Homemade Sourdough English Muffins

These Homemade Sourdough English Muffins are a delightful way to enjoy breakfast or brunch. With their signature nooks and crannies, they offer a texture and flavor unlike anything you find in stores. Not only are they free of preservatives, but they also boast a rich, fresh taste that will elevate any meal. Whether toasted with butter or enjoyed as part of an Eggs Benedict, these muffins are sure to impress your family and friends.

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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: Add Ingredients in the Morning
• Step 3: Shape the Muffins
• Step 4: Cook the Muffins
• How to Serve Homemade Sourdough English Muffins
• Sweet Toppings
• Savory Toppings
• Sandwiches
• 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
• Can I make Homemade Sourdough English Muffins without a sourdough starter?
• How do I know when the muffins are done cooking?
• Can I customize my Homemade Sourdough English Muffins?
• What should I serve with my Homemade Sourdough English Muffins?
• How do I achieve those perfect nooks and crannies?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh Flavor: Made with active sourdough starter, these muffins have a unique taste that can’t be matched.
• Perfect Texture: The signature nooks and crannies hold toppings beautifully, making each bite a delight.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze for quick breakfasts on busy mornings.
• No Preservatives: Enjoy the peace of mind knowing you’re eating homemade goodness without artificial ingredients.
• Versatile Use: Perfect for breakfast sandwiches, toasted with jam, or served alongside soups and salads.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your kitchen tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• 3–4 inch round cutter or glass
• Baking sheet
• Instant-read thermometer

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Helps knead the dough efficiently, saving time and effort.
• Rolling pin: Ensures even thickness for perfectly shaped muffins.
• Instant-read thermometer: Guarantees muffins are cooked through by checking internal temperature.

Ingredients

To create these delicious Homemade Sourdough English Muffins, you’ll need the following 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 it with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 8–10 hours.

Step 2: Add Ingredients in the Morning

The next morning, add baking soda, salt, and 1 cup of flour to the mixture. Knead until smooth; this should take about 5 minutes using a stand mixer or 10 minutes by hand. If the dough is sticky, add more flour as needed. Allow the dough to 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 them onto a lightly greased baking sheet that has been dusted with cornmeal. You can reroll scraps to make up to 18 small muffins or divide into 9 pieces for larger muffins. Cover loosely with oiled plastic wrap and let them rise for about an hour.

Step 4: Cook the Muffins

Preheat your griddle to 325°F or heat a pan over medium-low heat. Generously sprinkle cornmeal onto your cooking surface. Place several muffins on the griddle or pan at once and cook for about 5–6 minutes on each side. Covering helps them cook evenly. Check that they reach an internal temperature of 190°F using an instant-read thermometer before serving.

Enjoy your Homemade Sourdough English Muffins fresh off the griddle!

How to Serve Homemade Sourdough English Muffins

Homemade sourdough English muffins are versatile and can be enjoyed in many delicious ways. Whether you prefer sweet or savory, there’s a perfect serving suggestion for everyone.

Sweet Toppings

• Butter and Jam: Spread fresh butter with your favorite fruit jam for a classic breakfast treat.
• Peanut Butter and Banana: For a protein-packed option, layer peanut butter on top and add banana slices.
• Honey and Cinnamon: Drizzle honey and sprinkle cinnamon for a warm, comforting flavor combination.

Savory Toppings

• Avocado Toast: Smash ripe avocado on your muffin, add salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon for a nutritious start to your day.
• Eggs Benedict: Top with poached eggs, ham or smoked salmon, and hollandaise sauce for a brunch favorite.
• Cream Cheese and Smoked Salmon: Spread cream cheese on the muffin and layer with smoked salmon for an elegant touch.

Sandwiches

• Breakfast Sandwich: Create layers of cooked sausage or bacon, egg, and cheese between two halves of the muffin.
• Caprese Stack: Layer sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, and balsamic glaze for a refreshing sandwich option.

How to Perfect Homemade Sourdough English Muffins

Making perfect homemade sourdough English muffins is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your muffins turn out great every time.

• Use Active Starter: Ensure your sourdough starter is bubbly and active before using it in the recipe. This helps with proper fermentation.
• Knead Well: Knead the dough until it is smooth. This ensures even texture in your muffins.
• Let Them Rise: Allow the shaped muffins to rise adequately before cooking. This step develops the nooks and crannies you love.
• Cook at Low Heat: Use medium-low heat on your cooking surface. This prevents burning while allowing the insides to cook through.
• Check Temperature: Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the center reaches 190°F for perfectly cooked muffins.

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Best Side Dishes for Homemade Sourdough English Muffins

Homemade sourdough English muffins pair wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance their flavor. Here are some tasty options to consider.

1. Fruit Salad: A fresh mix of seasonal fruits adds sweetness and brightness to your breakfast spread.
2. Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns provide a satisfying crunch that complements the softness of the muffins.
3. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy side that balances flavors well.
4. Soup: A warm bowl of tomato soup makes for a comforting pairing that’s especially delightful in colder months.
5. Green Salad: A light green salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the muffins.
6. Smoothie Bowl: A thick smoothie topped with nuts and seeds can be a nutritious side dish that’s easy to prepare.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Homemade Sourdough English Muffins can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Ignoring the starter’s activity: Ensure your sourdough starter is active before using it. A sluggish starter can lead to dense muffins. Feed your starter and let it sit until bubbly.
• Skipping the overnight fermentation: This step develops flavor and texture. Skipping it may result in bland muffins. Plan ahead to allow for this crucial fermentation.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using incorrect measurements can affect dough consistency. Use a kitchen scale for precision when measuring flour and liquid.
• Over-kneading the dough: Kneading too long can make the muffins tough. Aim for just enough kneading until the dough is smooth, about 5-10 minutes.
• Failing to dust with cornmeal: Not using cornmeal can cause sticking and uneven cooking. Generously dust your cooking surface to prevent this issue.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Homemade Sourdough English Muffins in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
• Make sure they are completely cooled before storing to avoid moisture buildup.

Freezing Homemade Sourdough English Muffins

• Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or foil.
• Place them in a sealed freezer bag or airtight container.
• They will maintain quality for up to 1 month in the freezer.

Reheating Homemade Sourdough English Muffins

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm muffins for about 10 minutes. This method keeps them crispy.
• Microwave: Heat each muffin on high for about 15-20 seconds. This option is quick but may make them soft.
• Stovetop: Toast on medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes per side until warmed through and slightly crispy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Homemade Sourdough English Muffins without a sourdough starter?

Yes, you can use sourdough discard by replacing baking soda with instant yeast. Follow the instructions but skip overnight fermentation.

How do I know when the muffins are done cooking?

Use an instant-read thermometer; they should reach an internal temperature of 190°F when fully cooked.

Can I customize my Homemade Sourdough English Muffins?

Absolutely! You can add ingredients like herbs, cheese, or spices to enhance flavor and create unique variations.

What should I serve with my Homemade Sourdough English Muffins?

These muffins pair well with butter, jam, or even eggs Benedict. They also make excellent bases for breakfast sandwiches!

How do I achieve those perfect nooks and crannies?

To get that ideal texture, always split muffins with a fork instead of cutting them with a knife after cooking.

Final Thoughts

These Homemade Sourdough English Muffins are not only delicious but also versatile and customizable! From breakfast sandwiches to a simple spread of butter, there are endless possibilities. Try experimenting with flavors to make them your own!