The EASIEST Sourdough English Muffins

Sourdough English Muffins: The Perfect Breakfast Delight

There’s something truly special about homemade sourdough English muffins. They combine the classic texture and flavor of English muffins with the delicious tang of sourdough. Unlike the store-bought versions, these muffins have a delightful chewiness, a soft crumb, and a slightly crispy exterior that’s perfect for toasting. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make with just a few basic ingredients, and if you already have an active sourdough starter, you can skip the store-bought yeast altogether for that authentic sourdough flavor.

Making sourdough English muffins at home is a rewarding experience, especially when you can enjoy the fresh aroma of baking bread in your kitchen. The dough, which requires minimal ingredients like flour, milk, and your active starter, comes together quickly. After a simple rise, you roll out the dough, cut out muffin shapes, and cook them on a stovetop, giving them their signature soft interior and golden-brown crust. The best part? No need for an oven—just a skillet or griddle will do the trick. The muffins come out perfect every time, ready for your favorite toppings, from classic butter and jam to eggs and cheese.

These sourdough English muffins are versatile and customizable. You can add a touch of honey for sweetness or sprinkle in a little salt for extra flavor. They also hold up well for breakfast sandwiches, so you can use them for bacon, egg, and cheese or even avocado toast. Whether you’re making them for a cozy breakfast or preparing a batch to freeze for later, sourdough English muffins are a delightful treat that will elevate your mornings with their tangy, warm goodness.

Here's a simple recipe for Sourdough English Muffins using an active sourdough starter and minimal ingredients. These muffins are soft and delicious with that perfect sourdough tang!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)

• 1/2 cup milk (warm)

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar

• 1 tablespoon butter, melted (optional, for richness)

• Cornmeal (for dusting)

Equipment:

• Mixing bowl

• Cast iron skillet

• Rolling pin

• Ring molds or a cookie cutter (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Mix the dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the active sourdough starter, warm milk, and honey/sugar. Stir until well mixed.

2. Add the flour and salt to the bowl and stir until a dough begins to form.

3. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour, but it should remain soft and slightly sticky.

4. Add the melted butter (if using) and mix until fully incorporated.

2. Let the dough rise:

1. Cover the dough with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it rise at room temperature for about 4-6 hours, or until it has doubled in size. You can also let it rise overnight in the fridge if you prefer a longer fermentation.

3. Shape and cook the muffins:

1. Once the dough has risen, lightly flour your surface and gently roll the dough out to about 1-inch thickness.

2. Use a ring mold or a round cutter to cut out muffin shapes (about 3 inches wide). You should get around 6 muffins, depending on your cutter size.

3. Dust both sides of each muffin with cornmeal to give them that signature texture.

4. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-low heat. Place the muffins in the skillet (you may need to do this in batches), cover, and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. If needed, lower the heat to prevent burning while they cook through.

5. Let the muffins cool slightly on a wire rack.

Enjoy your Sourdough English Muffins!

These sourdough English muffins are perfect for breakfast with butter, jam, or as a base for eggs and bacon. The subtle tang from the sourdough starter adds an extra layer of flavor that makes them stand out from store-bought versions.