If you’re a fan of English muffins and their delightful nooks and crannies, but you’re looking for something a bit easier to make and slice, then this Sourdough English Muffin Bread is just what you need. Combining the tangy flavor of sourdough with the convenience of a loaf, this recipe brings all the best elements of English muffins into a bread that’s perfect for toasting.
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Why Make Sourdough English Muffin Bread?
There’s something incredibly satisfying about baking your own bread, especially when it’s a recipe as unique and delicious as this one. Sourdough English Muffin Bread offers the same chewy texture and slightly tangy flavor that you love in traditional English muffins, but with much less fuss. Instead of cutting and cooking individual muffins, you can pour your dough into a loaf pan, bake it, and slice it to your heart’s content.
My family has been an avid fan of So Blessed’s Sourdough English Muffins, and I highly recommend you make them if you haven’t yet! I tried baking it into a bread one day when I was feeling lazy, and have been making it as my soft white sandwich bread ever since.
This bread is fantastic for breakfast, making it a great canvas for butter, jam, or even a generous spread of avocado. It’s also excellent for sandwiches or as a side to your favorite soups and stews.
Ingredients
Before we dive into the steps, let’s gather everything you’ll need:
- 1 cup fed sourdough starter
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar or honey
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons salt
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Sourdough English Muffin Bread
Step 1: Mix the Dough
Start by combining your fed sourdough starter, milk, and sugar (or honey) in a large mixing bowl. Stir until the starter is fully dissolved. This mixture is the base that will give your bread its characteristic tangy flavor and light, airy texture.
Step 2: Incorporate the Flour
Next, begin adding the flour to your starter mixture, 2 cups at a time. Stir until the flour is mostly incorporated, then switch to using your hands to knead in the last 2 cups of flour. This helps to fully mix the ingredients and ensures the dough comes together nicely.
Step 3: Let It Rise
Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it sit on your counter overnight, or for at least 8 hours. During this time, the dough will rise and become bubbly as the natural yeast in the sourdough starter does its work.
Step 4: Add the Final Ingredients
Once your dough has risen, punch it down to release some of the air. Sprinkle a clean, floured surface with flour, then turn your dough out onto it. Evenly sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the dough. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes to ensure the baking soda and salt are well distributed. If your dough feels sticky, you can add a bit more flour until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
After kneading, shape your dough into a loaf. You can either form it into a traditional loaf shape or place it directly into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan (this one I have and LOVE). This is the stage where your dough will start to resemble the final loaf.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover the loaf with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size. This second rise is essential for developing the texture and volume of your bread.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
While your dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the dough has finished its second rise, place the loaf pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Tips for the Perfect Sourdough English Muffin Bread
- Feeding Your Starter: Make sure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly before using it in this recipe. This will ensure a good rise and the best flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Second Rise: While it might be tempting to skip the second rise, this step is crucial for achieving the right texture and volume in your loaf.
- Customize Your Loaf: Feel free to experiment with add-ins like seeds, herbs, or even a swirl of cinnamon for a unique twist on this classic recipe.
Sourdough English Muffin Bread
Equipment
- 1 loaf pan
Ingredients
- 1 cup fed sourdough starter
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar or honey
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons salt
Instructions
Mix the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the fed sourdough starter, milk, and sugar (or honey). Stir well until the starter is fully dissolved into the mixture.
- Gradually add the flour to the starter mixture, 2 cups at a time. Stir to incorporate the flour. For the final 2 cups, it’s best to use your hands to ensure the flour is thoroughly mixed in.
First Rise:
- Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rest on the counter overnight, or for at least 8 hours. The dough should rise and become bubbly.
Add Baking Soda and Salt:
- After the first rise, punch down the dough. Lightly flour your countertop and spread out the dough on the surface. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt evenly over the dough. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes to ensure the baking soda and salt are well incorporated. If the dough is sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
Shape the Loaf:
- After kneading, shape the dough into a loaf. You can either form it into a traditional loaf shape or place it directly into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Second Rise:
- Cover the loaf pan with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Bake the Bread
- While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Once the dough has risen, place the loaf pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Cool and Serve:
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and enjoy!
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Bread
Not only does this Sourdough English Muffin Bread capture the signature tang and texture of English muffins, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re toasting it for breakfast, making sandwiches, or serving it alongside your favorite dishes, this bread is sure to become a staple in your home.
The joy of homemade bread is unmatched, and this recipe makes it accessible even to those new to baking. So, roll up your sleeves, feed that starter, and get ready to bake a loaf of bread that’s sure to impress!
Looking for more Sourdough recipes? Check out my Favorite Sourdough Discard Recipes.
