Irresistibly Cheesy English Crumpet Bread: Your Easy No-Knead Baking Adventure

Golden brown cheesy English crumpet bread, sliced on a plate, ready to be enjoyed.

There’s an undeniable magic to the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your home. For many of us, it evokes feelings of comfort, warmth, and a touch of nostalgia. As a passionate home baker, I cherish those moments spent in the kitchen, transforming simple ingredients into something truly special. While summer often calls for lighter fare and less time by a hot oven, the crisp air of autumn, even if it occasionally gives way to lingering summer heat, always reignites my passion for baking. This year, I’m particularly excited to share a recipe that combines the best of homemade bread with a delightful twist: Cheesy English Crumpet Bread.

What Makes English Crumpet Bread So Special?

If you’re familiar with English crumpets, you know they’re a treat unlike any other. Often confused with English muffins, crumpets boast a unique, spongy texture characterized by a multitude of tiny holes on their surface – affectionately known as “nooks and crannies.” These pockets are absolutely perfect for soaking up generous amounts of melted butter, jam, or any topping your heart desires. While English muffin bread has been a popular adaptation for years, I was thrilled to discover the concept of English Crumpet Bread, capturing that same delightful texture in a convenient loaf form.

The addition of cheese to this crumpet bread recipe elevates it to another level of deliciousness. Imagine those signature airy pockets, not just with butter, but infused with savory cheddar cheese. It creates a truly satisfying bite, whether enjoyed warm from the oven or toasted later. My husband even suggested adding chopped jalapeños for an extra kick, and honestly, that sounds like a phenomenal idea for a spicy variation!

The Simplicity of No-Knead Baking

One of the most appealing aspects of this English Crumpet Bread recipe is its incredible simplicity. There’s absolutely no kneading involved! For those who might feel intimidated by traditional bread making, or simply lack the time for extensive dough manipulation, this recipe is a game-changer. You simply combine the wet and dry ingredients, give them a good mix until a cohesive dough forms, and then let time and yeast do all the hard work.

This hands-off approach makes it a fantastic starting point for anyone new to baking with yeast. The process builds confidence and yields impressive results without the strenuous effort often associated with homemade loaves. If you’ve ever hesitated to bake bread from scratch because of the perceived complexity, this cheesy crumpet bread will change your mind. It’s a truly rewarding experience to pull a warm, golden-brown loaf from the oven with minimal effort.

Versatile and Delicious for Any Meal

The versatility of this Cheesy English Crumpet Bread is another reason it will quickly become a household favorite. While it’s absolutely divine toasted with butter for breakfast – those nooks and crannies doing their job perfectly – its savory cheese flavor makes it suitable for so much more. Imagine it as the base for a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich, or alongside a comforting bowl of soup for lunch. It also makes a fantastic side for dinner, adding a homemade touch to any meal. The subtle sweetness from the sugar combined with the sharpness of the cheddar creates a balanced flavor profile that pairs well with a variety of dishes.

Cheesy English Crumpet Bread

By
Erin Sellin

English Crumpet bread full of all the nooks and crannies, and cheddar cheese!

Prep:
2 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Cook:
30 minutes mins

Total:
2 hours hrs 50 minutes mins

Servings:
10

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Ingredients

1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup water
2 Tablespoons sugar
4 1/2 teaspoons (2 packets) Active Dry Yeast
5 cups bread flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 Tablespoon warm water

Instructions

Heat milk and water in a large saucepan, over medium heat until it is 110-115º F. Remove from heat.

1 1/2 cups milk, 1 cup water
Mix in sugar and yeast, whisk until no lumps. Add 3 cups of bread flour and salt. Mix until smooth. Add the remaining 2 cups of flour, mix until it forms a ball of dough. The dough will be sticky. Place in a well oiled bowl, and turn to coat. Cover and let rise for about an hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.

2 Tablespoons sugar, 4 1/2 teaspoons (2 packets) Active Dry Yeast, 5 cups bread flour, 1 teaspoon salt
While the dough is rising, dissolve the baking soda in 1 Tablespoon of warm water.

1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1 Tablespoon warm water
Once the dough has doubled in size, punch the dough down. Add the grated cheese, melted butter, and the baking soda mixture. Mix until the cheese is evenly distributed.

2 cups cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup butter
Divide the dough into 2 9×5 inch loaf pans, that have been sprayed with a non-stick spray.
Let rise, uncovered, for about an hour. You will know it is ready to bake when an indentation will remain after lightly touching it.
Preheat oven to 400º F. Bake for 25-30 minutes.
Remove from oven, and let cool for 5-10 minutes. Remove bread from the pans, and place on a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Notes

From Red Star Yeast

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author:
Erin Sellin

Prep Time:
2 hours hours 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time:
30 minutes minutes

Total Time:
2 hours hours 50 minutes minutes

Course:
Side Dish Recipes

Cuisine:
American

Servings:
10

Calories:
380

Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!

Tips for Baking the Perfect Cheesy Crumpet Bread

Achieving that signature crumpet-like texture in a loaf form is surprisingly easy, but a few tips can ensure your success:

Yeast Activation: Ensure your milk and water mixture is precisely within the 110-115ºF range. Too hot, and you’ll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won’t activate properly. This temperature is crucial for a good rise.
Dough Consistency: Don’t be alarmed by the stickiness of the dough. Unlike traditional bread doughs that require a smooth, elastic texture from kneading, crumpet bread dough is meant to be quite wet and sticky. This high hydration is what contributes to its characteristic airy crumb and “nooks and crannies.” Resisting the urge to add more flour than specified is key.
Rising Environment: A warm, draft-free spot is ideal for dough to rise. If your kitchen is cool, you can preheat your oven to its lowest setting for a few minutes, then turn it off and let the dough rise inside with the door slightly ajar.
Doneness Test: The indentation test for the second rise is important. Gently press a finger into the dough; if the indentation remains, it’s ready to bake. If it springs back quickly, give it a little more time.
Cooling is Crucial: Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack after baking. This prevents the bottom from becoming soggy and allows the internal structure to set properly. Cutting into hot bread can result in a gummy texture.

Customizing Your Crumpet Bread

While cheddar cheese is a fantastic choice for this recipe, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack could offer delicious variations. For that extra layer of flavor, consider mixing in:

Chopped Jalapeños: As my husband suggested, these would add a wonderful heat and freshness. Be sure to remove the seeds if you prefer less spice.
Fresh Herbs: Rosemary, chives, or a blend of Italian herbs could add an aromatic touch.
Garlic Powder or Onion Powder: For an additional savory depth.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained) could introduce a tangy, umami flavor.

This Cheesy English Crumpet Bread is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to explore the delightful world of no-knead bread baking. Its unique texture and savory cheese flavor make it a stand-out loaf that’s perfect for any occasion, from a cozy breakfast to a comforting side dish. The simplicity of its preparation means you can enjoy the satisfaction of homemade bread without the fuss. So, roll up your sleeves (or rather, don’t, since there’s no kneading!), gather your ingredients, and prepare to fill your home with the irresistible scent of this wonderful bread.

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