English Muffin Bread

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:

1. In a small bowl, combine the yeast, honey, and warm water. Stir and let sit for a few minutes to activate the yeast.
2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
3. Add the warm milk and 1 cup of the sifted flour mixture to the yeast mixture. Stir until well combined.
4. Gradually add the remaining flour mixture, stirring to create a soft, sticky dough. Avoid overmixing.
5. Grease two loaf pans and dust with cornmeal. Divide the dough evenly between the two pans.
6. 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.
7. Preheat your oven to 425ºF. Once the dough has risen, sprinkle the tops of the loaves with cornmeal.
8. 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

1. 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.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and baking powder.
3. 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.
4. Prepare the Loaf Pans: Grease two loaf pans and dust them with cornmeal. Divide the dough evenly between the pans.
5. 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.
6. Bake: Preheat the oven to 425ºF. Dust the tops of the loaves with cornmeal and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
7. 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.