Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Pan
- Cornmeal (to sprinkle in pan)
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, and active dry yeast until well incorporated.
- Warm Liquid Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine the milk, water, and olive oil. Heat the mixture to 120-130°F (49-54°C), which should feel hotter than lukewarm but not scalding. Use a kitchen thermometer for accuracy.
- Mix Wet and Dry: Pour the warmed liquid mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients.
- Form Dough: Mix the ingredients for 1 to 2 minutes until a soft dough forms.
- Prepare the Pan: Lightly grease an 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 inch bread pan with oil or butter, then sprinkle a generous layer of cornmeal evenly on the bottom to create a non-stick surface with texture.
- Transfer Dough to Pan: Scoop the dough into the prepared bread pan and level off the top for an even loaf.
- First Rise: Cover the pan to keep moisture in and allow the dough to rise until it reaches about 1/4 inch above the rim of the pan, roughly 1 hour.
- Baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Bake the risen dough for 20-25 minutes until the bread turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cooling: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then transfer it onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing, ensuring the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure liquids are at the proper temperature for activating yeast without killing it.
- Sprinkling cornmeal in the pan helps create the classic English muffin crust and prevents sticking.
- Allow the bread to cool fully on a wire rack before slicing to maintain its texture.
- The dough is soft and sticky—avoid adding too much extra flour during mixing.
- Store leftover bread wrapped in plastic at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze slices for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American