Easy 30 Minute Rise English Muffin Bread

A soft, quick bread that acts like English muffins but bakes in a loaf. It is easy to make and fits well into busy mornings and simple meals.

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INTRODUCTION

Easy 30 Minute Rise English Muffin Bread is a fast, home-baked loaf that gives you the nooks and soft texture of an English muffin in slice form. You do not need to wait all day for a rise. In one short rise this bread bakes into warm slices that toast up perfectly. If you like easy quick breads, try this with a tasty twist as a companion to a gluten-free cornbread waffles recipe for a varied breakfast table.

This bread is simple to make, easy to slice, and great for busy mornings. It also works well for meal prep and can fit into plans for a lighter option or a healthy version by changing a few ingredients.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

You will love this recipe because it is fast, forgiving, and versatile. The quick 30 minute rise saves time. The bread gives you the familiar English muffin texture without the need to shape many rounds. It is a great choice for simple breakfasts or sandwiches and is a great for meal prep idea.

This loaf can be adapted to be a lighter option by using low-fat milk or reduced butter. You can make a healthy version with whole wheat flour for extra fiber, or change to a high protein meal plan by adding seeds or using high protein flour. It can be a good for weight loss plan when you control portion size and pair slices with lean protein and vegetables. For those who need gluten-free choices, there are easy swaps you can try in the Variations below. For more ideas on gluten-free breads, see these gluten-free bread recipes.

HOW TO MAKE Easy 30 Minute Rise English Muffin Bread

This bread uses instant yeast and a short rise. You stir and pour the dough into pans, dust the top with cornmeal, let rise 30 minutes, then bake at 400°F for about 22–25 minutes. Use the step-by-step instructions below to get soft, nubby slices that toast well.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

• Two 8×4-inch bread pans (or similar loaf pans)
• Mixing bowls (one for dry, one for wet)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Non-stick cooking spray
• Plastic wrap
• Cooling rack
• Oven

If you want to make this recipe into quick toast bites for a party, you can shape slices into small squares after toasting and serve with spreads or dips. For a fast sweet treat while the bread bakes, try pairing with these 4-ingredient quick treats.

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 for a crisp edge and a soft interior. Top it with avocado and a poached egg for a balanced breakfast. Try a thin spread of nut butter and fresh fruit for a lighter option. For portion control, slice the loaf into 12 slices and limit to one or two slices per meal. This bread pairs well with lean proteins and salads to make a healthy meal.

For a filling, high protein meal, serve one toasted slice with a large salad and a 3–4 ounce piece of grilled chicken or a can of tuna. This gives you a good balance of carbs, protein, and fiber. You can also use thin slices as a base for open-faced sandwiches with hummus and sliced turkey.

Pair a warm slice with hearty weeknight mains like pasta or a saucy chicken. For an easy dinner pairing, consider a rich protein dish such as creamy Tuscan chicken and use the bread to soak up the sauce.

STORAGE & FREEZING : Easy 30 Minute Rise English Muffin Bread

Cool the bread fully before storing. Keep slices in a sealed bag or airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze sliced bread in a freezer bag for up to three months. Remove slices as needed and toast or warm from frozen. For best texture, thaw slices in the fridge overnight or toast directly from frozen.

If you plan to use this bread for meal prep, slice and freeze in portion packs. This makes it simple to grab one or two slices each morning for toast or sandwiches. If you want to reduce waste, freeze only the number of slices you will use in a week.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

• Breakfast: Toast and top with cottage cheese, seeds, and tomato for a high protein meal.
• Lunch: Make a light sandwich with turkey, lettuce, and mustard. Serve with a side salad for a balanced lunch.
• Snack: Toast a slice and spread with mashed banana and cinnamon for a low sugar treat.
• Dinner side: Use thick slices to serve with soups or stews. A balanced side of steamed vegetables and a lean protein will make a heart healthy plate.

One healthy serving tip: keep slice size moderate. Two thin slices with a cup of vegetables and 3–4 oz of lean protein makes a good meal that supports weight control and steady energy.

VARIATIONS

• Healthier version: Swap half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour. Use low-fat milk and reduce butter to 2 Tbsp. This adds fiber and cuts calories for a lighter option that still tastes good.
• High-protein or low-carb version: Use a blend of high-protein flour (such as chickpea or soy flour) and vital wheat gluten, or add 1/2 cup of whey protein isolate and reduce white flour by the same amount. You can also add seeds like chia, flax, or hemp for extra protein and fiber. For a low-carb alternative, use a low-carb flour blend designed for bread and reduce the sugar to 1/2 tsp.
• Air fryer or oven-baked version: If your air fryer has a large baking pan, you can bake smaller loaves at 375°F in an air fryer for 18–22 minutes. For a crisp top in the oven, brush lightly with olive oil before baking. For party bites, cut into cubes and air fry at 350°F for 6–8 minutes until edges are crisp.
• Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend made for bread and add xanthan gum if your blend lacks it. You may need to add an extra egg or two for structure. See other easy gluten-free bread ideas to guide you.

This bread adapts well. If you want to serve it as a base for appetizers, it works well when cut into small squares. For creative party ideas, check some fun small bites like these easy Halloween appetizers for inspiration.

FAQs

Q: Is this bread good for weight loss plans?
A: Yes, it can be. Use whole wheat flour, reduce butter, and watch portion size. Pair slices with lean protein and vegetables to make a filling, lower calorie meal that supports weight loss.

Q: Can I make this recipe diabetic-friendly?
A: You can make it more diabetic-friendly by using whole grain flour, reducing the added sugar to 1/2 tsp, and controlling portion size. Pair the bread with protein and fiber to help steady blood sugar.

Q: How long does baked bread last at room temperature?
A: Stored in an airtight container, it stays fresh for about 2–3 days at room temperature. For longer storage, keep it in the fridge up to a week or freeze slices for up to three months.

Q: Can I freeze slices for meal prep?
A: Yes. Freeze slices in labeled bags. Take out what you need and toast or warm directly from the freezer for a quick breakfast or sandwich base.

Q: Is this a high protein meal by itself?
A: The plain bread is not high protein by itself. You can make a high protein meal by serving the bread with eggs, lean meats, cottage cheese, or by adding protein powder or seeds to the dough before baking.

Q: Can I bake this in different pan sizes?
A: Yes, smaller or larger pans will change the bake time. Use an instant-read thermometer and look for a golden crust. Adjust time and check often.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Easy 30 Minute Rise English Muffin Bread

• Make dough the night before and keep it chilled in the fridge to slow the rise. Bring it to room temperature and let it rise 30 minutes before baking for a fresher loaf in the morning.
• Slice and freeze individual portions so mornings are fast. Toast from frozen for a warm bite in minutes. This makes the recipe great for meal prep and a busy week.
• Bake loaves ahead and store in the freezer. Thaw in the fridge the night before for quick serving. For a lighter option, toast and top with low-fat spreads and vegetables.

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