Delicious and Easy English Muffin Recipe
Hello Foodies! Today we’re going to talk about one of my all-time favorites – English Muffins! Even though they are a breakfast staple, I believe English muffins are far more than that. They can be enjoyed any time of day, from a muffin breakfast sandwich loaded with bacon, egg and cheese to a muffin pizza loaded with your favorite toppings.
Now, I understand some of you may be intimidated by the thought of making your own English muffins at home. But trust me when I say that it’s worth the effort. Not only do homemade English muffins taste fresher and healthier than store-bought ones, but they also give you the added bonus of having control over ingredients and customization.
I have perfected an easy homemade English muffin recipe that requires minimal effort with big returns. This recipe is perfect for beginners, as well as experienced bakers who are looking for an easy and versatile recipe that can be customized to fit any taste preference.
So grab your apron and let’s get started with this easy English Muffin made easy recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a fan of English muffins? Then trust me, you will absolutely love this easy homemade English muffin recipe! When I say easy, I really mean it. This recipe is perfect for anyone who wants to impress their family and friends with their baking skills, without the stress and hassle of a complicated recipe.
One of the reasons why I love this recipe so much is that it requires only basic ingredients that are readily available in your pantry or local grocery store. You won’t need to go out of your way to buy any fancy or exotic ingredients. Just some all-purpose flour, warm water, sugar, hot water, shortening, and salt – that’s it!
If you’re a novice baker who’s still getting the hang of things, don’t worry – this recipe is beginner-friendly. It’s also a great way to get kids interested in cooking and baking. Trust me; they’ll be begging to help out in the kitchen once they see how simple this recipe is.
Plus, these muffins can be used in so many ways! Make an English muffin breakfast sandwich, muffin pizza or even an egg sandwich – the possibilities are endless! And if you want to impress your guests even further, use these homemade English muffins as a base for a delicious brunch buffet.
Overall, if you’re looking for an easy and delicious baked breakfast treat, then give this recipe a try. I guarantee you’ll love these homemade English muffins every bit as much as my family does.
Ingredient List
Before starting with the how-to of this homemade English muffin recipe, let’s start with the ingredients list. Here are all you need to make a dozen of the fluffiest, tastiest, and easy English muffins:
Dry Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup non-fat powdered milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 2 teaspoons salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons shortening
- 1 cup warm water
- 1/2 cup warm milk
A few things to note about the ingredients: make sure all your dry ingredients are properly measured. You can either do this by using a food scale or by lightly spooning flour into the measuring cup and then leveling it off with a straight edge. Also, for best results, use water that is about 110°F (43°C) and milk that is just slightly warmer than room temperature.
Now that you’ve got all you need ready, let’s proceed to how to make these delectable English muffins.
The Recipe How-To
Preparing the Dough
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In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 1/2 teaspoons of instant yeast.
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In a separate bowl, mix 1 1/3 cups of warm water and 1/3 cup of non-fat powdered milk.
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Pour the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients and stir slowly until you have a soft, sticky dough.
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Once the dough has come together, transfer it onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
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Place the dough in a greased large mixing bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour until it has doubled in size.
Shaping and Cooking the Muffins
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After an hour, punch down the dough to release any air bubbles.
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Roll out the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness on a floured surface using a rolling pin.
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Using a round biscuit cutter or a drinking glass rim, cut out the muffin rounds into about 12-14 pieces.
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Place the muffin rounds onto a cornmeal-dusted sheet pan, cover them with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let them rise again for about 20 minutes until they become puffy.
10.In an electric skillet preheated to 325°F, place each muffin on the skillet making sure to leave enough room for them to spread out.
11.Cook each muffin for about 5-6 minutes on each side until browned; flip them carefully with flat spatula only once while cooking.
12.Once the muffins are cooked on both sides and have achieved crispy texture, remove them from the skillet and let them cool on a wire rack.
13.Split the muffins open using a fork to reveal a fluffy center, and toast them slightly to give them an extra crunch.
Enjoy your homemade English muffins! They’re perfect for making a bread pudding, muffin pizza, egg sandwich or even a whole wheat English muffin sandwich.
Substitutions and Variations
You can always put your own spin on this easy English Muffins recipe! Here are some ideas to help you make your muffins truly unique.
– Whole wheat/flour blend: Want to make your muffins a bit healthier? Try swapping half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour, or use an all-purpose and bread flour blend.
– Add some toppings: Before cooking, add some of your favourite toppings to the muffin dough. Popular options include sesame seeds, poppy seeds, onion flakes or garlic powder.
– Gluten-free: If you are avoiding gluten, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add a teaspoon of baking powder for extra lift.
– Flavoured Muffins: Mix in some additional flavouring into the batter such as grated cheese, herbs or cooked and crumbled bacon.
– Breakfast Sandwiches: For a delicious breakfast sandwich option slice muffins in half and toast them. Then create your breakfast treat with egg, bacon or sausage slices along with any other toppings you want to include.
– Dessert Muffins: Make savory English muffin pizzas by adding sauce and toppings or make sweet English muffin bread with jam, butter spread, syrup or honey.
There are many ways to customize this homemade English Muffin recipe to suit your taste buds. So whether you prefer savoury or sweet options – have fun making it your own!
Serving and Pairing
Now that your delicious homemade English muffins are fresh from the oven, let’s talk about how best to serve and enjoy them!
First things first, you’ll definitely want to try one of these warm and tasty treats on its own with a little bit of butter or jam. The soft yet slightly chewy texture combined with the subtle taste of yeast will make for a delightful snack any time of day.
But why stop there? These English muffins also make an excellent base for a variety of breakfast sandwiches or as a side to your favorite soup or stew. Toast them up and add some Canadian bacon, egg, and cheese for a mouth-watering breakfast sandwich, or use them as the crust for your very own homemade mini pizzas.
For a healthier option, use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour in the recipe to create whole wheat English muffins, which pair well with avocado spread, fresh tomatoes, and a sliced hard-boiled egg.
Feeling adventurous? Create an epic muffin bread pudding dessert by slicing up leftover English muffins and baking them into a custard mixture with cinnamon and sugar.
Whatever way you choose to serve them, these easy homemade English muffins will certainly be the star of the show. So why not pair them up with some fresh fruits, yogurt, or even coffee for a perfect breakfast or brunch spread? Enjoy!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to making English muffins, you want them fresh and warm. However, that’s not always possible, especially in today’s busy world. Fortunately, these English muffins are easy to make ahead, store and reheat.
To make ahead, allow the muffins to cool completely after cooking. Then, place them in an airtight container or bag and store them in the freezer for up to a month. Before serving, let the muffins thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour.
When it comes to reheating, there are several methods you can use. One way is to toast the muffins in a toaster or under a broiler until they’re browned and heated through. Another option is to reheat them in an oven by placing them on a baking sheet and heating them for 5-7 minutes at 350°F.
You can also freeze the muffins after they have been cooked if you want to store them for later. Simply follow the directions above for storing and when you are ready to eat one let it thaw completely before reheating it using one of the above methods.
Overall, with just a little bit of planning ahead and smart storage techniques, you can enjoy these English muffins anytime in the future without compromising taste or texture.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you’ve got all the ingredients to make your own homemade English muffins, let’s take a look at some tips for perfect results.
1. Use Bread Flour: When making English muffins, traditional bread flour is best for achieving that signature texture. It has a higher gluten content than all-purpose flour, which helps create those nooks and crannies that we love in English muffins.
2. Be Patient: Give the dough enough time to rise and double in size. If you rush the rising process, your muffins may not have the proper texture or rise properly.
3. Don’t Overwork the Dough: Kneading the dough too much can cause it to become tough and chewy. Mix until just combined and allow ample time for rising.
4. Use Cornmeal or Semolina: Once shaped into rounds, dust the tops and bottoms with cornmeal or semolina flour before placing them in the pan for cooking. This gives them a delicious crispy crust and helps prevent sticking.
5. Cook on Low Heat: Cook your English muffins on low heat to ensure they cook through without burning on the outside. About 6 minutes per side should do it; be patient before flipping.
6. Keep Them Warm: Once cooked, store them in a sealed container to prevent drying out at room temperature. If you prefer them warm, wrap them in foil and reheat in a 350-degree oven for about 10 minutes.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to create delicious homemade English muffins with ease!
FAQ
Before I conclude this recipe article, let’s talk about the frequently asked questions regarding making homemade English muffins. Here are some of the most common inquiries I receive when it comes to this recipe:
What can I use if I don’t have English muffin rings?
A group of Club members recently shared their clever secrets for successfully making English muffins without the need for rings. One member, Sarah Elizabeth Johnston, employs a technique of creating her own ring molds out of aluminum foil by folding it twice and then fitting it around a biscuit cutter for the ideal circular shape.
What is the best thing to put on an English muffin?
In this article, I’ll be sharing some great topping options that can add flavor and nourishment to your meals. Poached or scrambled eggs with vegetables on an English muffin provide moisture and a delicious taste. Cheeses such as part-skim mozzarella and semi-soft types like cottage cheese are nutrient-rich and can be great toppings. Peanut butter and lean meats are also wonderful options for those looking for extra nutrition.
Are English muffins better for you than toast?
Compared to bread, English muffins contain fewer calories, carbohydrates, fats, and sugar, making them a slightly healthier alternative. Despite this, both are high in carbohydrates, which can provide sustained energy and numerous essential nutrients.
Bottom Line
Now that you have learned everything there is to know about making English Muffins, I hope you will be encouraged to get into the kitchen and start baking! With my easy-to-follow recipe, you can make these delicious muffins in no time, even if you’re not an expert baker.
There is nothing quite like the satisfaction of creating something from scratch, especially when it comes to food. These homemade English Muffins are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or even dinner. Whether you enjoy them on their own or as a part of a breakfast sandwich, pizza or other creative dishes made with them, these muffins are sure to impress your guests.
In conclusion, making English Muffins should not be intimidating nor expensive. My recipe only requires a few basic ingredients that you probably already have at home. Plus, with the unlimited possibilities for variations and substitutions that I have provided, this recipe can accommodate any dietary needs or preferences.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your apron and start baking. It’s time to indulge in the deliciousness of homemade English Muffins!
English Muffins Made Easy Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup non-fat powdered milk
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon shortening
- 1 cup hot water
- 2 1/2 teaspoons yeast (1 envelope)
- 1/8 teaspoon sugar
- 1/3 cup warm water
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
Instructions
- In a bowl combine the powdered milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, shortening and hot water.
- Stir until the sugar and salt are dissolved.
- In another bowl, combine the yeast, 1/3 cup of water and 1/8 teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit until the yeast has dissolved and begins to foam.
- Add the yeast mixture to the powdered milk mixture.
- Add flour and mix thoroughly.
- Cover and let rise for 60 minutes.
- Preheat griddle to 300 degrees F. Grease rings.
- Fill the rings about 2/3 of the way and let them cook for about 5 minutes until golden brown. Flip them over and cook for about 5 more minutes.
- I can't stress enough, this dough is very gooey. RESIST the urge to add more flour to make it more like dough you're used to.
- I tend to cook with powdered milk anyway, but I can't see why you couldn't substitute fresh milk. Between the two amounts of water, the amount of powder is about right for "regular" milk.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.