Perfect Sourdough English Muffins: A Delicious Homemade Recipe
If you love a warm, toasty English muffin with your morning breakfast, then making your own Sourdough English Muffins is a game-changer. This recipe combines the tangy goodness of sourdough with the beloved texture of English muffins, creating the perfect base for butter, jam, or your favorite breakfast toppings. Not only are these muffins easy to make, but they are also incredibly satisfying. With a slight sourdough flavor, airy pockets, and a golden, crisp exterior, these muffins will soon become a regular feature in your kitchen.
Whether you're a seasoned sourdough baker or a beginner, this recipe is perfect for all skill levels. The dough is simple to prepare, and the method doesn't require any specialized equipment, just a griddle and a bit of patience. Best of all, you can enjoy these homemade sourdough English muffins fresh from the griddle or toasted to perfection, making them an ideal choice for busy mornings or leisurely weekend breakfasts.
By the end of this recipe, you will have perfectly fluffy, golden-brown sourdough English muffins that are miles ahead of anything you can buy at the store. They are wonderful served plain or with a variety of fillings, and you can even customize them with ingredients like seeds, herbs, or cheese. Let’s get started on making this irresistible homemade treat!
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl: A large mixing bowl to combine the dough ingredients and allow it to rise.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to ensuring the right consistency and texture of your muffins.
- Dough Scraper or Bench Scraper: To easily divide the dough into equal portions and shape the muffins.
- Griddle or Skillet: A large flat surface for cooking the muffins. A cast iron skillet or non-stick griddle works great to evenly heat the muffins.
- Spatula or Tongs: To flip the muffins without breaking them while they cook on the griddle.
- Cornmeal Dusting: A small amount of cornmeal is used to prevent the muffins from sticking to the griddle. You can use a spoon or small sifter to sprinkle it.
- Kitchen Towel or Plastic Wrap: To cover the dough during its first rise, helping it stay warm and rise properly.
- Cooling Rack: For cooling the muffins after cooking, ensuring they don't become soggy from condensation.
- Knife or Fork: To slice open the muffins for serving.v
Ingredients
- 1 cup sourdough starter fed and active
- 1/2 cup milk warm
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour or a combination of whole wheat and all-purpose
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 cup cornmeal for dusting
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- Activate the Starter: Begin by ensuring your sourdough starter is active and bubbly. If using refrigerated starter, make sure to feed it at least 6-8 hours before starting the recipe.
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, warm milk, and honey. Stir to combine, then add the flour, salt, and baking soda. Mix until the dough begins to form.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, you can add a little more flour.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and allow it to rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Muffins: After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a round disk, about 3 inches in diameter.
- Cook the Muffins: Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle a bit of cornmeal on the surface and place the dough disks onto the griddle. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, flipping once, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Let the muffins cool slightly before slicing them open. Toast them if desired and enjoy with butter, jam, or your favorite toppings.
Notes
To make your Sourdough English Muffins even more delicious, you can try adding a few simple ingredients like shredded cheese, herbs (such as rosemary or thyme), or a dash of cinnamon and sugar for a sweet variation. You could also incorporate seeds like sesame or sunflower for extra texture and flavor. Experiment with mixing in some chopped dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for a sweet touch, or add garlic and onion powder for a savory twist.