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English Muffin Bread from Polly
English Muffin Bread is a rustic, no-knead loaf that captures the nooks and crannies of traditional English muffins in an easy-to-bake format. It’s perfect for toasting, with a chewy texture and slightly tangy flavor thanks to yeast and warm milk. Baked in a loaf pan and requiring minimal effort, it’s ideal for breakfast or as a base for sandwiches. This recipe became popular in mid-century kitchens for its simplicity and the promise of store-bought texture from homemade dough.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Rising Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 40 minutes
Course bread
Cuisine American
Servings 12 slices
Calories 125 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pkg active dry yeast
  • ¼ cup warm water
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ⅛ tsp baking soda
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions
 

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

  • In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let sit for 5 minutes until bubbly.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

  • In a large bowl, combine the sugar, salt, baking soda, warm milk, and flour.
  • Add the activated yeast mixture.
  • Stir together with a spoon until fully combined (batter will be sticky).

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

  • Spoon the batter into a greased loaf pan (should fill about halfway).
  • Let rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours or until dough reaches the top of the pan.

Step 4: Bake

  • Preheat oven to 400°F.
  • Bake for 25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  • Let cool slightly before removing from the pan.

Tips

  • Use warm (not hot) water to activate the yeast properly.
  • Batter will be very soft, this style of bread doesn’t require kneading.
  • For better lift, let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place.
  • Sprinkle cornmeal in the pan before adding the dough for a classic English-muffin crust.
  • Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
  • Add 1 tablespoon melted butter for a richer crumb.
  • For a tangier flavor, substitute part of the milk with buttermilk.
  • Slice and toast to get the signature “nooks and crannies” effect.
  • Freezes well, slice before freezing for easy toasting.

Nutrition

Calories: 125kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 4gFat: 1.5gSaturated Fat: 0.8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 260mgPotassium: 70mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 20IUCalcium: 28mgIron: 1.3mg
Keyword beginner friendly, homemade loaf, just like grandma, old-fashioned bread, quick yeast bread, rustic bread, vintage recipe
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