INTRODUCTION
Easy 30 Minute Rise English Muffin Bread is a fast, soft loaf that gives you the inside texture of an English muffin with the ease of sandwich bread. This recipe rises quickly so you can bake fresh bread in under an hour. It makes a great base for toast, sandwiches, and meal prep. For a warm snack or a quick breakfast, it is simple and reliable.
If you like quick bread recipes and air fryer ideas, you may also enjoy the fun flavors in an air fryer spiced pitta chips and chickpeas recipe that pairs well with toasted muffin bread.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this recipe because it is fast and fits into a busy life. It offers a lighter option to heavy breads and works well for people who want a quick, healthy version of a classic. You can make sandwiches, open-face toasts, or use it for meal prep. It can be adapted to be a high protein meal or a lower calorie choice with a few swaps. This bread is also a great choice if you are working on portion control or trying to find good options for weight loss without giving up bread.
HOW TO MAKE Easy 30 Minute Rise English Muffin Bread
This method uses simple steps and common ingredients. The dough is sticky and forgiving, so you do not need advanced skills. If you want a crunchy side for toast, try pairing slices with an air fryer spiced pitta chips and chickpeas for a crispy complement.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Two standard 9×5 inch bread pans
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Two mixing bowls
- Whisk and spatula
- Plastic wrap or a clean towel
- Cooling rack
- Oven (or an air fryer for small variations)
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
Slice the bread thin for toast or make thicker slices for hearty sandwiches. For a healthy version of breakfast, top a slice with mashed avocado and a poached egg for a balanced meal that is high in protein and fiber when paired with eggs. For a lighter option, use one slice per person and pair it with fresh fruit and a small portion of Greek yogurt. That keeps the meal lower calorie and balanced.
Portion control tip: keep slices to 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. A single slice with a lean protein and salad or steamed vegetables makes a good-for-weight-loss meal that still feels satisfying.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Easy 30 Minute Rise English Muffin Bread
Store cooled bread at room temperature in a bread box or a paper bag for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap slices or whole loaves tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To use, toast slices straight from frozen or thaw at room temperature. This makes the loaf great for meal prep and a quick breakfast during the week.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Balanced side: fresh salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette.
- High protein side: scrambled eggs or a tuna salad for a high protein meal.
- Lower calorie option: cottage cheese and sliced tomato.
- On the go: make open-faced sandwiches with natural peanut butter and banana for a filling snack.
These sides keep the meal heart healthy and fiber-rich when you choose whole grain swaps or add vegetables.
VARIATIONS
- Healthier version: Use half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour to raise the fiber and micronutrient content. Reduce the butter to 2 tablespoons, or swap half of the butter for applesauce to lower the calories. This creates a healthy version that still has good texture.
- High-protein or low-carb version: For a high protein meal, add 1/2 cup vital wheat gluten or 1/2 cup unflavored whey protein powder and reduce the flour by the same amount. This increases protein and gives chewy structure. For a low-carb option, make mini loaves using almond flour and eggs (note: texture will differ and may not rise the same). These swaps can make the recipe more diabetic-friendly when you also cut down added sugar and watch portions. You can also use Greek yogurt in place of part of the milk for extra protein.
- Air fryer or oven-baked version: To make smaller muffin-sized loaves in an air fryer, divide the dough into greased small loaf pans or silicone molds and air fry at 330°F for 12–18 minutes until golden and cooked through. For a regular oven-baked version, follow the main recipe. For crispier edges, brush the top with a light egg wash before baking. For more air fryer ideas, try a snack like apricot and chocolate bars no-bake energy bars as a wholesome dessert.
FAQs
Q: Is this bread good for weight loss?
A: Yes, if you watch portions and pair slices with lean proteins and vegetables. Using whole wheat and cutting the butter makes it a lighter option and good for weight loss plans.
Q: Can this recipe be diabetic-friendly?
A: It can be adapted to be diabetic-friendly by reducing sugar, using whole grain flour, and monitoring portion size. Pair bread with protein and fiber-rich sides to reduce blood sugar spikes. Always check with a health care provider for personal advice.
Q: How long will the bread stay fresh?
A: At room temperature, expect it to be fresh for up to 3 days. In the freezer, it will keep for up to 3 months. Slice before freezing for easy meal prep and toasting.
Q: Can I make this bread higher in protein?
A: Yes. Add vital wheat gluten, unflavored protein powder, or swap part of the milk for Greek yogurt. These changes make a higher protein loaf suitable for people who want a high protein meal.
Q: Can I use whole milk or plant milk?
A: You can use whole milk, low-fat milk, or unsweetened plant milk. Whole milk gives richer flavor. Plant milk works but may slightly change texture.
Q: Is there a low-carb version that still tastes like this bread?
A: Low-carb flours like almond or coconut flour change structure significantly. You can make a low-carb loaf but expect a different texture. A high-protein version with added gluten might be a closer fit for structure while reducing carbs slightly.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Easy 30 Minute Rise English Muffin Bread
- Bake and slice the loaf, then freeze individual slices for quick breakfasts. Toast straight from the freezer. This is great for meal prep.
- Prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it covered. Let it come to room temperature and rise before baking in the morning for fresh bread with less morning work.
- Make two loaves at once. Freeze one for later and keep one for the week. This saves time and supports consistent meal planning.
- Pre-portion slices into single-serve bags with labels for easy grab-and-go meals. Pair a slice with hard-boiled eggs and fruit for a complete, balanced meal.
This recipe is simple to adapt and works well in a busy kitchen. With small changes it becomes a lighter option, a higher protein loaf, or a convenient meal prep staple that supports healthy eating and portion control.
Easy 30 Minute Rise English Muffin Bread
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare two bread pans by spraying with non-stick cooking spray, then dusting each generously with cornmeal.
- 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 until foamy. Add the warm milk and melted butter.
- Stir in the dry flour mixture gradually until combined. The dough will be thick and sticky.
- Divide the dough equally between the two prepared pans.
- Sprinkle cornmeal over the top of each loaf, then lightly spray with cooking spray.
- Cover with plastic wrap and let the dough rise for 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Remove plastic wrap and bake for 22-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and then from the pans immediately. Place the bread on a cooling rack to cool before slicing.