Tasty English Muffiny Bread Recipe for Breakfast Delight
Attention all foodies and bread enthusiasts! I present to you my latest creation – English Muffiny Bread recipe. This recipe is perfect for those craving the warmth of a freshly baked loaf of bread combined with the convenience of English muffins.
As a chef specializing in British cuisine, I can confidently say that this recipe is a beautiful amalgamation of traditional and modern techniques. It combines the satisfying texture of muffins with the softness and taste of bread.
Preparing this recipe is incredibly easy, and it doesn’t require any fancy machinery or ingredients. With just a few basic pantry ingredients, you can create a healthier bread option and bid adieu to high carbohydrate, fat and sugar-laden bread.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron and let’s dive into this easy English muffin bread!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Have you ever had an English muffin bread? Well, let me tell you, once you get a taste of this delicious and easy-to-make bread recipe, you won’t ever want to go back to plain old sliced bread.
This easy English muffin bread recipe has all the nooks and crannies that make English muffins so irresistible, but without the fuss and time-consuming steps of making individual muffins. Plus, it’s healthier than traditional white bread, with lower carbohydrates, fats, and sugars.
The ingredients for this recipe are simple and likely already on your pantry shelf: flour, water, milk, yeast, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cornmeal. And if that isn’t enough to convince you yet, let me tell you that this homemade English muffin bread tastes way better than the store-bought ones that are often loaded with preservatives and additives.
This versatile bread is perfect for breakfast toast topped with butter or jam, but it also makes a great sandwich bread for lunch or dinner. The crust is crispy golden brown while the inside is soft and fluffy – a combination that will leave your taste buds craving more.
Not only is this recipe easy to follow for seasoned bakers alike, but the results are always consistent – like oven-baked perfection every time. Trust me; you’ll love this easy English muffin bread recipe as much as I do!
Ingredient List
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (or 2 envelopes of instant yeast)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup warm milk (110-115°F)
- 1/2 cup warm water (110-115°F)
- cornmeal, for dusting
Note: Make sure that all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Mixing the Ingredients
In a large bowl, I mixed 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 1 ½ teaspoons of instant yeast. Then, I added 1 ¼ cups of warm water and 1/2 cup of milk into the mix.
Using a wooden spoon or a rubber spatula, I stirred the ingredients until they were combined. The dough should be sticky and shaggy at this point.
Step 2: Kneading the Dough
I then sprinkled some flour on a clean surface and transferred the dough to it. I began kneading the dough for about 10-12 minutes. To effectively knead the dough, I folded it over, pushed down with the heels of my hands, rotated it to repeat the process until smooth.
Step 3: Proofing and Rising
After that, I lightly oiled a bowl then placed my dough in it. I covered the bowl using plastic wrap and let the dough rest for an hour until it doubled in size.
Next, I coated a loaf pan with cornmeal before transferring my risen dough to it. Using my fingers, I pressed it down slightly to fit into the pan’s shape then covered it again with a kitchen towel.
Step 4: Baking Process
Preheat your oven to 375°F, allowing your pan to warm for up to five minutes before placing your bread into it. Bake it for about 30-35 minutes or until golden brown; by thumping on its bottom part make sure that its sound sounds hollow.
Step 5: Cooling Down
When done baking carefully remove from pan and transfer onto cooling racks to cool down for about ten minutes before slicing and serving.
Enjoy this easy English Muffin Bread Recipe!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to switch up this English Muffin Bread recipe? Fear not, as there are plenty of options for substitutions and variations that will help you create a personalized and delicious loaf!
Firstly, if you’re trying to make a healthier bread, consider swapping out some of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour. This will increase the fiber content while also reducing the amount of carbohydrates, fats, and sugars in your loaf.
If you’re looking to put your own twist on this classic recipe, try experimenting with different types of sugar such as honey or maple syrup. You can also try adding in some spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an added layer of flavor.
Want to make this recipe gluten-free? Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and replace the active dry yeast with an equal amount of baking powder.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some mix-ins to your bread dough such as raisins or dried cranberries for a sweet touch, cheddar cheese or jalapenos for a savory taste or sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for added texture.
Finally, you can always divide the dough into smaller portions and shape them into smaller rounds for delicious English muffins. Toasted to golden brown perfection, these easy English muffins will be sure to impress your breakfast guests!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve made this easy English muffin bread recipe, it’s time to figure out what to serve it with. You can slice this bread and toast it for breakfast or brunch or use it as a base for several types of open-faced sandwiches.
The subtle sweetness and light crumb make English muffin bread perfect for both sweet and savory applications. While the texture of the bread is similar to that of an English muffin, the shape of the loaf instead allows for a wider range of food pairings.
Butter, jam, or honey make the perfect toppings for this bread, but don’t be afraid to experiment with other spreads such as lemon curd or whipped honey cream cheese. You can even use it as a substitute for regular sandwich bread when making tuna or chicken salad.
You can also use this bread in savory dishes because its wholesome flavor complements many ingredients. Top toasted slices with cheese and tomato slices for an easy and delicious snack, or make eggs benedict stacked high with Canadian bacon, poached eggs and hollandaise sauce!
This easy English muffin bread is also perfect for dipping in soups or sopping up pasta sauce, thanks to the porous texture. It works well with all types of cheese plates – sharp cheddar, brie or camembert – thus making an excellent choice for entertaining guests.
So go ahead, get creative with your servings! This versatile bread can accompany any kind of meal from breakfast through dinner.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As someone who loves to bake, I understand the importance of being able to store and reheat your baked goods. Luckily, this English muffiny bread recipe is easy to make ahead and store for later use.
If you plan on making this muffin bread recipe ahead of time, simply follow the recipe instructions and let it cool completely. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days.
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and unwrap the bread. Place it on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through. The bread should be warm and crispy on the outside while remaining soft and fluffy on the inside.
If you have leftover muffin bread that has not been sliced, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to two months. When ready to use, thaw the bread overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as instructed above.
For those who enjoy a bit of crunch with their muffin bread, I recommend toasting slices in a toaster or under a broiler until golden brown. This will add extra flavor and texture to your breakfast or snack.
In order to keep your muffin bread fresh longer, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. However, I suggest reheating any leftover slices before eating them for optimal taste.
Overall, this English muffiny bread recipe is perfect for those who like to prepare their meals ahead of time or on-the-go without sacrificing taste or quality.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have all the ingredients and know the directions to make English Muffiny Bread, it’s time to focus on achieving the perfect results. Here are some of my best tips for ensuring that your bread comes out just right:
1. Measure carefully: It is essential to measure all the ingredients accurately, particularly the flour. Too little or too much flour can significantly impact the texture and density of your bread.
2. Do not overmix: When mixing, be sure to knead the dough gently. Overmixing can lead to tough bread.
3. Mind your yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh by checking the expiration date before using it. If using active dry yeast, be sure to activate it in warm water before adding it to your batter.
4. Let it rise: Be patient and give the dough enough time to rise before baking. This process helps to achieve a soft, fluffy texture in your bread.
5. Preheat correctly: Make sure to preheat the oven for at least 10-15 minutes before baking to ensure even heat distribution.
6. Use Cornmeal or Semolina: For an authentic English Muffin flavor and texture, sprinkle cornmeal or semolina on your baking tray before placing the dough on it.
7. Don’t open the oven prematurely: Wait until your bread has baked for roughly 20-25 minutes or until it’s a lovely golden brown color before opening the oven door. Opening it too early can cause your loaf to deflate.
8. Let it cool: Once out of the oven, let the bread cool down for at least half an hour before slicing and serving.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way towards producing delicious and inviting English muffin bread recipe that will impress even seasoned bakers!
FAQ
Now, let’s move on to the frequently asked questions section. As with any recipe, there may be questions or uncertainties that arise during the cooking process. Here, we’ve compiled some of the most common inquiries regarding this English muffiny bread recipe. Read on for answers to your cooking conundrums!
What makes English muffins different from bread?
The consistency of the dough used to make muffins isn’t as firm as the dough used for bread, giving it a relatively wet texture. Instead of being formed into a specific shape, the dough is placed into rings and cooked on a griddle or pan. After cooking, the muffins are left to cool down before being eaten. When cut in half, the inside of the muffin has a compact, fine-textured crumb that distinguishes it from traditional bread dough.
Is English muffin bread healthy?
When it comes to comparing bread and English muffins, the latter tends to be a slightly healthier option. This is because English muffins typically have lower levels of carbohydrates, fats, and sugar than bread. Although bread does contain slightly more fat than English muffins, both food items have minimal amounts of total fat – 1 gram or less.
Are English muffins healthier than toast?
English muffins are considered a healthier alternative to bread due to their lower calorie, carbohydrate, fat, and sugar content. Despite this advantage, both English muffins and bread offer a high amount of carbohydrates that can fuel the body with essential energy throughout the day. Additionally, they are rich in many important nutrients.
Why is it called English muffin bread?
The roots of English muffins can be traced back to Samuel Bath Thomas, an Englishman who migrated to New York in 1874. During his time working in a bakery, he began creating thinner, pre-cut crumpets which eventually evolved into the English muffin we know today.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this English Muffin Bread recipe is not only simple to make, but also delicious and versatile. Whether you’re on the go or enjoying a leisurely morning, it’s perfect for any situation. You can personalize your muffin bread by adding different spices or nuts, or even slicing and toasting it for a healthier option. With a few substitutions and variations, you can induce your creativity to make a bread that meets your personal preferences.
So why wait? Give this recipe a try and experience the taste of homemade English muffins in the form of a loaf of bread. You won’t regret having this delicious and quick bite in your spectrum of breakfast options!
English Muffiny Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- cornmeal
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups Post Grape-Nuts cereal
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Grease two 8x4-inch loaf pans, sprinkle with cornmeal.
- Heat milk and water until lukewarm.
- Combine 2 1/2 cups flour and remaining ingredients in large mixer bowl.
- Gradually add milk; beat at low speed just to moisten.
- Scrape rides of bowl; beat at medium speed for 2 minutes.
- Stir in remaining flour.
- (Dough will be soft.) Spoon into pans.
- Let rise in warm place until doubled in bulk, about 45 minutes.
- Bake at 400° for 30 minutes.
- Remove from pans; cool.
- Slice and toast.
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.