Homemade Sourdough English Muffins

These Homemade Sourdough English Muffins are a delightful addition to any breakfast or brunch table. With their signature nooks and crannies, they are perfect for toasting and slathering with butter or your favorite jam. Unlike store-bought versions, these muffins are free of preservatives and packed with fresh flavor. They are also freezer-friendly, making them convenient for busy mornings.

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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 in Additional Ingredients
• Step 3: Shape the Muffins
• Step 4: Cook the Muffins
• How to Serve Homemade Sourdough English Muffins
• Breakfast Delight
• Savory Options
• Sweet Treats
• How to Perfect Homemade Sourdough English Muffins
• Best Side Dishes for Homemade Sourdough English Muffins
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Homemade Sourdough English Muffins
• Reheating Homemade Sourdough English Muffins
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I know when my sourdough starter is ready?
• Can I use whole wheat flour instead?
• What is the best way to split the muffins?
• Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
• How do I store leftover muffins?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Freshness Guaranteed: Enjoy the rich flavor that comes from using an active sourdough starter.
• Versatile Use: Perfect for breakfast sandwiches, snacks, or even as a side for soups and salads.
• Easy to Make: With a bit of planning, you can create delicious muffins right at home.
• Freezer-Friendly: Store leftovers easily to enjoy later without losing quality.
• Preservative-Free: Know exactly what goes into your food with this homemade recipe.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes creating these muffins a breeze. Ensure you have everything ready before you begin.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• Round cutter or glass (3–4 inch)
• Baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Eases the kneading process, saving time and effort.
• Rolling pin: Helps achieve an even thickness when rolling out the dough for uniform cooking.
• Round cutter or glass: Ensures perfectly shaped muffins for consistent size and texture.

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 this mixture with a clean cloth or plastic wrap. Leave it on the counter at room temperature for 8–10 hours. The fermentation time will depend on how active your starter is.

Step 2: Mix in Additional Ingredients

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

Step 3: Shape the Muffins

Roll out the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a round cutter or glass to cut circles from the dough. Place each round on a lightly greased baking sheet that has been dusted with cornmeal. If you have scraps left over, reroll them to make additional smaller muffins or divide your dough into larger pieces if desired. Cover the muffins loosely with oiled plastic wrap and allow them to rise for about 1 hour.

Step 4: Cook the Muffins

Preheat your griddle to 325°F or heat a pan over medium-low heat. Generously sprinkle cornmeal (or semolina/farina) onto your cooking surface. Place only a few muffins on the griddle at a time to avoid overcrowding. Cook each muffin for about 5–6 minutes per side; covering your pan helps cook them evenly. Use an instant-read thermometer to check that each muffin’s center reaches 190°F when done.

Enjoy your freshly made Homemade Sourdough English Muffins warm or toasted!

How to Serve Homemade Sourdough English Muffins

Homemade sourdough English muffins are versatile and delightful, making them a perfect choice for various meals. Here are some creative ways to enjoy your freshly baked muffins.

Breakfast Delight

• Classic Butter and Jam: Spread a generous amount of butter and your favorite fruit jam for a sweet morning treat.
• Avocado Toast: Top a toasted muffin half with smashed avocado, salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a healthy option.
• Eggs Benedict: Use the muffin as a base for poached eggs topped with hollandaise sauce; it’s a brunch classic.

Savory Options

• Cheese Melt: Add slices of cheese on top and broil until melted for an indulgent snack.
• Breakfast Sandwich: Layer cooked bacon, egg, and cheese between two halves for a hearty breakfast sandwich.

Sweet Treats

• Peanut Butter and Banana: Spread peanut butter on the toasted muffin and add banana slices for a protein-packed snack.
• Cinnamon Sugar Muffin: Mix cinnamon and sugar together, sprinkle on buttered muffins, and toast for a sweet treat.

How to Perfect Homemade Sourdough English Muffins

To achieve the best results with your homemade sourdough English muffins, follow these simple tips.

• Use Active Starter: Ensure your sourdough starter is bubbly and active before using it in the recipe. This helps create the ideal texture.
• Knead Properly: Knead the dough until smooth; this develops gluten, giving the muffins their structure.
• Temperature Matters: Keep an eye on the cooking temperature; too high can burn the muffins while leaving them raw inside.
• Rest Dough Adequately: Allowing the dough to rest after kneading helps improve its elasticity and makes shaping easier.
• Thorough Cooking Check: Always check that muffins reach an internal temperature of 190°F to ensure they are properly cooked through.

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Best Side Dishes for Homemade Sourdough English Muffins

Homemade sourdough English muffins pair wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to complement your meal.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A light mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances out the richness of the muffins.
2. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a nutritious side that provides protein and fiber.
3. Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns offer a satisfying crunch that goes well with any breakfast dish.
4. Smoked Salmon Platter: Serve thin slices of smoked salmon with cream cheese for an elegant touch.
5. Baked Beans: A warm side of baked beans adds heartiness and pairs well with savory muffin toppings.
6. Roasted Veggies: Seasoned roasted vegetables provide color and nutrition alongside your muffins.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Homemade Sourdough English Muffins can be a rewarding experience, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using inactive starter: If your sourdough starter isn’t bubbly and active, your muffins won’t rise properly. Always feed it and allow it to become active before using.
• Skipping the overnight rest: Failing to let the dough ferment overnight can lead to dense muffins. This step is crucial for flavor development and texture.
• Not preheating the cooking surface: Cooking on an unheated griddle or pan can result in unevenly cooked muffins. Always preheat to ensure even cooking.
• Overkneading the dough: Kneading too much can make the muffins tough. Aim for a smooth dough without overworking it.
• Ignoring temperature: Cooking at too high a temperature can burn the outside while leaving the inside raw. Maintain medium-low heat for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Homemade Sourdough English Muffins

• Freeze for up to 1 month in a sealed plastic bag or container.
• Separate layers with parchment paper to keep them from sticking together.

Reheating Homemade Sourdough English Muffins

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, wrap muffins in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Place on a plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 20-30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat on low in a skillet, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Homemade Sourdough English Muffins.

How do I know when my sourdough starter is ready?

A ready sourdough starter will double in size within 4-6 hours after feeding and have plenty of bubbles on the surface.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead?

Yes, you can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but it may change the texture slightly.

What is the best way to split the muffins?

For perfect nooks and crannies, always use a fork to split your muffins rather than a knife.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

You can try using a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary. Ensure that the blend includes xanthan gum.

How do I store leftover muffins?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

These Homemade Sourdough English Muffins are not only delicious but also versatile. Enjoy them toasted with butter or use them as a base for eggs Benedict. Feel free to customize with herbs or spices for added flavor. Give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!

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