Best English Muffin Bread Recipe

This recipe produces a delightful homemade English muffin bread. The combination of warm water, milk, yeast, sugar, and butter creates a tender dough that rises beautifully. The resulting loaf is light, airy, and full of enticing nooks and crannies reminiscent of a perfect handcrafted treat that truly comforts and surprises.

I’ve been trying to perfect my homemade bread recipes for a while and this English Muffin Bread really hit the spot. I used 4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup warm water at about 110°F, and 1/2 cup warm milk to create a soft dough that yields such a great texture.

When you mix in 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast, 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter the bread comes out with amazing nutritional balance; it has a good mix of carbs and protein. I dont overthink it either; just follow the recipe and let the yeast work its magic.

This recipe is perfect if you like easy bread that still has that artisan touch. Trust me when I say you are gonna love how it makes any meal special.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s super easy to follow even if you arent an expert in the kitchen. The way it rises and forms all those nooks and crannies just makes it fun to watch and even better to eat. I love how it fills my house with an amazing aroma while it bakes, and honestly, the taste always comes out rich and homely. Plus, it’s really flexible; if I have to swap milk for water or change a little bit of the ingredients, it still turns out great every time.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour gives the dough carbohydrates and protein to build gluten and structure.
• Warm water activates the yeast and hydrates ingredients making the dough easier to work with.
• Warm milk adds dairy protein and natural sweetness while helping to brown the crust.
• Active dry yeast ferments the dough which creates air bubbles for a light texture.
• Granulated sugar boosts the yeast activity and provides a subtle hint of sweetness.
• Unsalted butter infuses richness, tenderness and flavor into every bite of the bread.
• Salt enhances overall taste, balancing flavors and strengthening the dough’s structure.
• Synergy of these ingredients builds flavor, texture and browning; produces a tasty, hearty result.
• Each ingredient contributes essential texture, nutrition and flavor to this scrumptious bread recipe.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm water (around 110°F)
• 1/2 cup warm milk (if you don’t have it, more water works fine)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

How to Make this

1. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup warm water (about 110°F), 1/2 cup warm milk, 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast, and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; stir well then let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until its all bubbly.

2. Add 4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt into the yeast mixture; mix it gently until you get a shaggy dough.

3. Pour in the 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter and stir so its evenly mixed.

4. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and let the dough rest in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until its doubled in size.

5. Once risen, lightly tip the dough onto a floured surface; fold it a few times to shape it but dont overwork it cause you wanna keep those nooks and crannies.

6. Form the dough into a rough ball shape, then place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

7. Cover the dough loosely and let it rest for another 30 minutes to get a bit more rise.

8. Preheat your oven to 425°F while the dough is resting.

9. After the second rise, put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes until the loaf is golden and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

10. Remove the bread from the oven, let it cool on a rack, then slice & enjoy your homemade English muffin bread!

Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl for combining ingredients
2. Measuring cups and spoons for water, milk, yeast, sugar, and salt
3. Whisk or fork to stir the yeast mixture
4. Small bowl to melt the butter (or you can use a microwave-safe cup)
5. Clean cloth or plastic wrap to cover the dough while it rises
6. Flour-dusted countertop or work surface for kneading and shaping the dough
7. Baking sheet with parchment paper for shaping and baking the loaf
8. Oven set to 425°F for baking the bread
9. Cooling rack to let the loaf cool before slicing

FAQ

Best English Muffin Bread Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you don’t have warm milk, try using almond milk or soy milk in the same amount. Some people even use coconut milk for a slight twist in flavor.
• If you run out of active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast instead but use about 20-25% less than the recipe calls for so you dont get too much rising power.
• If you are low on granulated sugar, you can swap it with honey or maple syrup. Just remember that these are sweeter so you might need a bit less than a 1:1 substitution.
• If unsalted butter is missing from your pantry, use salted butter instead but reduce the added salt in the recipe a little bit or you can use coconut oil if you are looking for a dairy free option.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your water and milk are around 110°F, coz if it’s too hot the yeast dies and your bread won’t rise like you want it to.
2. When shaping the dough, be gentle and fold it a few times without overworking it, cuz overworking can knock out all those tasty air pockets.
3. Let the dough rest in a warm spot during both rises—this waiting time is super important for that perfect texture and flavor, so try not to rush it.
4. If you wanna add a little twist, try experimenting with different flours or a pinch more sugar to boost the yeast action a bit, but keep an eye on the moisture level.