Imagine starting your morning with the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen. Now, picture biting into a slice of Cheddar Scallion English Muffin Bread—a delightful combination of fluffy texture, cheesy richness, and the subtle tang of buttermilk. This savory twist on a breakfast classic is perfect for toasting, making sandwiches, or enjoying with a pat of butter.
If you’re ready to elevate your breakfast game, let’s explore every detail of how to create this mouthwatering bread.
Why You’ll Love Cheddar Scallion English Muffin Bread
- Rich, Savory Flavor: The cheddar and scallion combination offers a cheesy, tangy, and slightly oniony burst in every bite.
- Perfect Texture: Inspired by the nooks and crannies of English muffins, this bread is ideal for toasting.
- Versatile Use: Serve it as toast, make sandwiches, or use it to accompany soups and salads.
- Beginner-Friendly: No kneading required—this recipe is straightforward and perfect for novice bakers.
Ingredients for Cheddar Scallion English Muffin Bread
For the Pan
- Vegetable shortening or non-stick cooking spray for greasing
- 3 tablespoons (30g) coarse yellow cornmeal, divided
For the Dough
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Instant yeast | 2 1/4 teaspoons |
| Warm water (110–115°F / 43–46°C) | 1/3 cup (75g) |
| Granulated sugar | 1 tablespoon, divided |
| All-purpose flour | 3 cups (384g) |
| Kosher salt | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
| Fresh cracked black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Baking soda | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Chopped scallions (whites and greens) | 1/2 cup |
| Grated sharp cheddar cheese | 1 cup |
| Thick buttermilk (room temperature) | 1 cup (225g) |
| Vegetable oil | 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon (32g) |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pan
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with vegetable shortening or non-stick cooking spray.
- Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of coarse yellow cornmeal into the pan. Tilt it to coat the bottom and sides evenly.
2. Activate the Yeast
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, 1/2 tablespoon sugar, and instant yeast.
- Stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes, until foamy. This ensures the yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, black pepper, baking soda, and remaining sugar.
4. Incorporate the Wet Ingredients
- Stir the chopped scallions and grated cheddar cheese into the dry ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, and activated yeast mixture.
5. Combine and Form the Dough
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to the prepared loaf pan, smoothing it out evenly.
6. Add the Finishing Touches
- Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of coarse cornmeal over the top of the dough.
7. Rise the Dough
- Cover the pan loosely with a clean kitchen towel.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 45 minutes, or until it has risen to 1/2 inch above the pan’s rim.
8. Bake the Bread
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the dough rises.
- Once risen, bake the bread for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C).
9. Cool and Serve
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Turn the bread out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Serve slices toasted with butter or use them to create delicious sandwiches.
Tips for the Perfect Cheddar Scallion English Muffin Bread
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the buttermilk is at room temperature to prevent slowing down the yeast activation.
- Freshness Matters: Use fresh scallions and sharp cheddar for the best flavor.
- Test the Yeast: If the yeast doesn’t foam, it might be expired. Start over with fresh yeast.
- Prevent Overbaking: Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches exactly 200°F (93°C).
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~200 |
| Protein | ~6g |
| Fat | ~10g |
| Carbohydrates | ~20g |
| Sodium | ~350mg |
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on portion sizes and ingredient brands.
Serving Suggestions
Cheddar Scallion English Muffin Bread is incredibly versatile. Try these pairing ideas:
- Breakfast: Toast slices and spread with butter, cream cheese, or avocado.
- Lunch: Use it as the base for sandwiches with turkey, bacon, and lettuce.
- Dinner: Serve alongside soups, stews, or chili for a hearty meal.
- Snack: Enjoy with a drizzle of honey or a slice of tomato for a quick bite.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Toast slices in a toaster or oven for a warm, crispy texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or pepper jack.
2. What if I don’t have buttermilk?
Substitute buttermilk with 1 cup of milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
3. Can I add more mix-ins?
Absolutely! Try adding crumbled bacon, diced jalapeños, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
4. Is this bread suitable for gluten-free diets?
You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum.
5. How can I make the bread extra crispy?
Bake the bread for an additional 3–5 minutes, or broil the top for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking.
6. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes! Bake and cool the bread, then store it in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to use.
Conclusion
Cheddar Scallion English Muffin Bread is a savory, cheesy twist on the classic English muffin loaf, making it a standout addition to your recipe repertoire. Its fluffy texture, bold flavors, and versatility ensure it will become a favorite for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and start baking this irresistible bread today. Your taste buds will thank you!