Delicious English Muffin Loaf Bread Recipe!
Dearest reader,
I am thrilled to share with you a recipe for a delightful English muffin loaf bread. This recipe is a twist on traditional English muffins, combining their soft and chewy texture with the convenience of sliced bread. It is perfect for breakfast or brunch, toasted and spread with butter, honey or jam. It is also great for sandwiches and serves as an excellent side with soup, salad or stews.
As a chef specializing in British cuisine, I highly recommend this recipe to anyone who loves the distinct taste of English muffins and freshly baked bread. The combination of bread flour and whole wheat flour results in a bread that has the perfect balance between tenderness and firmness. With added cornmeal on top, this bread will be visually appealing – perfectly golden brown.
Making this English muffin loaf bread recipe is quite simple and requires only a few ingredients. The key ingredient – baking soda – reacts with warm water to create air pockets within the dough and give it that signature texture that true English muffins are known for. With minimal effort, you can achieve an authentic taste without having to knead the dough.
Whether you are an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, I promise that this recipe will impress your family and friends. So why not give it a try? Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
My dearest reader, let me convince you why you’ll fall in love with this English Muffin Loaf Bread recipe.
Firstly, this bread recipe is an absolute game-changer. It combines the best of both worlds: the crispy and chewy texture of English muffins and the comforting warmth of freshly baked bread. This recipe is perfect for those who love a good homemade loaf but are intimidated by the more traditional bread recipes.
What’s more, this loaf bread recipe requires only a handful of ingredients that can be found in any kitchen around the world: flour, yeast, sugar, salt, milk, water, and baking soda. The combination of these elements creates a mouthwatering aroma that will without a doubt transport you to the streets of London!
Not only that, but you can also make endless variations of this recipe to suit your taste buds. You could mix in whole wheat flour for a healthy twist or add some sourdough starter for an even richer flavor.
But the best part? It doesn’t require any fancy equipment or techniques! You don’t need a bread machine or to knead the dough for hours on end. Just simply mix everything together and let the yeast work its magic.
Picture yourself with a freshly toasted slice slathered in butter, maybe with a side of jam or honey. Or how about some avocado and poached egg on top? The possibilities are endless.
Trust me when I say that once you try making this English Muffin Loaf Bread, it will become your go-to bread recipe forevermore.
Ingredient List
Before we dive into the recipe itself, let’s take a look at what you’ll need on hand to make this delicious English Muffin Loaf Bread Recipe. This recipe requires a blend of both bread flour and whole wheat flour, which give the bread its signature texture and flavor. You’ll also need warm water, milk, and sugar to activate the yeast, as well as cornmeal and kosher salt to add some extra texture and flavor. Here’s a comprehensive list of everything you’ll need:
- 2 cups bread flour
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 cups warm water
- 1 cup milk
You’ll also need some additional cornmeal and flour for dusting and shaping the dough, but these won’t be added directly to the dough itself. Once you’ve gathered up all your ingredients, it’s time to start baking!
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s move on to the exciting part – making the English Muffin Loaf Bread! This recipe is straightforward and can be made in a few simple steps. Before we start, make sure you have all the ingredients at hand.
Ingredients:
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4 cups bread flour
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2 cups whole wheat flour
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1 tablespoon granulated sugar
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1 tablespoon kosher salt
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2 teaspoons baking soda
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1 tablespoon + ¼ teaspoon active dry yeast (or 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast)
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3 cups warm water (at around 110°F)
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Cornmeal (for dusting)
Instructions:
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In a large bowl, combine both flours, granulated sugar, kosher salt, baking soda, and yeast.
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Pour in warm water and mix until well combined.
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Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with some butter or oil and sprinkle cornmeal over the bottom and sides of the pan.
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Pour the mixture into the greased loaf pan and smooth out the surface using a spatula.
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Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has almost doubled in size.
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Preheat your oven to 350°F.
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Bake the English Muffin Loaf Bread for approximately 35 to 40 minutes, or until it’s golden brown on top.
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Remove from oven and cool for about 10 minutes before removing from the loaf pan.
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Slice and enjoy your freshly baked English Muffin Loaf Bread!
Notes:
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Make sure to use warm water that is between 105°F and 110°F as it helps activate the yeast.
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You can use either active dry yeast or instant yeast for this recipe. Be sure to activate active dry yeast in warm water with sugar before using it in the recipe.
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The bread can be stored in a plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Substitutions and Variations
If you want to switch things up or adapt this recipe to fit your dietary restrictions, there are a few substitutions and variations you can try. Here are some ideas:
– Whole wheat flour: You can replace some or all of the bread flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier and more nutritious loaf. Keep in mind that whole wheat flour tends to absorb more liquid than white flour, so you may need to add a bit more water or milk to the dough.
– Sourdough: For a tangy and rustic twist, you can use sourdough starter instead of yeast. Simply substitute the same amount of starter for the yeast and adjust the amount of flour and water accordingly. Keep in mind that sourdough doughs usually need longer rising times, so plan accordingly.
– No-knead: If you don’t want to knead the dough by hand or with a mixer, you can try a no-knead version of the recipe. Simply mix all the ingredients in a large bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a lid, and let it sit at room temperature for 12-18 hours, until it doubles in volume. Then, transfer the dough to a greased loaf pan and bake as directed.
– Gluten-free: If you need to avoid gluten, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular bread flour. Keep in mind that gluten-free flours tend to behave differently than wheat flours, so you may need to experiment with ratios and rising times.
– Flavor add-ins: You can customize this bread by adding different herbs, spices, cheeses, nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to the dough. Some delicious options include rosemary, garlic powder, parmesan cheese, sunflower seeds, or cranberries.
No matter which variation or substitution you choose, make sure to adjust the flour and liquid quantities as needed and follow the basic steps of the recipe. With a bit of creativity and experimentation, this English Muffin Loaf Bread recipe can become your own signature dish.
Serving and Pairing
Now that you have made this delectable English Muffin Loaf Bread, it’s time to serve it up with some delicious pairings. This bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch or as a snack with your favorite spread.
One of the classic ways to enjoy this bread is by toasting it and slathering it with butter or jam. The crispy texture on the outside, and the soft and fluffy texture on the inside make it an ideal base for savory toppings such as cheese, avocado, and smoked salmon.
You can also use this bread to make some yummy sandwiches. Fill them with your favorite meats, vegetables, and sauces for a satisfying and filling meal. When making grilled cheese sandwiches with this bread, the texture of the loaf will create a perfect crunchy exterior and gooey interior.
Pair this bread with your favorite hot beverage like tea, coffee, or hot cocoa. Also, for breakfast, you can serve this bread drizzled with honey and fruit compote, topped with Greek yogurt and fresh berries.
This versatile English Muffin Loaf Bread goes well with many foods so feel free to experiment with toppings or pairings. You can even use it as a base for a homemade pizza crust; simply add some tomato sauce and cheese and toast it in the oven until golden brown.
In conclusion, this recipe for English Muffin Loaf Bread is so versatile that you can serve it in different ways for any occasion of your day. With its delicious taste and warm aroma, you won’t be able to resist indulging in more than one slice!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Allowing the English Muffin Loaf Bread to cool completely before storing is crucial, as any residual heat can create an ideal environment for moisture buildup, leading to mold and stale bread. You can store the loaf at room temperature in a ziplock bag for up to three days. For longer storage, place it in the fridge or freezer.
This bread is perfect for make-ahead meals because you can prepare it early and reheat it when convenient. You can toast the loaf slices for breakfast or sandwich, or heat them in the microwave with a lid on it for 10 seconds on high power.
Toasting this loaf is an excellent way of giving it added flavor, transforming it from ordinary bread into a toasted muffin with a crispy texture. The warm and crispy taste from the English muffin makes for a delightful treat with butter, jam, honey, or any other spread of your choice.
If you find yourself pressed for time during the week, this recipe is ideal as you make one loaf that could last several meals. You can also double up the ingredients for larger-size loaves or make mini muffin-sized loaves to use as dinner rolls.
Finally, reheating the muffin loaf is simple, all you need is a toaster or toaster oven. Toast until golden brown and serve immediately with your favorite toppings—the possibilities are endless!
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve the perfect result in making an English Muffin Loaf Bread, there are some essential tips that you need to know. As a chef who specializes in British cuisine, I have learned some tricks and techniques that contribute to good results. Below are some tips to help make your English Muffin Loaf Bread recipe a success.
Firstly, it is essential to weigh and measure all of your ingredients accurately. Baking is a science, and any slight variation can affect the structure and texture of your bread. Therefore, avoid using volume measurements such as cups for dry ingredients; instead, use weight measurements using a digital kitchen scale.
Secondly, use ice-cold water when kneading the bread dough. Cold water will help to reduce the temperature of the dough, making it firmer and easier to handle. This process also prevents over-rising.
Thirdly, let the bread dough rest for at least ten minutes before kneading or shaping. This way, gluten develops, making it easier to achieve a more profound rise during baking. Also, it helps your bread become airy and fluffy.
Fourthly, brushing the loaf with milk before baking gives a more golden-brown appearance after baking. A lightly toasted surface will add to the appearance and flavor of your bread.
Fifthly, ensure not to over-proof the dough since over-proving leads to flat loaves with diminished structures. You can tell if your dough has overproved if it lost its shape when you touched it.
Lastly, avoid peeking at the bread while baking because this affects proper oven temperature. The slightest variation in temperature can cause uneven cooking or result in an under-cooked or burnt loaf.
By following these tips and taking utmost care while preparing your English Muffin Loaf Bread recipe ingredients, I guarantee you’ll have fantastic results every time you bake this delicious homemade treat!
FAQ
As we come to the end of this recipe article for English Muffin Loaf Bread, it’s time to address some common questions that you may have. Whether you’re a baker looking to experiment with new techniques or a beginner hoping to achieve a perfect bake, knowing the ins and outs of this recipe is essential. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about our English muffin bread recipe, and all you need to know to become an expert baker!
What is the difference between English muffin bread and regular bread?
When it comes to counting calories, English muffins are a better choice than bread since they contain less with only 127 calories per muffin. In comparison, two slices of wheat bread contain around 157 calories. However, both options are rich in carbohydrates which are essential for fueling your brain and muscles.
What kind of bread is English muffin?
If you are a morning person, you might have come across English muffins. They are a type of bread made with yeast, which makes them light and fluffy. Usually eaten at breakfast, they have a chewy texture and a subtle taste. You can add different ingredients like raisins, cranberries or blueberries to them to spice up their flavor. One of the most common ways to enjoy English muffins is to make egg benedict with them.
What makes bread super soft and fluffy?
The presence of carbon dioxide is accountable for the airy texture of bread, thanks to the tiny pockets created by its bubbles. The yeast’s growth within the dough causes the release of gas, resulting in an increase in the dough’s volume and a light and fluffy texture for the finished bread.
Is English muffin bread healthy?
When comparing the nutritional content of bread and English muffins, the latter tends to offer a slightly healthier option due to its lower levels of carbohydrates and sugar. Although bread does contain marginally higher levels of fat, both bread and English muffins have less than 1 gram of total fat.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this English Muffin Loaf Bread recipe is a fantastic addition to any baker’s repertoire. Not only is it easy to make, but the end result is a delicious and versatile bread that can be enjoyed any time of day. The use of cornmeal gives it a unique texture and flavor, while the mixture of bread flour and whole wheat flour makes it both hearty and healthy.
Whether you plan on toasting it for breakfast, using it as sandwich bread, or just enjoying it plain with a pat of butter, this bread will not disappoint. Plus, with its make-ahead and storing options, you can easily have a fresh loaf on hand at all times.
So go ahead and try this recipe out for yourself. You won’t be disappointed!
English Muffin Loaf Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup oat flour
- 1 1/2-2 cups bread flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 (1/4 ounce) package yeast or 2 1/2 teaspoons yeast
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- cornmeal
- pan hot water
Instructions
- Grease loaf pan with shortening or butter and dust with cornmeal.
- Scald milk and water till 110°F
- Dissolve yeast and sugar in liquids.
- Slowly mix whole wheat and oat flour, baking soda, and salt with 1 cup bread flour and liquids.
- Gradually add enough bread flour to make a soft dough that pulls away from the sides of the bowl leaving it clean. I mix this by hand rather than dough hook since it does not need to be kneaded.
- Turn in to dusted loaf pan, dust top with light sprinkle of cornmeal and place in oven with pan of hot water in back lower corner of oven.
- Let rise 60-90 minutes till taunt and tall,.
- Turn oven on to 350F and let bake about 20 to 30 minutes till golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Turn oven off and vent door to allow to slowly cool, about 10 minutes then turn out on cooling rack to cool. Will slice best when cooled. Great with butter and lemon curd. Still working on a curd recipe I like.
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.