Homemade Sourdough English Muffins

These Homemade Sourdough English Muffins are a delightful treat that will elevate your breakfast or brunch game. With their unique nooks and crannies, these muffins are perfect for toasting and slathering with butter, jam, or your favorite spread. Made without preservatives and bursting with fresh flavor, they are far superior to any store-bought option. Whether you’re enjoying them on a lazy Sunday morning or serving them at a gathering, these muffins are sure to impress.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• The Night Before (8 hours before)
• Next Morning
• To Cook the English Muffins
• How to Make Homemade Sourdough English Muffins
• Step 1: Prepare the Dough the Night Before
• Step 2: Mix the Next Morning
• Step 3: Shape the Muffins
• Step 4: Cook the Muffins
• How to Serve Homemade Sourdough English Muffins
• Classic Toppings
• Sweet Combinations
• Savory Options
• How to Perfect Homemade Sourdough English Muffins
• Best Side Dishes for Homemade Sourdough English Muffins
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Homemade Sourdough English Muffins
• Reheating Homemade Sourdough English Muffins
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I achieve more nooks and crannies in my Homemade Sourdough English Muffins?
• Can I use whole wheat flour in my Homemade Sourdough English Muffins?
• What is the best way to store Homemade Sourdough English Muffins?
• How do I know when my muffins are done cooking?
• Can I use sourdough discard instead of an active starter?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh Flavor – Enjoy the rich taste of homemade muffins that outshine store-bought versions.
• Versatile Use – Perfect for breakfast sandwiches, brunch spreads, or as a snack.
• Freezer-Friendly – Make a large batch and freeze for easy breakfasts later.
• Simple Ingredients – Uses everyday pantry staples you likely already have.
• Easy to Customize – Add herbs, cheese, or spices to personalize your muffins.

Tools and Preparation

Making homemade sourdough English muffins is straightforward with the right tools. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer (optional)
• Rolling pin
• Round cutter or glass
• Baking sheet
• Instant-read thermometer

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer – Makes kneading easier and quicker; saves time in preparation.
• Rolling pin – Ensures an even thickness for uniform cooking of the muffins.
• Instant-read thermometer – Helps ensure that your muffins are perfectly cooked without guesswork.

Ingredients

The Night Before (8 hours before)

• 1 cup active sourdough starter (100% hydration)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 cups milk
• 4 cups all-purpose flour (unbleached)

Next Morning

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1–2 cups all-purpose flour (unbleached)

To Cook the English Muffins

• Cornmeal, semolina, or farina for dusting

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How to Make Homemade Sourdough English Muffins

Step 1: Prepare the Dough the Night Before

In a medium bowl, mix together the sourdough starter, milk, honey, and 4 cups of flour. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and leave it at room temperature for about 8–10 hours. The timing may vary based on how active your starter is.

Step 2: Mix the Next Morning

Add baking soda, salt, and 1 cup of flour to the dough mixture. Knead until smooth—this takes about 5 minutes with a stand mixer or 10 minutes by hand. If the dough feels too sticky, add more flour gradually. After kneading, let the dough rest for 10–15 minutes.

Step 3: Shape the Muffins

Roll out the dough until it’s about 1/2 inch thick. Use a round cutter or glass (3–4 inches in diameter) to cut circles from the dough. Transfer these rounds onto a lightly greased baking sheet dusted with cornmeal. You can reroll scraps to make up to 18 small muffins or divide into 9 pieces for larger ones. Cover loosely with sprayed/oiled plastic wrap and allow them to rise for about 1 hour.

Step 4: Cook the Muffins

Preheat a griddle to 325°F or heat a pan over medium-low heat. Generously sprinkle cornmeal (or semolina/farina) on the cooking surface. Place several muffins at a time on the griddle or pan. Cook each side for about 5–6 minutes while covering if possible for even cooking. The center of each muffin should reach around 190°F when finished; use an instant-read thermometer to check.

Enjoy your delicious homemade sourdough English muffins fresh or toasted!

How to Serve Homemade Sourdough English Muffins

Homemade sourdough English muffins are versatile and can be enjoyed in many delicious ways. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or a snack, these muffins can be paired with various toppings and sides to enhance their flavor.

Classic Toppings

• Butter and Jam: Spread a generous amount of butter over a warm muffin and top it with your favorite fruit jam for a sweet treat.
• Peanut Butter: Slather on creamy or crunchy peanut butter for a protein-packed breakfast option.
• Avocado Toast: Mash an avocado with salt and pepper, then spread it on your muffin for a nutritious start to your day.

Sweet Combinations

• Honey or Maple Syrup: Drizzle honey or maple syrup over the muffin for a delightful sweetness that complements its texture.
• Greek Yogurt and Berries: Top with Greek yogurt and fresh berries for a refreshing and healthy breakfast choice.

Savory Options

• Eggs Benedict: Use your muffins as the base for classic Eggs Benedict topped with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce.
• Smoked Salmon: Layer smoked salmon, cream cheese, and capers for a sophisticated brunch option.

How to Perfect Homemade Sourdough English Muffins

To achieve the best homemade sourdough English muffins, follow these helpful tips. Each suggestion will improve your baking technique and result in perfectly fluffy muffins.

• Use an Active Starter: Ensure your sourdough starter is bubbly and active before starting the recipe. This boosts fermentation and flavor.
• Knead Thoroughly: Knead the dough until smooth. Proper kneading develops gluten, giving you that perfect texture in the muffins.
• Mind the Temperature: Keep an eye on the cooking temperature. Cooking too hot can burn the outside while leaving the inside raw.
• Let Them Rise Adequately: Allow enough time for the muffins to rise before cooking. This step is crucial for achieving those iconic nooks and crannies.

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Best Side Dishes for Homemade Sourdough English Muffins

Serving homemade sourdough English muffins alongside some delightful side dishes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some tasty options that pair beautifully with them.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A light mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness to your meal.
2. Crispy Bacon or Sausage Links: The savory flavors of bacon or sausage complement the mild taste of the muffins perfectly.
3. Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns provide that satisfying crunch alongside soft muffins.
4. Creamy Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs make a hearty addition to any breakfast plate.
5. Tomato Soup: Pairing muffins with warm tomato soup is comforting and delicious, especially during colder months.
6. Cheese Platter: Offer a selection of cheeses to create an elegant pairing option that enhances each bite of muffin.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making homemade sourdough English muffins can be delightful, but some common mistakes can hinder your results. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Using inactive starter: Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly before using it. An inactive starter will lead to dense muffins that don’t rise well.
• Skipping the overnight fermentation: This step enhances flavor and texture. Don’t rush; allow the dough to ferment overnight for the best results.
• Not flouring adequately: If your dough is too sticky, add flour gradually while kneading. Avoid adding too much at once, which can make the muffins tough.
• Incorrect cooking temperature: Cooking at too high a temperature may burn the muffins’ outsides while leaving the insides raw. Use medium-low heat for even cooking.
• Cutting with a knife: When splitting your muffins, use a fork instead of a knife to maintain those desirable nooks and crannies.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container or resealable bag.
• Keeps fresh for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Homemade Sourdough English Muffins

• Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Can be frozen for up to 1 month.

Reheating Homemade Sourdough English Muffins

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm muffins for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat each muffin for about 15-20 seconds on high. Be cautious as they can get chewy if overheated.
• Stovetop: Toast on medium heat for a few minutes per side until warm and slightly crispy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I achieve more nooks and crannies in my Homemade Sourdough English Muffins?

To enhance nooks and crannies, avoid over-kneading the dough. A gentle hand during shaping preserves air pockets.

Can I use whole wheat flour in my Homemade Sourdough English Muffins?

Yes, you can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Keep in mind this may change the texture slightly.

What is the best way to store Homemade Sourdough English Muffins?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze them for longer storage.

How do I know when my muffins are done cooking?

Use an instant-read thermometer; they should reach 190°F (88°C) at the center when fully cooked.

Can I use sourdough discard instead of an active starter?

Yes! You can replace baking soda with instant yeast when using sourdough discard and adjust fermentation time accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Homemade sourdough English muffins are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, you can customize them with different toppings or mix-ins like herbs or cheese. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy fresh muffins that outshine any store-bought version!