INTRODUCTION
Easy 30 Minute Rise English Muffin Bread is a simple, soft loaf that gives you the classic nooks and crannies of English muffins without shaping or long waits. This bread is fast to make, uses common pantry items, and bakes into a loaf you can slice for toast, sandwiches, or snacks. It is lower in sugar than many store breads and works well as a lighter option for daily meals. If you like a warm drink with your bread, try it with a cozy coffee treat like a cozy gingerbread latte for a comforting breakfast combo.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this recipe because it is fast, easy, and great for meal prep. The dough needs only a 30 minute rise, so it moves from bowl to oven in less than an hour. That makes it handy for busy mornings or when you want fresh bread in one hour.
Health and lifestyle benefits:
- Lighter option: The recipe uses only 1 tablespoon of sugar for the whole loaf, so it is low in added sugar. That makes it a better choice than many packaged muffins.
- Good for meal prep: Slice the loaf and freeze portions for easy breakfasts or lunches.
- Balanced meals: Pair slices with high protein toppings or vegetables for a balanced meal that feels filling without being heavy.
- Diabetic-friendly tweaks: With a few swaps, you can make a version with more fiber and lower carbs to better fit a diabetic-friendly plan.
If you want a warm drink or a treat with this bread, the simple flavors match many coffee recipes, and you can pair the bread with a seasonal mocha or other cozy drink like a homemade peppermint mocha for a special breakfast.
HOW TO MAKE Easy 30 Minute Rise English Muffin Bread
This bread uses instant yeast and a fast rise to give you a soft, slightly chewy loaf with the lovely texture of an English muffin. It is a great base for many healthy or high protein toppings, and you can change flours or mix-ins to meet your needs.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Two standard 9×5 inch bread pans
- Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
- Whisk and spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Plastic wrap
- Oven rack and cooling rack
Ingredients You’ll Need :
4-1/2 cups flour, 2 tsp kosher salt, 1/4 tsp baking soda, 1/2 cup warm water, 2 Tbsp instant yeast, 1 Tbsp sugar, 1-3/4 cups warm milk, 1/4 cup melted butter, Up to 1/3 cup cornmeal for dusting pans and dusting the top of the loaves
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
Prepare two bread pans by spraying with non-stick cooking spray, then dusting each generously with cornmeal. (I put 2 Tbsp cornmeal in each pan and swirl it around over the sink till it’s all covered, then empty out the excess.) *Note, white or yellow cornmeal works great but I love the white for a more neutral color. if you don’t have cornmeal you can substitute flour, you just won’t have the textured exterior that the cornmeal gives it.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt and baking soda. Set aside.
In another mixing bowl mix together the warm water, yeast and sugar and let sit for a couple of minutes until the yeast is foamy. Add the warm milk and melted butter.
Stir a cup of the dry flour mixture at a time in to the wet mixture and mix until combined. Once you have all the flour in, this dough will still be thick and sticky.
Divide the dough equally between the two prepared pans. (I just use a spatula or spoon sprayed with non stick spray to scoop it in and even it out in the pan.)
Sprinkle a dusting of cornmeal over the top of each loaf, then spray the top lightly with cooking spray.
Cover each loaf with plastic wrap and let the dough rise for 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
Preheat the oven to 400. Place your rack just under the middle of the oven. Remove plastic wrap and bake for 22-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove from the oven and remove from the bread pans immediately. Place the bread on a cooling rack. Let cool before slicing.
HOW TO SERVE Easy 30 Minute Rise English Muffin Bread
Serve this bread toasted or plain. It makes a good base for both savory and sweet toppings. For a healthy version, top a slice with mashed avocado, a squeeze of lemon, and a poached egg for a balanced, high protein meal. Or spread a thin layer of natural nut butter and top with banana slices for a fiber-rich snack.
Portion control tips:
- A single slice (about 1/2 to 3/4 inch) is a good standard serving.
- For weight loss or calorie control, limit to one slice at breakfast and pair with a protein source like Greek yogurt or eggs.
- If you want to save calories, use a light spread or choose toppings high in protein to keep you full longer.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Easy 30 Minute Rise English Muffin Bread
Store at room temperature:
- Wrap the loaf or sliced pieces in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container.
- Keep at room temperature up to 3 days for best texture.
Refrigeration:
- You can store in the fridge up to 7 days, but it may dry faster. Re-toast to refresh.
Freezing:
- Slice the loaf before freezing for quick use.
- Place slices in a single layer on a tray and freeze until firm, then move to a freezer bag or container.
- Frozen slices keep well for up to 3 months. Toast straight from frozen for quick breakfast or snacks.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Pair the bread with healthy sides:
- High protein: scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, cottage cheese, or a plant-based tofu scramble.
- Veggies: a side salad or steamed greens adds fiber and volume to make a light meal filling.
- Fruit: fresh berries or orange slices give a bright, low calorie option.
You can enjoy this loaf with a warm cup of coffee. If you want a gentle, mushroom-style match, try it with a grounding drink like the mushroom coffee for a lower-acid, soothing pairing.
VARIATIONS
-
Healthier version:
- Swap half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour and reduce the butter to 2 tablespoons. This adds fiber and makes a more heart healthy loaf. Use low-fat milk if you prefer lower calories. This variation is a lighter option and better for those watching calories or blood sugar.
-
High-protein or low-carb version:
- For a higher protein bread, replace 1 cup of the flour with a cup of whey protein isolate or an unsweetened protein powder designed for baking, and add an extra egg or two to the wet mixture. Note: texture will change and you may need to adjust liquid.
- For a lower-carb approach, try making a small batch with a mix of almond flour and a binding agent like psyllium husk, or use a low-carb bread mix in place of part of the flour. These versions will not have the exact English muffin texture but will keep the fast rise and make a high protein meal when topped with eggs or lean meats.
-
Air fryer or oven-baked version:
- Oven: Follow the recipe as written for a standard oven bake.
- Air fryer: If you have a large air fryer that fits a small loaf pan, reduce bake time to 18-20 minutes at 375°F and check for a golden top. For slices, you can toast individual slices in the air fryer at 380°F for 3-5 minutes per side for a quick, crispy result. The air fryer method is great for single servings and quick meal prep.
FAQs
Q: Is this bread a healthy option?
A: It can be a healthy version if you choose whole grain flour and reduce added fat. The basic recipe has low added sugar and can be part of a balanced meal, especially when paired with protein and vegetables.
Q: Can I make this recipe diabetic-friendly?
A: Yes. Use whole wheat flour or a mix with oat fiber, reduce or omit the sugar, and watch portion sizes. Top slices with protein and fiber-rich foods to control blood sugar response.
Q: How long will this bread last?
A: At room temperature, up to 3 days. In the fridge, up to 7 days but texture may change. For longer storage, slice and freeze up to 3 months.
Q: Can I freeze the dough or should I freeze the baked loaf?
A: It is best to freeze baked, sliced bread for quick use. You can freeze dough after the first mix, but baking from frozen takes longer and can affect rise.
Q: Is this good for weight loss plans?
A: It can be. Stick to one slice with a lean protein and vegetables for a lighter meal. Keep portions controlled and choose whole grain swaps to increase fiber and fullness.
Q: Can I add seeds or grains for extra fiber?
A: Yes. Mix in 2-3 tablespoons of seeds like flax, chia, or sunflower to boost fiber and healthy fats. You can also add oats to the top for texture.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Easy 30 Minute Rise English Muffin Bread
- Make a loaf on a day you cook and slice it for the week. Store slices in the freezer for quick breakfasts.
- Toast frozen slices right from the freezer to save time in the morning.
- Prep toppings in advance: hard boil eggs, portion nut butter, or pack single-serve cottage cheese to make a high protein meal in minutes.
- For meal prep, slice and portion two slices per bag: one bag for breakfast and one for sandwiches. This is great when you want a quick, balanced meal that supports weight loss or healthy eating.
This Easy 30 Minute Rise English Muffin Bread is simple, flexible, and ready to fit many diets. Use the variations to make it a higher protein loaf, a lighter whole grain loaf, or a quick single-serve air fryer toast. With a few smart swaps, it becomes a reliable piece of your healthy meal prep plan.
Easy 30 Minute Rise English Muffin Bread
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare two bread pans by spraying with non-stick cooking spray and dusting with cornmeal.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda. Set aside.
- In another bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and sugar; let sit for a couple of minutes until foamy. Then add warm milk and melted butter.
- Gradually stir in the dry flour mixture until combined to form a thick and sticky dough.
- Divide the dough between the two prepared pans, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Sprinkle cornmeal on top of each loaf and spray lightly with cooking spray.
- Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and bake for 22-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven, take bread out from pans, and let cool on a rack before slicing.