Easy Homemade English Muffins: Perfect Breakfast Delight!
English muffins are an iconic British breakfast staple, known for their fluffy texture and slightly sweet taste. While it may be easy to grab a pack of pre-made muffins from the store, I’m here to tell you that nothing beats the flavor and satisfaction of homemade English muffins.
Not only is making your own muffins a fun and satisfying activity, but you also have complete control over the ingredients that go into them. Store-bought muffins are often packed with preservatives and additives, while homemade English muffins can be made with all-natural ingredients like butter, milk, sugar, and yeast.
But don’t let the thought of working with yeast scare you off – this recipe is simple enough for even a novice baker to tackle. With just a few basic ingredients and some patience for rising dough, you can create a batch of warm, fresh English muffins that will make your entire kitchen smell amazing.
So grab your apron and get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious homemade English muffin recipe. Trust me – once you taste the difference between homemade and store-bought, you’ll never go back!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Step right up, ladies and gents, and let me tell you about a recipe that will change your breakfast game forever. I’m talking about my homemade English Muffins recipe! This muffin recipe holds all the secrets to a perfect start of your day.
What makes English Muffins so great, you ask? Well, for starters, they’re incredibly versatile. You can have them for breakfast with some butter or jam or use them as a bun for your lunchtime sandwich. They taste amazing with avocado, fried egg, or smoked salmon. For those who require dietary restrictions like vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free diets, you can also mix and match toppings of your preferences.
But what undoubtedly makes this recipe excel is how simple it is. Yes, it is simple to make homemade English muffins with only a few fundamental ingredients. Flour, sugar, salt…you get the idea. Mix it all together and let the magic happen – I recommend trying out sourdough English muffins for extra flavor!
Not only are these muffins a healthier bread option than store-bought options with all its preservatives and additives- but they also create the perfect base for mini pizzas or tartines. The possibilities are endless!
Your kitchen will smell divine while they bake to delicious perfection. Trust me; once you try making homemade English muffins using my easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll never go back to store-bought options. So what are you waiting for? Get started on this recipe ASAP!
Ingredient List
Before we start with the recipe, let’s take a look at the Ingredient List. For this English Muffins Recipe, we will need the following:
Recipe Ingredients 1:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm water
Recipe Ingredients 2:
- 2 cups bread flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 cup milk, warmed
Homemade Sourdough English Muffins Recipe Ingredients:
- 3/4 cups sourdough starter
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 20 grams fine sea salt (about 2 tablespoons)
- 3 – 4 cups all-purpose flour
Note: You can use a mixture of all-purpose flour and bread flour for best results. You can also use whole wheat flour or a combination of white and whole wheat flour.
Make sure that your yeast is fresh, and your flour is unbleached to ensure proper fermentation and development of gluten in the dough. You will also need a bit of olive oil for greasing the bowl where you will let the dough rise.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
First, activate the yeast. In a small bowl, dissolve 2 tsp of active dry yeast and 1 tbsp of sugar in 1 cup of warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes or until the mixture is foamy.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine 4 cups of purpose flour, 1 tsp of salt, and 1 tbsp of sugar. Create a well in the center then pour in the yeast mixture, 1 cup of milk, and 2 tbsp of olive oil. Mix until well-blended.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Sprinkle some flour onto your clean kitchen counter or table. Transfer the dough to your working station and knead it for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Step 4: Let it Rise
After kneading, place your dough into an oiled bowl then cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise for about an hour or until it doubles in size.
Step 5: Prepare the Muffin Rings
While waiting for the dough to rise, prepare your muffin rings by dusting them with cornmeal.
Step 6: Shape and Cook the Muffins
Punch down your risen dough and place it onto your floured working station. Roll out its thickness to around half an inch then cut them into rounds using a 3-4-inch diameter cutter. Only re-roll scraps once to prevent overworking it.
Place your cut-out English muffins onto well-coated muffin rings with cornmeal-dusted tops placed on a baking sheet. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or oiled plastic wrap then let them rest for around 20-30 minutes before cooking.
Heat up a non-stick skillet over low to medium heat. Place the muffin rings into the skillet then cook for around 7-8 minutes on both sides or until they become golden brown.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
After cooking, remove the muffins from the rings and let them cool down for a bit. Serve and enjoy your homemade English muffins with bacon egg, avocado, smoked salmon, cheese, or any spread of your choice — perfect for breakfast or lunch!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to making English muffins, there are several substitutions and variations you can try to tailor the recipe to your taste buds. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Whole Wheat Flour: If you want a healthier bread option, swap out 1-2 cups of all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour. This will add more fiber and nutrients to your muffins.
2. Sourdough Starter: For a tangy twist on your English muffins, try using a homemade sourdough starter rather than regular yeast. Simply replace the yeast in the recipe with 1/2 cup of active sourdough starter and reduce the water in the recipe by 1/4 cup.
3. Gluten-Free: If you’re avoiding gluten, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Keep in mind that gluten-free flours can absorb more liquid than traditional flour blends, so adjust the amount of liquid accordingly.
4. Vegan: To make these muffins vegan-friendly, use a non-dairy milk such as almond or soy milk and replace the butter with a plant-based spread or olive oil.
5. Savory Variations: English muffins are often associated with sweet breakfast items and jams, but they can also be made into savory meals. Try adding chopped herbs or garlic powder to the dough for extra flavor or serving them with avocado, fried egg, smoked salmon or cheese.
No matter which substitution or variation you choose, be sure to adjust measurements to ensure your dough is properly hydrated and proofed for perfect results!
Serving and Pairing
The English muffins recipe is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. You can split them open, toast them until they’re crispy on the outside, and slather your favourite butter or jam over the warm, craggy surface. However, if you’re looking to elevate things a bit, here are some serving suggestions that will make your taste buds sing.
For a classic breakfast dish, you can’t go wrong with the classic combination of an English muffin topped with a poached egg and crispy bacon. The runny yolk spills over the toasted muffin and blends together with the salty bacon and melted butter to create an explosion of flavour in your mouth.
If you’re looking for something healthier, try topping the muffin with mashed avocado, sliced tomato, and a drizzle of olive oil. This tasty twist on avocado toast is packed with vitamins and healthy fats to give you the energy you need to tackle the day ahead.
English muffins also work well for lunch sandwiches. We recommend filling them with smoked salmon, cream cheese, capers, and dill for a refreshing flavour combination. Another tasty lunch option is to layer roasted vegetables such as zucchini and eggplant with hummus or pesto between two halves of a toasted English muffin for a delicious vegetarian sandwich.
As for pairings, English muffins are incredibly versatile and can be paired with everything from fruit smoothies to coffee drinks. Personally, I love pairing my English muffin with a cup of hot tea or coffee in the morning. If you’re looking for something sweeter to pair with your muffins, we recommend having them alongside some homemade strawberry jam or honey.
In conclusion, English muffins are incredibly flexible when it comes to serving and pairing. They can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch or at any time during the day, whether you have protein-rich foods or just satisfying garnishes that cover delectable dishes, which would be a simple and tasty way to satisfy crisp cravings.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Making English muffins is a time-consuming process. But, there’s a way you can save your time so that you can have freshly baked muffins whenever you want. You can make these muffins ahead of time and store them in the freezer for future use.
To make-ahead the English muffins, let them cool completely after baking. Once they’re cool, place them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag and store them in the freezer for up to two months.
To reheat frozen English muffins, leave them out to thaw overnight in the fridge. The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake the thawed muffins for about 5-10 minutes until they’re heated through and crispy.
Alternatively, if you want to eat freshly-baked English muffins every day, you can refrigerate the unbaked dough overnight instead of freezing it. This will give the dough time to develop more flavor as it rises slowly. In the morning, simply take out the dough to come to room temperature before shaping and baking the muffins.
Reheating muffins is pretty simple. Just split them open with a fork and toast them in a toaster or on a griddle until they turn golden brown on both sides. Then spread some butter or jam on top and enjoy.
Whether you make these muffins ahead of time or need to store leftovers, storing them is quite easy. Just make sure they are stored in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to five days. Always remember to reheat them before eating, so they are warm and fresh!
Tips for Perfect Results
As an expert in British cuisine, I want to share with you some tips for making perfect English muffins every time. These tips will help to ensure that your homemade English muffins turn out fluffy and delicious.
Firstly, it’s important to use both all-purpose flour and bread flour in the dough. All-purpose flour provides the necessary gluten structure while bread flour gives the muffins a nice chewy texture.
Secondly, The dough should be sticky but not too wet. If the dough is too dry, add a little bit of water. If it’s too moist, add more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.
Thirdly, Kneading the dough is crucial to get those soft and fluffy English muffins. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until it feels elastic.
Fourthly, Letting the dough rise is essential before cutting and cooking the English muffins. You can let them rise at room temperature for about an hour or overnight in the refrigerator.
Fifthly, To prevent sticking, make sure to dust both sides of the cut muffins with cornmeal or semolina before cooking them on a griddle or in a skillet.
Sixthly, Cook the English muffins over low heat for about five minutes per side. Make sure they are cooked through but not burnt on the outside.
Seventhly, After removing from the griddle or skillet allow them cool down prior storing to avoid them going wet.
Lastly but not less important if sourdough starter is used then try to use young matured starter as this will improve flavour profile of english muffin even more.
These tips will help you make perfect homemade English muffins time after time!
FAQ
Now that you’ve got the hang of our homemade English muffin recipe, you may still have a few questions lingering in your mind. So, let me clear up those uncertainties with our frequently asked questions section. Here we go:
What makes English muffins different from bread?
When making English muffins, it’s essential to note that the dough is wetter than the usual bread dough, meaning it cannot be shaped in the same manner. The dough is instead placed in rings on a griddle or pan and then cooked. Afterward, the muffins have to be cooled before consumption. These muffins have a unique texture with a small crumb that sets them apart from regular bread.
Are English muffins healthier than bread?
When comparing English muffins and bread in terms of nutrition, it is noticed that English muffins tend to have lower amounts of carbohydrates, fats, and sugar. Even though bread does contain a tiny bit more fat than English muffins, both options have minimal amounts of total fat.
What makes an English muffin an English muffin?
English muffins are made from a sturdy dough that is typically made with sourdough or yeast and does not include milk. These muffins are unique in that they are pre-cut and can be toasted and enjoyed with a variety of tasty toppings.
What is the best flour for English muffins?
When it comes to making English muffins, the ideal flour ratio is a mix of whole wheat and white flour. It’s essential to keep the ratio in check as using too much whole wheat flour can cause the texture of the English muffins to become dense and heavy. For the white flour, you can either use bread flour or all-purpose flour. However, it is recommended to use bread flour as it yields the best texture for English muffins.
Bottom Line
After going through the recipe, tips and variations for English muffins, I hope you are excited to try making this classic British bread in your kitchen. Homemade English muffins might require a bit of effort and time, but they are worth every second spent. Homemade bread has no match, and it is especially satisfying when you can tailor it to your taste and preferences.
Not only do homemade English muffins taste better than store-bought ones but they are also healthier since you know exactly what’s in them. You can make several batches at once and freeze them, so you always have them on hand for a quick breakfast or snack.
So whether you enjoy your English muffins toasted with some butter or used as a base for eggs Benedict, give this recipe a try. With practice and patience, this recipe will become one of your beloved recipes that everyone will look forward to.
English Muffins Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb all-purpose flour or 1 lb bread flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 ounces butter, melted
Instructions
- Sift the flour and salt into a bowl and leave in a warm place.
- Dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm milk.
- Let froth, then mix in the butter.
- Stir all the liquid into the warm flour and beat well until smooth and elastic.
- Cover and proof in a warm place for 50 minutes or until doubled in bulk.
- Turn onto a well-floured board and knead, working a little more flour if necessary to make the dough easier to shape.
- Round up the dough, roll into a thick sausage shape and slice into 8 to 10 portions, each about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 inch thick.
- Shape each one into a round with straight sides.
- Put onto a greased baking sheet.
- Cover (use greased plastic wrap) and put in a warm place to proof for 30-40 minutes or until springy to the touch.
- Leave room for expansion and be careful not to over-proof, as the muffins will get flabby and lose their shape.
- Warm and grease the bakestone lightly.
- Lift the muffins carefully onto the bakestone and cook over very moderate heat (about 350-degrees) for 8-10 minutes until pale gold underneath.
- Turn and cook the other side.
- Wrap in a cloth and keep warm if cooking in batches.
- To serve, insert a knife in the side, pull the top and bottom slightly apart, and insert slivers of butter.
- Apple butter ain't bad either.
- Enjoy.
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.