Homemade English Muffins

Craving a warm, comforting breakfast? Homemade English Muffins are a perfect choice, offering a slightly crispy exterior with a soft, airy interior. These muffins are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile.

You can enjoy them as they are, toasted with butter, or take them to the next level by turning them into a breakfast sandwich filled with eggs, cheese, and bacon. Whatever your preference, these English muffins are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients List

Creating these homemade English muffins requires just a few simple ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need to make a batch of golden, fluffy muffins:

Muffin Ingredients

• 1 cup milk
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 packet dry-active yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
• 1/4 tsp granulated sugar (for yeast bloom)
• 1/3 cup warm water
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp cornmeal (for dusting the pan)

Required Kitchen Tools

Having the right tools can make the process of making homemade English muffins much easier and more enjoyable. Here are the essential tools you will need to prepare these muffins:

1. Cast Iron Skillet or Heavy Sauté Pan: A cast iron skillet ensures even heat distribution for cooking the muffins, helping them to brown evenly without burning.
2. Muffin Rings (optional): If you want perfectly round muffins, muffin rings can help maintain their shape as they cook. They also prevent the batter from spreading out too much.
3. Instant-Read Thermometer: To ensure your muffins are cooked through, an instant-read thermometer is helpful. The muffins are done when they reach an internal temperature of 200°F.
4. Plastic Wrap: To cover the dough while it rests and rises, keeping it from drying out.

With these tools, you’ll be well-equipped to create perfectly cooked English muffins right at home.

Dough Preparation

Preparing the dough for these English muffins is a simple yet essential step in creating that tender texture everyone loves. Follow these steps to get started:

Mixing the Ingredients

Start by microwaving the milk until it’s warm (about 1-2 minutes). Then, stir in the sugar, salt, and butter until everything is dissolved. Set this mixture aside to cool slightly. In a separate bowl, combine the warm water with 1/4 tsp of sugar, and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Allow the yeast to bloom by letting it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.

Once the yeast is ready, combine the milk mixture, yeast mixture, and flour in a large bowl. Stir gently until the dough just comes together. You don’t need to overmix it at this stage—just ensure everything is combined.

Kneading and Resting the Dough

After mixing the ingredients, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rest for about 30 minutes. This resting period allows the dough to rise and begin developing the air bubbles that will give your muffins their characteristic texture. You won’t need to knead the dough aggressively, just let it rest and rise before moving on to the next step.

Shaping the Muffins

While the dough is resting, prepare your cooking pan:

1. Dust the Pan: Liberally dust the bottom of a cold cast iron skillet or heavy sauté pan with cornmeal. This helps prevent the muffins from sticking and adds a nice texture to the crust.
2. Prepare Muffin Rings: If you have muffin rings, spray the inside of each ring with nonstick cooking spray and place them on top of the cornmeal.

Once the dough has rested and slightly risen, use a 2 oz. scoop (size #16) to portion the dough into the muffin rings. Don’t overfill them, as the muffins will expand during cooking.

3. Cooking the Muffins: Cover the pan with a lid and set the heat to medium-low. Cook the muffins for about 7 minutes per side, keeping an eye on them to ensure they don’t brown too quickly. The goal is a gentle cook that allows the muffins to puff up without burning.

Cooking and Finishing

Once the muffins have cooked for about 7 minutes on each side, use a thermometer to check the internal temperature. When the muffins reach 200°F, they are done. Remove the muffin rings before flipping the muffins to ensure they retain their shape. After cooking, transfer the muffins to a cooling rack to let them cool down.

Serving and Decoration

These homemade English muffins are best served fresh and warm. Here are a few ways you can enjoy them:

• Classic Breakfast Style: Split them open and toast them lightly. Add butter, jam, or your favorite spread.
• Breakfast Sandwich: Perfect for a hearty breakfast or brunch, fill these muffins with scrambled eggs, cheese, and bacon or sausage.
• Sweet Treat: For a sweeter touch, spread with honey or cinnamon sugar for a delightful snack.

Storage Instructions

To keep your English muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 1 month. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature or toast them for a few minutes to bring them back to life.

Conclusion

Making homemade English muffins is a rewarding and easy process that yields delicious, fluffy results. Whether you enjoy them plain, toasted, or as part of a breakfast sandwich, these muffins will become a breakfast favorite in your household.

With a bit of patience and the right techniques, you can recreate this classic recipe right in your own kitchen. Enjoy the warmth and flavor of these homemade treats any time of day!