No Knead English Muffin Bread is a simple, homemade bread recipe that delivers all the flavor and texture of classic English muffins with minimal effort. This easy recipe requires no kneading and uses just a few ingredients to create a soft, airy loaf perfect for toasting. With a crunchy cornmeal crust and a light, chewy interior, this bread is ideal for breakfast, sandwiches, or as a side with soups.

Ingredients:
- 5½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 Tbsp dry active yeast
- 1 Tbsp honey
- ¼ cup warm water
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- 2¼ cups warm milk
- Cornmeal for dusting the pans
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, combine the yeast, honey, and warm water. Stir and let sit for a few minutes to activate the yeast.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Add the warm milk and 1 cup of the sifted flour mixture to the yeast mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Gradually add the remaining flour mixture, stirring to create a soft, sticky dough. Avoid overmixing.
- Grease two loaf pans and dust with cornmeal. Divide the dough evenly between the two pans.
- Place the pans in a warm spot and allow the dough to rise until it doubles in size and reaches the top of the pans, or just above.
- Preheat your oven to 425ºF. Once the dough has risen, sprinkle the tops of the loaves with cornmeal.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. Remove from the oven, allow to cool, then slice and enjoy.
Notes:
- The dough will be loose and sticky, which is normal for this recipe.
- You can mix the dough by hand or use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.
- Instant yeast can be used—skip the proofing step if using rapid rise yeast.
- Variations: Add dried cranberries, blueberries, a pinch of cinnamon, or chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for extra flavor.
Substitutions:
- Whole wheat flour can be used but will result in a denser loaf.
Freezing & Storing:
- To freeze, cool the bread completely, wrap in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature.
How to Make No Knead English Muffin Bread
- Activate the Yeast: Start by mixing dry active yeast, honey, and warm water. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the yeast to bloom.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and baking powder.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Stir the warm milk and one cup of the flour mixture into the yeast mixture until smooth. Gradually add the remaining flour mixture and mix until a soft, sticky dough forms. Remember, no kneading is required.
- Prepare the Loaf Pans: Grease two loaf pans and dust them with cornmeal. Divide the dough evenly between the pans.
- Let the Dough Rise: Cover the pans with a towel and let them rise in a warm place until the dough has doubled in size and is just above the top of the pans.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 425ºF. Dust the tops of the loaves with cornmeal and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bread to cool before slicing and serving.
Helpful Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
- What if I don’t have dry active yeast? You can use instant yeast (rapid rise). Simply skip the proofing step and add it directly to the dry ingredients.
- Why is my dough sticky? This no-knead dough is supposed to be soft and sticky. Overmixing or adding too much flour can make it too dense.
- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but it will result in a denser loaf. A mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour can offer a balanced texture.
- How do I add flavor variations? Add-ins like dried cranberries, blueberries, or chopped nuts can be folded into the dough before rising. A pinch of cinnamon can also enhance the flavor.
- How do I freeze this bread? Let the bread cool to room temperature, wrap it in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
How to Serve English Muffin Bread
- Toasted with Butter or Jam: Slice and toast the bread for a crispy outside and soft inside. Top with butter, jam, or marmalade for a classic breakfast.
- Sandwiches: This bread makes a great base for sandwiches, especially breakfast sandwiches with eggs, bacon, and cheese.
- French Toast: Use slices of English Muffin Bread to make French toast. The texture holds up well when soaked in egg batter.
- With Soups or Stews: Serve thick slices alongside soups, stews, or chili for a hearty, comforting meal.
- As a Base for Avocado Toast: Toast and top with mashed avocado, a sprinkle of salt, and your favorite toppings like eggs, tomatoes, or smoked salmon.
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