead of bread machine yeast. Instant yeast doesn’t need to proof before using, and it will help your bread rise faster.
Thirdly, pay close attention to the order of ingredients when adding them into the bread machine. Add the liquids first, followed by the dry ingredients, and finally top it all off with the yeast.
Fourthly, as tempting as it may be, avoid opening the bread machine too frequently during the baking process. This will cause fluctuations in temperature and could result in an unevenly baked loaf.
Additionally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations on this recipe. Try adding in herbs or spices like rosemary or garlic for an extra burst of flavor.
Finally, if you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using whole wheat English muffins or gluten-free flour substitutes. Either way, your homemade English muffin loaf is sure to be a delicious addition to any meal or even just a tasty slice of toast.
FAQ
As a chef, I understand that every recipe comes with questions and queries. That’s why in this section, I’ll walk you through some of the frequently asked questions and provide helpful tips and solutions to ensure your bread-baking journey with this English Muffin Loaf (Bread Machine) recipe is seamless and successful. Let’s dive in!
What is the difference between English muffin bread and regular bread?
When it comes to calorie count, English muffins contain less calories than slices of wheat bread. One muffin provides 127 calories compared to two slices of bread which have 157 calories. The primary source of calories in both foods is carbohydrates, which are an excellent source of energy for your brain, muscles, and other tissues.
Why did my English muffin bread sink in the middle?
When baking soft-batter bread, it is normal for the loaves to collapse in the center. You don’t have to worry about it. This bread is unlike regular bread which forms a perfect shape when baked. Instead, it comes out flat at the top. After baking, transfer the loaves onto a wire rack to cool for an hour. Once the loaves are completely cool, you can slice them, toast them, and add a generous amount of butter for a real British taste.
Why is my bread machine bread not fluffy?
Getting the desired texture of bread can be tricky, and one of the reasons for it can be incorrect kneading of the dough. There are various other probable causes for the density or heaviness of bread, such as combining yeast and salt or becoming impatient while baking. Another reason can be a lack of tension in the bread before it’s baked.
What makes bread less dense in a bread machine?
Different types of flour have varying amounts of gluten, a protein found in wheat that gives bread its structure. Bread flour has a higher gluten content than all-purpose flour, which results in taller and less dense loaves. If all-purpose flour is used instead, the bread will be flatter and denser.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the English Muffin Loaf (Bread Machine) recipe is a must-try for all bread lovers. The aromatic scent fills your kitchen with a tantalizing aroma, and the loaf is perfect for toast or as a sandwich base. The bread machine does all the hard work, and you are left with a fresh and delicious loaf in no time.
Don’t forget to follow my tips and recommendations throughout the recipe to get the best possible results. Experiment with different variations and substitutions to make it more appealing to your taste buds.
Lastly, always remember that nothing beats homemade bread. So ditch the store-bought bread and impress your family and friends with this perfect English muffin bread recipe. I guarantee that once you try this recipe, regular bread will never be the same again! So what are you waiting for? Get baking and enjoy!
English Muffin Loaf (Bread Machine) Recipe
Ingredients
1 1/2 pound loaf
- 3/4 cup milk (room temperature)
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 1/2 cups bread flour
- 1 3/4 teaspoons bread machine yeast or 1 3/4 teaspoons instant yeast
Instructions
- Measure ingredients into baking pan in the order recommended by the manufacturer.
- Insert pan into the oven chamber.
- Select Basic Cycle.
- When the baking cycle ends, immediately remove the bread from the pan and place it on a rack; let cool to room temperature before slicing.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.