English Muffins
Soft, yeasted rounds of milk dough cooked slowly on a griddle until golden on both sides, then split for a toasted muffin full of the nooks and crannies that hold the butter.
How to Make English Muffins
Tap a step to highlight it, or turn on Cook Mode for large type and step-by-step focus.
-
Mix the flour, yeast, salt and sugar in a large bowl, then add the milk and melted butter and stir to a soft, sticky dough.
-
Knead on a lightly floured surface for 8 minutes, until smooth and elastic, then put it in an oiled bowl, cover, and leave to rise for 1 hour, until doubled.
-
Dust the work surface with cornmeal, roll the dough out 2 cm thick, and cut out 8 rounds with a 9 cm cutter, re-rolling the scraps.
-
Set the rounds on a cornmeal-dusted tray, cover with a cloth, and prove for 30 minutes, until puffy.
-
Heat a heavy griddle or frying pan over low heat and brush with a little oil.
-
Cook the muffins in two batches for 7 minutes on each side, until deep golden and they sound hollow when tapped. Lower the heat if they colour too fast.
-
Cool on a wire rack. Split with a fork and toast before serving.
Tips for Making English Muffins
- Cook them over a low heat. A hot griddle browns the outside before the middle has cooked, leaving a doughy centre.
- Split them with a fork and not a knife. The torn surface toasts to a crisp, and it makes more nooks for the butter.
- Keep the dough soft and slightly sticky. It is the moisture that gives them their open, holey crumb.
What to Serve with English Muffins
- Eggs Benedict
- Butter and jam
- Bacon and egg
Storing & Reheating English Muffins
Keep in a bag for up to 3 days and toast to serve. Freeze split or whole for up to 3 months.
English Muffins FAQ: Common Questions
How long does English Muffins take to make?
About 58 minutes of hands-on work — 30 minutes of preparation and 28 minutes of cooking — plus 1 hour 30 minutes of Rising and proving, so allow 2 hours 28 minutes from start to finish. The recipe serves 8.
What are the key tips for making English Muffins?
Cook them over a low heat. A hot griddle browns the outside before the middle has cooked, leaving a doughy centre. Split them with a fork and not a knife. The torn surface toasts to a crisp, and it makes more nooks for the butter. Keep the dough soft and slightly sticky. It is the moisture that gives them their open, holey crumb.
What should I serve with English Muffins?
Eggs Benedict; Butter and jam; Bacon and egg.
Can English Muffins be made ahead or frozen?
Keep in a bag for up to 3 days and toast to serve. Freeze split or whole for up to 3 months.
Is English Muffins suitable for a special diet?
This recipe is vegetarian. Those labels are checked against the ingredient list, so a dish is only marked when nothing in it contradicts the claim.
How many calories are in English Muffins?
About 250 kcal per serving, with 8 g protein, 41 g carbohydrate and 6 g fat. The figures are calculated from the ingredient list and are an estimate.
English Muffins Nutrition
Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.
Reader Reviews
Cooked this? Leave a review
Written and tested by Turab
One person, one kitchen — no test kitchen, no team. How every recipe on this site is checked before it goes up.