Homemade English Muffins – tastykitchenjoy

These Homemade English Muffins are an absolute delight, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light snack. With their unique nooks and crannies, every bite is filled with flavor and texture that store-bought versions simply can’t match. Easy to make and versatile enough to pair with various toppings, these muffins are sure to impress family and friends alike. Whether you’re enjoying them warm with butter or as the base for a delicious eggs benedict, you’ll appreciate the wholesome goodness of homemade.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistible Flavor: Enjoy the fresh taste of homemade sourdough English muffins that are free from preservatives.
Perfectly Toasted Nooks: The unique texture creates the ideal surface for holding spreads and toppings.
Versatile Use: Perfect for breakfast sandwiches or served with jam and butter.
Simple Ingredients: Made with common pantry staples, making it easy to whip up a batch anytime.
Fun to Make: A great baking project for beginners and seasoned bakers alike!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your homemade English muffins, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Stand mixer or rolling pin
Circle cutter or round glass
Baking sheet
Griddle (or non-stick frying pan)
Plastic wrap

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl is essential for combining your ingredients thoroughly.
Stand mixer: Saves time and effort when kneading the dough, ensuring a smooth consistency.

Ingredients

To make these delightful homemade English muffins, gather the following ingredients:

For the Dough

1 cup active sourdough starter (100% hydration)
2 tablespoons honey
2 cups milk
4 cups all-purpose flour, unbleached
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons salt
1 cup all-purpose flour, unbleached (up to 2 cups)

For Dusting

Cornmeal for dusting griddle (or semolina or farina)

How to Make Homemade English Muffins

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the sourdough starter, milk, honey, and flour until well mixed.

Step 2: Ferment the Mixture

Cover the bowl and let it sit at room temperature for several hours or overnight. This will allow your mixture to ferment properly—estimated time is about 8 to 10 hours depending on how active your starter is.

Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients

After fermentation, sprinkle in the baking soda and salt. Then add an additional cup of flour while mixing until combined.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Knead the dough until it becomes smooth—this should take about 5 minutes using a stand mixer or around 10 minutes by hand. If the dough feels too sticky, add more flour as needed.

Step 5: Rest the Dough

Allow the dough to rest for about 10 to 15 minutes before rolling it out to approximately half an inch thick.

Step 6: Cut out Muffins

Using a circle cutter or round glass (3 to 4 inches in diameter), cut circles from the dough. Place them on a lightly greased baking sheet dusted with cornmeal.

Step 7: Re-roll Scraps if Needed

You can re-roll any scraps from cutting out muffins; this recipe yields about 18 muffins if using smaller sizes or you can divide dough into 9 larger muffins.

Step 8: Let Muffins Rise

Cover the muffins lightly with sprayed or oiled plastic wrap and allow them to rise for about one hour.

Step 9: Cook on Griddle

Once risen, place muffins on a preheated griddle at 325℉ for about 5-6 minutes per side. If using a pan, covering will help cook evenly.

Enjoy your delicious homemade English muffins warm from the griddle!

How to Serve Homemade English Muffins

Homemade English muffins are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or a snack, these delightful muffins can elevate any meal. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enjoy your homemade English muffins.

Classic Toppings

Butter and Jam: Spread a generous amount of butter and your favorite fruit jam for a sweet and satisfying treat.
Peanut Butter and Banana: Top with creamy peanut butter and banana slices for a nutritious breakfast option.

Savory Options

Avocado Toast: Mash ripe avocado on a toasted muffin, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and chili flakes for an irresistible bite.
Eggs Benedict: Layer poached eggs, spinach, and hollandaise sauce for a brunch classic that impresses.

Unique Combinations

Hummus and Veggies: Spread hummus on the muffin and add sliced cucumbers or tomatoes for a healthy snack.
Cheese Melt: Top with your favorite cheese, grill until melted, and enjoy as a cheesy delight.

How to Perfect Homemade English Muffins

Perfecting homemade English muffins is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some essential tips to ensure your muffins turn out perfectly every time.

Use an Active Starter: Ensure your sourdough starter is bubbly and active for the best rise.
Knead Well: Knead the dough until it’s smooth; this helps develop gluten for a better texture.
Monitor Rising Time: Keep an eye on the rising time; they should double in size before cooking.
Control Heat: Cook on medium-low heat to avoid burning while ensuring they cook through.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade English Muffins

Pairing side dishes with your homemade English muffins can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.

Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds color and freshness to your plate.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a deliciously creamy side.
Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns provide a hearty complement to the light texture of muffins.
Cottage Cheese: Creamy cottage cheese topped with herbs or fruits makes for a protein-packed pairing.
Smoothie Bowl: A refreshing smoothie bowl filled with toppings can be a great way to start your day.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted seasonal vegetables for a wholesome addition to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making homemade English muffins can be a delightful experience, but certain mistakes can hinder your success. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

Incorrect Starter Activity: Using a sourdough starter that isn’t active enough can lead to dense muffins. Ensure your starter is bubbly and has been fed recently for best results.
Neglecting Rising Time: Skipping or shortening the rising time can result in tough muffins. Allow the dough to rise adequately, as this is crucial for achieving those iconic nooks and crannies.
Over-kneading the Dough: Kneading too much can make the muffins chewy instead of light. Aim for a smooth texture without overworking the dough.
Skipping Dusting with Cornmeal: Not dusting your griddle or baking sheet can cause sticking. Always use cornmeal or a similar flour to prevent this issue and enhance texture.
Using Too Much Flour: Adding excess flour while kneading may lead to dry muffins. Add only as much flour as needed for a workable dough; it should remain slightly sticky.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover homemade English muffins in an airtight container.
They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Homemade English Muffins

Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Place them in a freezer-safe bag; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Homemade English Muffins

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm muffins for about 10 minutes.
Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
Stovetop: Toast on a skillet over low heat until heated through and lightly golden.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making homemade English muffins, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:

How do I ensure my sourdough starter is ready?

Your starter should be bubbly and have doubled in size after feeding. A float test (dropping a spoonful of starter in water) can also indicate readiness.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead?

Yes, you can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but it may affect texture. Start with a small amount and adjust based on preference.

What makes homemade English muffins different from store-bought?

Homemade English muffins have a fresher taste, customizable ingredients, and unique texture due to the fermentation process of sourdough.

How long does it take to make homemade English muffins?

The preparation time is around 10-15 minutes, plus rising time of 8-10 hours. Cooking takes an additional hour or so, making it mostly hands-off!

Can I customize my homemade English muffins?

Absolutely! You can mix in herbs, cheese, or even seeds into the dough before shaping for added flavor and variety.

Final Thoughts

Homemade English muffins are not only delicious but also versatile. You can enjoy them toasted with butter, topped with jam, or as part of breakfast sandwiches. Experiment with flavors and fillings to make them your own—once you try these, store-bought versions will feel like a distant memory!