English Muffin Toasting Bread Recipe

If you have ever craved that perfect, lightly crisp toast with a soft, chewy interior, then this English Muffin Toasting Bread Recipe is exactly what your breakfast table has been missing. This homemade bread captures all the delightful qualities of an English muffin but in a convenient loaf form, making it a versatile favorite for anyone who loves toasting their bread just right. With its tender texture, subtle tang from the baking soda, and the slight crunch of cornmeal on the crust, this recipe is a total game-changer that turns simple ingredients into something truly irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Although this recipe brings together just a few simple ingredients, each one plays a vital role in creating the distinctive taste, texture, and golden color we adore in English Muffin Toasting Bread. From the creamy richness of the milk to the slight tanginess of the baking soda, these elements work in harmony to give you a loaf that’s soft inside with that classic nooks-and-crannies crumb.

• Unbleached all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and essential protein for a chewy crumb.
• Sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to balance the flavors and fuels yeast activity.
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors while controlling yeast fermentation.
• Baking soda: Delivers the signature tang and helps create the bread’s unique texture.
• Instant yeast: The magic behind the bread’s rise and fluffy crumb.
• Milk: Enriches the dough for tenderness and a beautiful crust color.
• Water: Hydrates the dough and helps achieve the right consistency.
• Vegetable or olive oil: Keeps the bread moist and adds a subtle richness.
• Cornmeal: Sprinkled on the baking surface to create that iconic crunch and prevent sticking.

How to Make English Muffin Toasting Bread Recipe

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the unbleached all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, and instant yeast in a large mixing bowl. This ensures that all your dry components are evenly distributed, setting the stage for a perfectly balanced dough that will rise beautifully and develop that lovely crumb texture.

Step 2: Warm and Mix Liquids

Gently warm the milk and water until they’re just lukewarm; too hot and you risk killing the yeast, too cold and the dough won’t rise properly. Add the oil to the liquids, which will help the dough remain tender and moist throughout the baking process.

Step 3: Incorporate Liquids into Dry Mix

Slowly pour the warm liquid mixture into the bowl with your dry ingredients while stirring continuously. This encourages an even hydration of the flour and starts forming a smooth dough. Feel free to use a stand mixer with a dough hook or your hands — whichever method you prefer to achieve a cohesive dough.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Proper kneading develops the gluten, which is what makes the bread springy and gives it that satisfying chew that English muffin lovers crave.

Step 5: First Rise

Place your dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rest in a warm spot until it doubles in size, which usually takes around 1 to 1 ½ hours. This resting period allows the yeast to work its magic, filling the dough with tiny air bubbles for a tender crumb.

Step 6: Shape and Prepare for Baking

Once your dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any large air pockets, then shape it into a loaf that fits your baking pan. Don’t forget to sprinkle a generous layer of cornmeal on the pan before placing your dough in it — this will give the bottom crust that classic crunch and prevent sticking.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover the shaped dough lightly and allow it to rise again until puffed up and nearly doubled, approximately 30 to 45 minutes. This short second rise is essential for achieving a light structure and that perfect toasting texture.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake your loaf in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour and 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped. The slow baking time ensures the interior cooks through and stays moist while the crust crisps up beautifully.

Step 9: Cool Before Slicing

Once out of the oven, transfer your loaf to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here is key – slicing into hot bread can cause it to become gummy. Once fully cooled, your English Muffin Toasting Bread Recipe is ready for that first delightful toasting session.

How to Serve English Muffin Toasting Bread Recipe

Garnishes

One of the joys of this bread is how it pairs effortlessly with your favorite spreads. Imagine brushing each toast slice with a silky layer of honey butter or a smear of tangy cream cheese topped with fresh herbs. A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or a dash of jam can take your toast from simple to scrumptious in seconds.

Side Dishes

This bread shines alongside breakfast staples like scrambled eggs or crispy bacon, making for a hearty, satisfying morning meal. It’s also superb served with fresh fruit or a dollop of yogurt to balance the bread’s mild sweetness and tender texture.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling adventurous? Cut your loaf into thick slices, toast them up, and use them as the base for open-faced sandwiches, topped with everything from smoked salmon and avocado to melted cheese and roasted veggies. The unique texture of this English Muffin Toasting Bread makes each bite a memorable experience, no matter the topping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, wrap your loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature. This helps retain the soft interior and crunchy crust, so every slice tastes just like freshly baked bread.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy your English Muffin Toasting Bread Recipe over a longer period, slice it and freeze individual pieces in a sealed freezer bag. This way, you can grab just the amount you need without thawing the entire loaf, keeping your bread tasting fresh and ready to toast anytime.

Reheating

To bring back that perfect toasted crunch from frozen slices, simply pop them in your toaster or under the broiler for a minute or two. This quick reheating method revives the crumb and crust texture, making each bite feel freshly toasted as if you just pulled it from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Absolutely! You can substitute whole wheat flour for a more wholesome, nutty flavor, but keep in mind it may make the bread denser and the rise slightly less dramatic. Mixing half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour is a great way to balance taste and texture.

Why is baking soda included in the recipe?

Baking soda adds a subtle tanginess and reacts with the acidic components in the dough to create the characteristic nooks and crannies texture, essential for that authentic English muffin-style crumb in this toasting bread.

Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?

Definitely! This recipe is very forgiving and can be mixed and kneaded entirely by hand. While a stand mixer is convenient, using your hands gives you a great feel for the dough’s texture and helps develop gluten naturally.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough has risen enough when it doubles in size and springs back slowly when you gently press it with your finger. If it doesn’t bounce back at all, it’s likely over-proofed; if it springs back quickly, it may need more time.

Will the cornmeal on the bottom affect the bread’s taste?

The cornmeal adds a delightful crunch and a slight gritty texture that makes the English Muffin Toasting Bread stand out. It doesn’t alter the flavor dramatically but gives a wonderful contrast to the soft interior, especially when toasted.

Final Thoughts

There is something deeply satisfying about making bread from scratch, especially when it turns into such a flexible and tasty loaf like the English Muffin Toasting Bread Recipe. This recipe offers a fantastic way to enjoy all the best traits of an English muffin with the convenience of sliced bread. I encourage you to give it a try — your mornings will never be the same once you’ve experienced this homemade toasting bread’s perfect crunch and softness so close to your own kitchen.

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