Are you craving the delightful taste of warm, crusty English muffins but don't want the fuss of traditional baking? This recipe is your answer! Using a bread machine simplifies the process dramatically, allowing you to enjoy perfectly fluffy English muffins with minimal effort. This recipe provides a fantastic way to incorporate homemade cooking into your busy week, offering a delicious and healthy meal option. Perfect for quick dinner ideas or a scrumptious weekend brunch, this English muffin bread is a winner for the whole family. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade goodness with this easy recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 ½ teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Dough:
This recipe is designed for ease, making the most of your bread machine's capabilities. Add the warm water, sugar, and yeast to your bread machine pan, following the manufacturer's instructions for liquid ingredient placement. Let the yeast activate for about 5 minutes, until foamy.
Step 2: Combining Ingredients:
Next, add the salt, melted butter, and 3 cups of all-purpose flour to the bread machine pan. Select the dough setting on your bread machine and press start. Let the machine do the work – kneading the dough to perfection!
Step 3: Shaping the Muffins:
Once the dough cycle is complete, carefully remove the dough from the machine and place it on a lightly floured surface. Gently shape the dough into a rectangular loaf.
Step 4: Cutting & Baking:
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 6 equal squares. Gently separate the squares and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each muffin. Lightly brush the tops of the muffins with melted butter.
Step 5: Baking the Perfection:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Let the muffins cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Tips for the Best English Muffins:
- Yeast Activation: Ensure your yeast is fresh for optimal rising.
- Flour Consistency: The amount of flour may need slight adjustment depending on your specific flour and humidity levels. Add flour one tablespoon at a time if the dough seems too sticky.
- Even Baking: To ensure even baking, rotate the baking sheet halfway through the baking time.
- Cooling is Key: Allowing the muffins to cool completely prevents them from becoming soggy.
Variations:
- Whole Wheat: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
- Herbs & Spices: Add a teaspoon of your favorite herbs (rosemary, thyme) or spices (garlic powder, onion powder) to the dough for extra flavor.
- Sweet Muffins: Add 2 tablespoons of sugar and a teaspoon of cinnamon for sweeter muffins.
Nutritional Information (per muffin, approximate):
This nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150
- Fat: Approximately 5g
- Protein: Approximately 4g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25g
Enjoy these delightful homemade English muffins! They're perfect toasted with your favorite toppings—butter, jam, avocado, or even a fried egg! This simple recipe makes for a delicious addition to any meal, and is a great example of easy recipes that are both delicious and satisfying. They make for a perfect healthy meal option as part of a balanced diet.