English Muffin Bread: No-Knead Recipe That Makes Better Toast

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I discovered English Muffin Bread during one of those mornings when I craved the nooks and crannies of English muffins but didn’t want the extra work. This homemade bread delivers that signature texture I love—soft, airy, and full of those butter-catching crevices—in an easy loaf.

What makes this no knead bread recipe so appealing is its simplicity: mix the dough, let it rise once, and bake. The result is an easy bread recipe that toasts beautifully and transforms even the most ordinary breakfast into something special.

Tips for Success: Mastering Your Easy Bread Recipe

1. Temperature matters when making this yeast bread. Heat your milk to exactly 130°F—too hot and you’ll kill the yeast, too cool and the dough won’t develop that tender crumb structure that makes English Toasting Bread so distinctive. I use an instant-read thermometer to get this right every time.
2. The dough will look stickier than traditional bread dough, and that’s exactly what you want. This wet consistency creates those signature air pockets that make this soft bread recipe so appealing when toasted. Don’t be tempted to add more flour.
3. Cornmeal isn’t just for show—it prevents sticking and adds a subtle crunch that mimics the texture of store-bought English muffins. I sprinkle it generously on the bottom and sides of my greased pan.
4. Watch the rise time closely. This beginner bread recipe needs to rise until the dough just reaches the rim of the pan, usually about an hour. Over-risen dough can collapse, while under-risen bread will be dense.

Tools & Equipment

• For this simple bread making project, you’ll need a large mixing bowl to combine your dry ingredients. An electric mixer helps develop the dough’s texture, though you can beat by hand for about three minutes if you prefer the workout.
• A reliable instant-read thermometer ensures your milk reaches the right temperature for the yeast. I measure ingredients with standard measuring cups and spoons, and keep a whisk handy for combining the flour mixture.
• The 8½ x 4½ inch loaf pan is crucial for this loaf bread recipe—different sizes will affect baking time and texture. I always use non-stick cooking spray, then dust with cornmeal as insurance against sticking.
• A clean dish towel covers the rising dough, and you’ll want a warm spot for the rise. I often set my oven to 200°F for just one minute, then turn it off and use that gentle warmth. Or, and this is a bit unconventional, but if you’ve just finished drying some clothes, set your bowl of dough securely among the warm towels in the dryer and shut the door. 
• Finally, a cooling rack prevents the bottom from getting soggy after baking. Trust me—this step makes the difference between good bread and great bread.

Steps to make English Toasting Bread

Step 1: Gather ingredients and preheat the oven.

Step 2: Add the following dry ingredients to a mixing bowl:

• 1 T sugar
• 3 c all-purpose flour
• 1 t salt
• ¼ t baking soda
• 1 package of yeast, or 1.5 t

Step 3: Whisk together to combine well.

Step 4: Warm the 1¼ c of milk in the microwave until it’s lukewarm. If you have a meat thermometer, test the milk; 130F is ideal.

Step 5: Add all of the warm milk and 2 tablespoons of oil to the dry ingredients. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to combine.

Step 6: Spray the loaf pan with nonstick spray then sprinkle cornmeal on the bottom of the baking pan.

Step 7: Spread the dough on the bottom of the baking pan

Step 8: Cover loosely with a clean kitchen towel or cellophane and let rise for 1 hour.

Step 9: Bake at 400F for 25 mins.

Step 10: Enjoy with gusto!

The bottom line

This English Muffin Bread gives you all the texture and flavor of English muffins with half the work. The quick bread method means you can have breakfast bread on your table in under two hours—and every slice toasts to golden, butter-absorbing excellence.

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