This Cheddar Scallion English Muffin Bread is a savory twist on classic English muffins, baked into a soft and flavorful loaf! Made with sharp cheddar, fresh scallions, and a hint of black pepper, this bread has a golden crust with a tender, airy crumb. Perfect for toasting, spreading with butter, or pairing with soups and eggs, this easy-to-make yeast bread brings bold flavors to your breakfast or snack time!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

3 tbsp coarse yellow cornmeal, divided
2 ¼ tsp instant yeast
⅓ cup (75g) warm water (110-115°F)
1 tbsp granulated sugar, divided
3 cups (384g) all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp fresh cracked black pepper
¼ tsp baking soda
½ cup chopped scallions (whites and greens)
1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup (225g) thick buttermilk, room temperature
2 tbsp + 1 tsp (32g) vegetable oil

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Loaf Pan

Lightly grease a 9×5-inch metal loaf pan with nonstick spray or shortening.
Dust the pan with 2 tbsp cornmeal, tapping it around to coat.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, whisk together yeast, warm water, and a pinch of sugar.
Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

Step 3: Make the Dough

In a stand mixer bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, salt, black pepper, and baking soda.
Stir in scallions and cheddar cheese.
Add the buttermilk, oil, and yeast mixture, then mix with a dough hook on low speed for 4-6 minutes until soft and slightly sticky.

Step 4: Proof the Dough

Lightly grease your fingers and press the dough evenly into the prepared loaf pan.
Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1 tbsp cornmeal.
Cover with plastic wrap and let rest in a warm place for 1 hour, until doubled in size.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Bake for 22-25 minutes, until golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
Let cool completely before slicing.

Nutrients (Per Slice – Approx. 12 Slices)

Calories: 190 kcal
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 7g
Sodium: 280mg
Fiber: 1g

Why You’ll Love This Cheddar Scallion English Muffin Bread

This savory quick bread has everything you love about English muffins—light texture, crispy crust, and a slightly chewy bite—with the added flavors of cheese and scallions. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

No-Knead & Easy to Make – No need to roll out or shape dough; just mix, proof, and bake.
Cheesy & Savory Flavor – Sharp cheddar and fresh scallions add depth to every bite.
Perfect for Toasting – The texture mimics English muffins, creating delicious crisp edges when toasted.
Versatile for Any Meal – Enjoy it on its own, with butter, or as a base for sandwiches.
Pairs Well with Soups, Eggs, and More – Serve it with scrambled eggs, soups, or as a side for dinner.
Great for Meal Prep – Stays soft and fresh for days, and leftovers freeze well.

The Secret to Perfect English Muffin Bread Texture

The signature texture of English muffin bread comes from a few key techniques:

Cornmeal Coating – Dusting the pan with coarse yellow cornmeal mimics the crunchy bottom of classic English muffins.
Yeast & Baking Soda Combo – The combination of yeast and baking soda helps create the signature air pockets and light, fluffy crumb.
High Hydration Dough – This dough is wetter than typical bread dough, resulting in a softer, more open structure.
One Long Proof – Allowing the dough to rise for an hour in the pan ensures an airy yet structured loaf.

How Buttermilk Enhances This Bread

A key ingredient in this recipe is buttermilk, which brings several benefits:

Adds a Slight Tang – Buttermilk gives the bread a mild tanginess, just like classic English muffins.
Helps with Rise – The acidity in buttermilk works with baking soda to create a better rise.
Keeps the Bread Tender – Buttermilk’s fat content helps create a soft, moist crumb.

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make your own by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

How to Customize Your Cheddar Scallion English Muffin Bread

This bread is already packed with flavor, but you can easily adjust it based on your preferences:

Use Different Cheeses – Swap out sharp cheddar for smoked gouda, Monterey Jack, or parmesan.
Make It Spicier – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
Herb Variations – Add chopped chives, parsley, or rosemary for extra freshness.
Garlic & Onion Twist – Stir in a teaspoon of garlic powder or caramelized onions for a deeper savory flavor.
Make it Gluten-Free – Use a gluten-free flour blend and check that your baking soda and cornmeal are gluten-free.

Best Ways to Enjoy This Bread

This savory, cheesy loaf is incredibly versatile and pairs well with many meals and flavors:

Toasted with Butter – A simple yet satisfying way to enjoy its crisp edges and fluffy inside.
Topped with Cream Cheese or Goat Cheese – The tangy spread pairs perfectly with the cheddar and scallions.
As the Base for an Egg Sandwich – Try it with scrambled eggs, bacon, or avocado.
Dipped in Soups – Serve alongside tomato soup, potato soup, or chili for a comforting meal.
With Smoked Salmon – Add lox, capers, and red onions for a gourmet twist on toast.
Grilled Cheese Upgrade – Use this bread to make an ultra-flavorful grilled cheese sandwich.

How to Store & Freeze This Bread

This bread stays fresh and delicious for several days, and it’s easy to store for later use:

Room Temperature – Keep in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 4 days.
Refrigeration – While not necessary, it can help the bread last up to a week.
Freezing – Slice the bread, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating Instructions:
- To Toast – Place slices in a toaster or toaster oven for a crispy edge.
- To Warm in Oven – Wrap in foil and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?
Yes! You can mix the dough by hand, but it will take a few extra minutes of kneading to develop the right texture.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can substitute regular milk mixed with lemon juice or vinegar to mimic the acidity.

Can I make mini loaves instead of one big loaf?
Absolutely! Divide the dough into two smaller loaf pans and adjust the baking time to 18-20 minutes.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
It’s best to grate your own cheese, as pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that can affect texture.

Why is my bread dense?
This could be due to not letting the dough rise long enough or using cold ingredients. Make sure your yeast is active and your dough has had enough time to proof.

Conclusion

This Cheddar Scallion English Muffin Bread is a savory, flavorful twist on classic English muffins, baked into an easy-to-make loaf that’s perfect for toasting, snacking, or pairing with meals. With its cheesy goodness, light texture, and crispy cornmeal crust, this bread is a must-try for breakfast lovers, cheese enthusiasts, and home bakers alike.

Whether you’re enjoying it warm with butter, using it for sandwiches, or dipping it into your favorite soup, this recipe is versatile, comforting, and sure to impress. Try it today and bring homemade bakery-style bread into your kitchen with minimal effort!

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