James Beard’s English Muffin Bread Recipe

James Beard’s English Muffin Bread recipe is warm, cozy and very simple. This bread has a soft crumb and a lovely crust. It tastes just like English muffins but in an easy loaf shape.

You do not need hard skills. You do not need fancy tools. Just mix, rest, bake and enjoy the smell at home.

James Beard’s English Muffin Bread recipe is perfect for toast, butter and jam. You will love making this easy bread again and again with this English Muffin Bread recipe.

My Experience With This Recipe

I love baking bread at home. This recipe quickly became one of my favorites. It feels simple and stress free. The dough is easy and does not need long kneading. I remember the first warm slice with melting butter.

It tasted cozy and rich. The little air holes looked so pretty. It made my kitchen smell like a bakery. I now make it often for breakfast and snacks. Family and friends always ask for more.

Recipe Card info

• Recipe Name: James Beard’s English Muffin Bread
• Servings: 10
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 45 mins
• Course: Bread, Breakfast
• Cuisine: American
• Calories: 180 kcal per serving

Equipment List

• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Loaf pan
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Whisk
• Oven
• Cooling rack

Ingredients You Need for James Beard’s English Muffin Bread

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 packet instant yeast
• 1 cup warm milk
• ¼ cup warm water
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons cornmeal for pan dusting

Instructions

1. Prepare the loaf pan

Grease the loaf pan lightly. Dust inside with cornmeal to create the classic muffin-style texture.

2. Mix dry ingredients together

Add flour, sugar, salt, baking soda and yeast into a large bowl. Whisk gently until everything looks evenly mixed.

3. Add warm liquids

Pour warm milk and warm water into the bowl. Make sure they are warm, not hot, to protect the yeast.

4. Stir to form sticky dough

Use a spoon to mix until dough forms. It will be sticky and thick, which is completely normal and perfect.

5. Transfer dough to loaf pan

Spoon the dough into the prepared loaf pan. Spread gently with spoon so the surface looks even.

6. Let dough rise

Cover pan loosely. Leave it in a warm place. Wait until the dough rises and puffs almost to pan top.

7. Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F or 190°C. Hot oven helps create perfect crust with lovely airy inside.

8. Bake the bread

Place the pan in the oven carefully. Bake until the top is golden brown and the loaf feels firm.

9. Cool the bread

Remove bread from pan and place on a cooling rack. Let cool fully so crumb sets and slices cleanly.

10. Slice and enjoy

Cut into thick slices. Toast lightly if you love crunch. Add butter, honey, or jam and enjoy happily.

Recipe Tips

• Warm liquids help yeast rise better
• Do not overheat milk or yeast dies
• Sticky dough is normal, avoid extra flour
• Let bread cool before slicing for neat pieces
• Toasting makes flavor stronger and texture perfect

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	180 kcal
Carbohydrates	32 g
Protein	6 g
Fat	2 g
Fiber	1 g

Serving Suggestions

This bread tastes amazing in many simple ways. You can toast it and spread butter or jam. It makes lovely breakfast sandwiches with eggs and cheese. It also tastes great with soups, stews or simple tea.

Honey, peanut butter or cream cheese work beautifully too. Serve it warm for the best flavor and soft texture.

Best Sides To Serve With

• Scrambled eggs
• Bacon or sausage
• Fresh fruit bowl
• Vegetable soup
• Creamy tomato soup
• Simple green salad

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store the bread at room temperature for two days. Keep it in an airtight bag or box. For longer storage, freeze slices in a sealed bag.

Reheat in a toaster for best taste and texture. You can also warm slices in a pan for a crisp edge. Avoid microwaving long because it becomes chewy.

FAQs about James Beard’s English Muffin Bread

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of white flour?

Yes, you can replace part of the flour with whole wheat flour. The bread will be denser, but it will taste nutty and wholesome with great texture.

2. Why is my dough so sticky and soft?

This dough is supposed to be sticky because it creates those classic English muffin holes. Avoid adding too much extra flour because that will make dry bread.

3. Do I need a mixer for this recipe?

No, you do not need a mixer at all for this bread. A simple spoon and bowl are enough, which makes it perfect for beginners and kids.

4. How do I know when the bread is baked fully?

The top should look golden and the loaf should feel firm. You can tap the bottom gently, and it will sound hollow when it is fully baked inside.

Conclusion

James Beard’s English Muffin Bread recipe is simple, warm and very rewarding. It is perfect for beginners and busy home cooks. You now know how to make James Beard’s English Muffin Bread easily at home.

With the right ingredients for James Beard’s English Muffin Bread, you get soft slices with tiny holes and great flavor. Try it once, and it may become your favorite everyday bread recipe. Enjoy every slice with joy and comfort.