British Muffin Recipe

Jennifer Segal

15 May, 2024

Discover the Best British Muffin Recipe - Perfectly golden and delicious! Our step-by-step guide for homemade English muffins. Start baking today!

British Muffin

Publisher: Crisp Recipe
Cuisine: British
Category: Breakfast, Brunch
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 12 muffins
Calories: 150 calories

British muffins, often referred to as English muffins, are a beloved and iconic breakfast item known for their unique texture and versatility. These round, flattish, and slightly crusty bread-like discs with signature "nooks and crannies" are popular not only in the United Kingdom but also around the world.

British muffins are made from a simple dough that typically includes flour, milk, yeast, and a bit of butter. What sets them apart is the method of preparation. The dough is rolled out, cut into rounds, and then cooked on a griddle or stovetop skillet. This cooking process yields the distinct nooks and crannies that can hold melted butter, jam, or any toppings you desire.

They are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Toasted English muffins are a breakfast staple, often served with butter and jam, or used as a base for eggs Benedict or breakfast sandwiches. They are equally delicious when used as a vehicle for various toppings, making them a popular choice for both sweet and savory dishes.

Whether you prefer a classic breakfast treat or something heartier, British muffins offer a delightful balance of texture and flavor, making them a cherished part of morning rituals in Britain and beyond.

Recipe

Unlock the Secrets to Perfectly Fluffy English Muffins! Explore our foolproof recipe and top tips for a breakfast masterpiece. 🍽️🇬🇧

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
1 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 45°C)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Cornmeal for dusting

Method Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
Pour the yeast mixture and melted butter into the dry ingredients. Mix to form a soft, sticky dough.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth.
Place the dough back in the bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it's doubled in size.
After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness.
Use a round cutter or a glass to cut out muffin rounds. Dust each round with cornmeal to prevent sticking.
Heat a griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook the muffins for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they're golden brown and cooked through.
Once cooked, let them cool a bit before splitting them open with a fork to get that classic nooks and crannies texture.

You can enjoy these muffins toasted with butter, jam, or use them to make delicious breakfast sandwiches. Enjoy your homemade British muffins! 😊

Recipe Video

British Muffin

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Recipe Tags: British Muffin, British Muffin Recipe, Recipe

Servings

British muffins are wonderfully versatile and can be served in various ways. Here are some popular serving options:

Classic Toasted: Toast the English muffin until it's lightly golden brown. Then spread it with butter and your favorite jam, marmalade, or honey for a simple and delightful breakfast.
Eggs Benedict: Top a split and toasted English muffin with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce. Add Canadian bacon or smoked salmon for a classic Eggs Benedict.
Breakfast Sandwich: Make a hearty breakfast sandwich by layering your choice of breakfast meat (bacon, sausage, or ham), eggs, cheese, and veggies between two toasted muffin halves.
Mini Pizzas: Split the muffin, add tomato sauce, cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings, then broil or bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden for quick mini pizzas.
Avocado Toast: Mash ripe avocado on toasted English muffin halves, and add toppings like sliced tomatoes, poached eggs, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a trendy and healthy option.
Cream Cheese and Smoked Salmon: Spread cream cheese on a toasted muffin half and top it with smoked salmon, capers, red onion slices, and a squeeze of lemon for a classic and elegant brunch.
Peanut Butter and Banana: Spread peanut butter on a toasted muffin and add banana slices for a satisfying and energy-packed snack.
Buttered and Dipped: Simply toast the muffin, spread with butter, and serve it alongside a hot beverage like tea or coffee for a quick and comforting treat.

Tips

Temperature Control: Pay close attention to the temperature of the milk when activating the yeast. It should be around 110°F (45°C) - too hot, and it can kill the yeast; too cool, and it won't activate properly.
Kneading: When kneading the dough, aim for a smooth and elastic consistency. This helps develop the gluten, which is essential for the muffins' texture.
Rising Time: Be patient during the rising phase. Allowing the dough to double in size is crucial for the texture of the muffins.
Cornmeal: Dusting the muffin rounds with cornmeal is essential for preventing sticking and adding a nice crunch to the outside.
Cooking: Use a griddle or skillet on medium heat, and don't overcrowd it. Give each muffin enough space to cook evenly.
Flipping: When you flip the muffins, do so gently to avoid deflating them. Cook until both sides are golden brown.
Cool Before Splitting: Allow the muffins to cool for a few minutes after cooking before splitting them open with a fork. This helps maintain their texture.
Storage: English muffins can be stored in an airtight container for a few days or frozen for longer storage. To reheat, you can toast them straight from the freezer.
Variations: Feel free to add flavor variations to the dough, like cinnamon and raisins for sweet muffins or herbs and cheese for savory ones.
Toppings: Get creative with your toppings, whether it's traditional butter and jam or more elaborate combinations. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredient Substitutes

If you're about to make English muffins but need ingredient substitutes for some reason, here are a few options:

All-Purpose Flour: You can substitute all-purpose flour with bread flour for a slightly chewier texture. Whole wheat flour can also be used, but the result will be denser.
Milk: If you're lactose intolerant or prefer a dairy-free option, you can use almond milk, soy milk, or any other non-dairy milk as a substitute for regular milk.
Butter: Substitute butter with vegetable oil or a dairy-free butter alternative for a vegan version of the muffins.
Yeast: Active dry yeast can be substituted with instant yeast. You can often use instant yeast without proofing it in warm milk, making it a bit more convenient.
Sugar: If you'd like to reduce sugar or prefer an alternative, you can use honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar.
Salt: Sea salt or kosher salt can be used instead of regular table salt for a slightly different flavor.
Cornmeal: If you don't have cornmeal for dusting, you can use semolina flour, rice flour, or even regular flour to prevent sticking. It won't have the same texture but will work as a substitute.
Flavorings: You can add various flavorings or mix-ins like herbs, spices, dried fruits, or nuts to customize your English muffins.
Milk for Activating Yeast: Instead of milk, you can use warm water for activating the yeast.