English Bread
A classic homemade English bread with a crusty exterior and soft interior, perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, or toasting with butter and honey. Suitable for all bread lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine 3 cups of flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and baking soda in a mixing bowl.
- Heat the milk and water to 125°F.
- Add the warm liquids to the dry mixture and beat well.
- Stir in enough additional flour to make a stiff batter.
- Spoon the batter into two greased bread pans sprinkled with cornmeal.
- Sprinkle the tops of the batter with cornmeal and cover the pans.
- Let the bread rise in a warm place for 45 minutes.
- Bake at 400°F for 25 minutes.
- Remove the bread from pans immediately and cool on a wire rack.
- Slice and serve toasted with butter and honey.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the batter. If you don't have cornmeal, breadcrumbs or flour can be used for dusting the pans. Ensure the milk and water mixture is at the right temperature; too hot can kill the yeast. This recipe can also be adapted for whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
Serving Suggestions
This English bread is delightful when served warm with butter and honey, making it perfect for breakfast or brunch. It pairs beautifully with soups or stews, and can also be used for sandwiches. Consider serving it alongside a light salad or with Aunt Hazel'S Icing(For Decorating Cakes) for a sweet twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, simply toast slices in a toaster or oven until warm and crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of English Bread contains roughly 708 calories, with 22g protein, 137g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (60% of the Daily Value), and protein (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2845mg per serving (124% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but you may need to adjust the liquid slightly, as whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture. Start with 5 cups and gradually add more as needed to achieve a stiff batter.
What can I do if my bread doesn't rise?
If your bread doesn't rise, check the yeast's expiration date and ensure the liquid temperature was warm enough but not too hot. If the yeast is valid and the temperature was correct, it may need more time in a warm place to rise.
Can I add ingredients like cheese or herbs to the dough?
Absolutely! Adding shredded cheese or chopped herbs can enhance the flavor of the bread. Just ensure that the total weight of added ingredients doesn’t exceed 1 cup to maintain the dough's consistency.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).