Sourdough English Muffins Recipe Soft Chewy And Homemade
Sourdough English muffins are a comforting, homemade breakfast classic with a crisp exterior and a soft, airy inside full of signature nooks and crannies. Made with simple pantry ingredients and a sourdough starter, these muffins deliver rich flavor without the need for commercial yeast. If you enjoy experimenting with sourdough baking, recipes like Sourdough Discard Pizza Dough are another great way to use your starter creatively.
There is something deeply satisfying about cooking English muffins on a skillet and watching them slowly rise and turn golden. The gentle tang from sourdough adds depth, while the texture stays tender and chewy. These muffins pair beautifully with savory sides such as soups, especially alongside comforting dishes like Chickpea Soup.
These sourdough English muffins are cooked on the stovetop, creating a beautifully browned outside and a soft interior. They are easy to prepare, naturally leavened, and ideal for both sweet and savory toppings, much like other homemade favorites such as Sourdough Cheese Crackers.
Why Make Sourdough English Muffins At Home
Making sourdough English muffins at home allows you to control ingredients, flavor, and texture. Store-bought muffins often lack depth and freshness, while homemade versions taste richer and more satisfying. If you enjoy from-scratch baking, you may also appreciate recipes like Sourdough Greek Yogurt Cheddar Biscuit for their homemade comfort.
These muffins are also a great way to use sourdough discard, reducing waste while creating something delicious. Because they cook on a skillet, there is no oven required, making them accessible for any kitchen setup, similar to stovetop-friendly recipes such as Sourdough Discard Garlic Knots.
Ingredients For Sourdough English Muffins
- All purpose flour
- Active or discard sourdough starter
- Milk or dairy free alternative
- Sugar or honey
- Salt
- Baking soda
- Cornmeal for dusting
How To Make Sourdough English Muffins Step By Step
Making sourdough English muffins at home is simple and rewarding. Follow these clear steps for soft, chewy muffins with perfect nooks and crannies.
Step 1 Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, mix sourdough starter, milk, sugar, and salt until smooth. Gradually add flour and stir until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. The dough should be relaxed, not stiff, similar in texture to dough used for Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bites.
Step 2 Rest and Ferment
Cover the bowl and let the dough rest until it becomes puffy and airy. This resting time allows the sourdough to develop flavor and improve texture.
Step 3 Shape the Muffins
Lightly flour your work surface and gently roll the dough to about one inch thickness. Cut into rounds using a cutter. Do not twist the cutter, as this can stop the muffins from rising properly.
Step 4 Final Rest
Dust each round lightly with cornmeal and place them on a flat surface. Let them rest briefly so they relax and rise slightly before cooking.
Step 5 Cook on Skillet
Heat a nonstick or cast iron skillet over low to medium low heat. Cook the muffins slowly, turning once, until both sides are golden and the centers are fully cooked.
Step 6 Cool and Slice
Transfer the cooked muffins to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely. Once cooled, split them open with a fork to reveal the classic nooks and crannies.
Your sourdough English muffins are now ready to toast, top, and enjoy.
Serving Ideas For Sourdough English Muffins
Sourdough English muffins are incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways. They work especially well as a base for breakfast sandwiches, just like soft breads used in Grilled Chicken Sandwich recipes.
- Toasted with butter and jam for a classic breakfast
- Topped with avocado, egg, or smoked salmon
- Used as a base for breakfast sandwiches
- Spread with nut butter and fresh fruit
- Served alongside soups or salads instead of bread
Their neutral yet tangy flavor works well with both sweet and savory combinations.
Make Ahead And Storage Tips
These muffins are ideal for meal prep. Once fully cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for short-term use. For longer storage, freezing works very well, similar to other make-ahead sourdough baked goods like Homemade Sourdough Pop Tarts.
To freeze, slice the muffins in half, wrap them securely, and store in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, toast directly from frozen for best texture.
Tips For Perfect Sourdough English Muffins
- Use a bubbly, active sourdough starter for best rise and flavor.
- Avoid over-kneading to keep the texture soft.
- Do not twist the cutter when shaping muffins, as this can prevent proper rise.
- Cook on low to medium low heat to ensure the centers cook fully.
- Let muffins cool completely before slicing to preserve the crumb.
Variations And Ingredient Substitutions
You can easily customize sourdough English muffins to suit your preferences.
- Replace part of the flour with whole wheat for added nutrition
- Add herbs or spices for savory muffins
- Mix in dried fruit and cinnamon for a lightly sweet version
- Use plant-based milk for a dairy-free option
These variations allow you to adapt the recipe without losing its core texture and flavor.
Sourdough English Muffins
Ingredients
- 1 cup active sourdough starter (100% hydration)
- 1 cup warm milk (or water)
- 2 tablespoons honey or sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or oil
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Cornmeal or semolina (for dusting)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the sourdough starter, warm milk, honey, and melted butter until well combined.
- Add flour and salt. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Cover the bowl and let the dough rest at room temperature for 8–12 hours or overnight until bubbly and risen.
- After fermentation, gently mix in the baking soda.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and pat it to about ¾-inch thickness.
- Cut rounds using a biscuit cutter or glass.
- Dust both sides lightly with cornmeal.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over low heat.
- Cook muffins for 8–10 minutes per side, covered, until golden brown and fully cooked inside.
- Cool completely, then split with a fork to reveal the classic nooks and crannies.
Notes
- Use an active and bubbly sourdough starter for best rise.
- Always cook on low heat so the muffins cook through without burning.
- For extra nooks and crannies, split with a fork, not a knife.
- These muffins freeze well for up to 2 months.
Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories:180 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 280mg
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do sourdough English muffins take to make
From mixing to cooking, the process usually takes about one to one and a half hours, depending on fermentation time.
Can I use sourdough discard
Yes, sourdough discard works very well and still provides excellent flavor.
How do I know they are fully cooked
They should feel firm, be evenly golden on both sides, and sound hollow when tapped.
Can I bake them instead of using a skillet
Traditional English muffins are cooked on a griddle or skillet. Baking will change the texture and is not recommended.
Conclusion
Sourdough English muffins are a rewarding homemade recipe that combines simplicity, flavor, and tradition. With their crisp surface, soft interior, and naturally fermented taste, they easily outperform store-bought versions. Whether enjoyed fresh, toasted, or frozen for later, these muffins fit perfectly into everyday meals. Once you make them at home, they are sure to become a regular part of your kitchen routine.
