Name: English Muffin Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 34 min
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups milk (warmed); 3 tablespoons butter (very soft); 1 1/4 teaspoons salt; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 each egg (lightly beaten); 4 1/4 cups bread flour; 2 teaspoons instant yeast; Cornmeal (for dusting)

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The moment I decided to make these English Muffin Recipe, I could almost taste the warm, toasted goodness just waiting to be spread with a generous pat of butter. It was a typical rainy afternoon, and my kitchen seemed to call out for something deliciously comforting. I remember the first time I had a homemade English muffin; it was unlike anything store-bought. The texture was incredible, slightly chewy on the outside, and soft on the inside, with those signature nooks and crannies just begging to hold melted butter or jam. As I gathered my ingredients, I felt a wave of excitement wash over me. The scent of freshly baked muffins wafting through the house was just too hard to resist!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
34 mins

Prep Time:
20 mins

Cook Time:
14 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
130 kcal

Protein:
4 g

Diet:
Vegan, Gluten-Free, AIP

Fat:
2 g

Tools Used:
Skillet, Mixing Bowl, Frying Pan

Why This English Muffin Recipe Works

Homemade is Better

Let’s face it, nothing beats the taste of homemade. When you take that first bite of your freshly baked English Muffin Recipe, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment. It’s not just a muffin; it’s a labor of love. Store-bought varieties often lack the flavor and texture that come from making them at home.

Endless Customization

One of the best parts about this recipe is its versatility. Want to add some herbs or spices? Go ahead! You can infuse your muffins with flavors that suit your palate. The possibilities are endless!

Perfect for Any Meal

These muffins are not just for breakfast. I love serving them with soups, salads, or even as a side for dinner. They’re a fantastic base for a variety of toppings, making them perfect for any meal, any time of day.

Great for Meal Prep

Making a batch of these muffins means you’ll have breakfast sorted for the week. They store beautifully, and you can easily freeze them. Just pop one in the toaster, and you’re good to go!

Family-Friendly Fun

Making English Muffin Recipe is a fantastic way to involve kids in the kitchen. They can help with mixing, kneading, and, of course, the best part—eating them! It’s a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories together.

Shopping List for English Muffin Recipe

The ingredients for English Muffin Recipe are simple yet crucial for achieving that perfect texture and flavor. Each ingredient plays its role, creating a wonderful harmony that brings these muffins to life. The key players here are the bread flour, which gives the muffins their chewy structure, and the instant yeast, which helps them rise beautifully.

1 3/4 cups of milk, warmed – This is the liquid hero that hydrates the dough and adds richness.
3 tablespoons of butter, very soft – For a rich flavor and tender crumb.
1 1/4 teaspoons of salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
2 tablespoons of granulated sugar – A touch of sweetness that helps the yeast work its magic.
1 egg, lightly beaten – Adds moisture and helps with binding.
4 1/4 cups of bread flour – The base that gives structure and texture.
2 teaspoons of instant yeast – The leavening agent that helps the muffins rise.
Cornmeal – For dusting and adding a slight crunch.

Putting Together English Muffin Recipe

Making English Muffin Recipe is a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with warmth and aroma. Let’s dive into the steps to create these delicious treats that will be a hit at any meal.

In a stand mixer, combine warm milk, butter, salt, sugar, and the beaten egg. Mix on low until everything is well combined. The warmth of the milk will help dissolve the butter, creating a smooth mixture.
In a separate bowl, take half of the bread flour and the instant yeast and mix them together. This helps distribute the yeast evenly.
Using the dough hook, slowly incorporate the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Start on low speed to avoid flour clouds. Gradually sprinkle in the remaining flour until a dough forms.
Now, it’s time to check the consistency. If the dough is too sticky and clings to your hands, add more flour by the tablespoon until it feels slightly tacky but not overly sticky.
Knead the dough for about 7 to 8 minutes. You want it to become smooth and elastic. It should spring back when you poke it with your finger.
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let it sit in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. The warmth will activate the yeast, causing the dough to rise.
Once the dough has risen, gently remove it from the bowl and place it on a workspace dusted with cornmeal. No need to punch it down, as we want to keep those air bubbles.
Roll out the dough to a thickness of 1/2 to 3/4 inch. Use a round cutter to cut out 3-inch circles. This is where the fun begins! Place the circles onto a baking sheet dusted with more cornmeal.
Cover the dough circles lightly with plastic wrap and let them rise for another 15 to 30 minutes. They will puff up nicely.
While they’re rising, heat a frying pan or griddle over low heat. Sprinkle the surface with cornmeal to prevent sticking. Carefully add the muffins, cornmeal side down, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Cook for approximately 7 minutes on each side. After about 3 to 4 minutes, check for a light golden color. If they’re cooking too quickly, adjust the heat.
Once golden brown on both sides, transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool. Repeat until all muffins are cooked.
After they’ve cooled, break them open with a fork instead of a knife for that authentic texture. Toast them and slather with butter, or your favorite spread!

Things Worth Knowing

Use bread flour for better structure; it has more protein than all-purpose flour.
Make sure your milk is warm but not hot, as too much heat can kill the yeast.
For a more complex flavor, consider adding a pinch of herbs or spices to your dough.
Don’t rush the rising time; it’s essential for achieving the perfect texture.

Recipe Tips about English Muffin Recipe

Here are some valuable tips to ensure your English Muffin Recipe turns out perfectly every time. Let’s dive in!

Storage: Keep leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Freezing: Yes, you can freeze these muffins! Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Pairing: These muffins are great with soup, salads, or as a base for eggs Benedict. They also shine at breakfast with jam or honey.
Don’t skip the cornmeal: Using cornmeal not only prevents sticking but adds that authentic texture.
Serving suggestion: Toast your muffins for that crispy exterior, which perfectly contrasts with a soft inside.

What to Serve Alongside English Muffin Recipe

When it comes to serving your English Muffin Recipe, the options are endless! Here are some ideas:

Breakfast Delight: Serve with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a hearty morning meal.
Brunch Favorite: Pair with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and capers for a luxurious brunch option.
Lunch Time: Create open-faced sandwiches with avocado, tomato, and microgreens for a fresh lunch.
Dinner Side: Serve alongside soups or salads as a delightful accompaniment.
Snack Time: Toast one up and slather with peanut butter or almond butter for a quick snack.
Seasonal Pairing: In colder months, enjoy with warm soups, while summer is perfect for fresh salads.

FAQ

While you can use all-purpose flour, it won’t give the same structure or chewiness that bread flour provides. If you have it on hand, I highly recommend sticking with bread flour for the best results in your English Muffin Recipe.

Store your English muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to keep them longer, feel free to freeze them. Wrap each muffin in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, and place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer!

Absolutely! One of the joys of homemade English muffins is the ability to customize them. Feel free to add herbs, spices, or even cheese to the dough before it rises. Just remember that these additions might change the texture slightly, so experiment a little to find your perfect combination.

The double rise is essential for developing the flavor and texture of your English muffins. The first rise allows the yeast to do its job, creating air pockets that give the muffins that lovely texture. The second rise, after shaping, ensures they puff up beautifully while cooking.

Conclusion

This English Muffin Recipe is truly special because it brings the joy of home baking right into your kitchen. With a little time and love, you can create a treat that not only tastes amazing but also fills your home with warmth and happiness. I encourage you to try making these muffins yourself; you won’t regret it!