Sourdough Discard English Muffins Recipe

These homemade Sourdough Discard English Muffins are a game-changer for breakfast lovers! Delightfully chewy with those classic nooks and crannies we all crave, these English muffins transform your extra sourdough discard into something truly spectacular. The slight tang from the discard pairs perfectly with the subtle sweetness, creating a breakfast treat that’s miles better than anything store-bought.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Uses Up Discard: Finally, a delicious purpose for that sourdough discard you’ve been accumulating! No more waste, just delicious results.
• Easier Than You Think: Despite their artisanal look, these English muffins are surprisingly straightforward to make, requiring basic ingredients and simple techniques.
• Customizable: Make them thicker for a hearty breakfast sandwich base or thinner for a lighter option – either way, they’re incredible.
• Better Than Store-Bought: The texture and flavor of homemade English muffins will make you wonder why you ever purchased the packaged kind.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Whole Milk: Provides richness and helps create that tender interior. The proteins in milk also contribute to a beautiful golden crust.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create that characteristic English muffin texture. The fat contributes to both flavor and keeping qualities.
• Brown Sugar: Provides food for the yeast and contributes a subtle caramel note that white sugar just doesn’t match.
• Active Dry Yeast: Works with your sourdough discard for proper rising. The combination gives you the best of both worlds – convenience and flavor.
• Sourdough Discard: The star ingredient! Brings tangy flavor and contributes to the fantastic texture with those signature nooks and crannies.
• Bread Flour: Higher protein content means better structure and chewiness – exactly what we want in an English muffin.
• Kosher Salt: Balances the flavor and controls yeast activity. Don’t skip it!
• Cornmeal or Semolina Flour: Not technically in the dough, but essential for that authentic English muffin exterior and preventing sticking.

Variations

Want to mix things up? Here are some delicious ways to customize your sourdough English muffins:

• Whole Grain Version: Replace up to half the bread flour with whole wheat flour for extra nutrition and nutty flavor.
• Cinnamon Raisin: Add 1 tablespoon of cinnamon and 3/4 cup of raisins to the dough for a sweet breakfast treat.
• Herb & Cheese: Fold in 1/2 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar works beautifully) and 1 tablespoon of dried herbs like rosemary or thyme.
• Everything Bagel: Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top of the muffins before the final rise.

How to Make Sourdough Discard English Muffins

Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk (110°F), melted butter, brown sugar, active dry yeast, and sourdough discard. Let this mixture sit for a few minutes to activate the yeast – you’ll know it’s working when it looks slightly foamy.

Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients

Add the bread flour and salt to your wet ingredients and mix with a dough whisk or wooden spoon until you have a slightly sticky dough. All ingredients should be thoroughly combined, but don’t overmix.

Step 3: First Rise

Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise until it’s doubled in size, which typically takes 60-90 minutes in a warm kitchen.

Step 4: Optional Overnight Chill

For enhanced flavor, refrigerate the dough overnight. This slow fermentation develops complex flavors and improves texture. If you’re in a hurry, you can skip this step, but I highly recommend it if you have the time.

Step 5: Shape the Muffins

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll or press it to about 1-inch thickness. Cut rounds using a biscuit cutter or drinking glass. Reshape any scraps by stacking them, re-rolling, and cutting again until all dough is used.

Step 6: Second Rise

Place your shaped muffins on a baking sheet generously dusted with cornmeal or semolina flour. Make sure both sides get well-coated. Cover them and let rise for about an hour (or two if coming from the refrigerator) until they’re noticeably puffy.

Step 7: Cook the Muffins

Preheat an electric skillet to 300°F or a heavy skillet over medium-low heat. Cook the muffins covered for 5 minutes on each side. For thicker muffins, reduce heat to 250°F and flip occasionally until the internal temperature reaches 195-200°F. Alternatively, finish them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Transfer the cooked muffins to a cooling rack and allow them to cool completely. For the perfect nooks and crannies, split them with a fork rather than cutting with a knife.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Temperature Matters: Use a thermometer to make sure your milk is around 110°F – too hot will kill the yeast, too cold won’t activate it properly.
• Don’t Skip the Cornmeal: That distinctive coating isn’t just for looks – it prevents sticking and adds authentic texture and flavor.
• Be Patient With Rising: Properly risen dough makes all the difference between dense muffins and those with beautiful air pockets.
• Fork Split, Don’t Knife Cut: For those classic nooks and crannies, always split your English muffins with a fork by inserting it around the edges and gently pulling apart.
• Watch Your Heat: Too hot and they’ll burn before cooking through; too cool and they won’t develop that perfect crust. Adjust as needed based on your stove.

How to Serve

These sourdough English muffins shine in so many ways:

Classic Breakfast:

Toast until golden and top with butter and jam or honey for the perfect breakfast accompaniment to eggs and coffee.

Breakfast Sandwiches:

Create the ultimate breakfast sandwich with a fried egg, cheese, and bacon or avocado.

Eggs Benedict Base:

These make an exceptional foundation for homemade eggs Benedict – the nooks and crannies catch all that hollandaise sauce perfectly.

Mini Pizzas:

Split, toast lightly, top with sauce, cheese, and toppings, then broil for quick personal pizzas that kids and adults love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled English muffins in an airtight container or bag at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Freezing

These freeze beautifully! Place cooled muffins in a freezer bag with parchment between layers to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

For the best texture, thaw frozen muffins at room temperature, then toast. For fresh muffins, simply split with a fork and toast until golden brown. The toasting really brings out their flavor and creates that perfect crispy exterior.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour, though your muffins might be slightly less chewy. The texture will still be good, but bread flour gives that ideal English muffin bite.

My dough seems too sticky. Should I add more flour?
This dough should be slightly sticky. Instead of adding more flour, use well-floured hands when handling it. Too much additional flour can make your muffins dense, so resist the urge to add a lot more unless absolutely necessary.

Can I make these without sourdough discard?
While you could replace the discard with additional flour and liquid, you’d miss out on the distinctive tangy flavor that makes these special. If you don’t have sourdough starter, consider making regular English muffins instead.

Why aren’t my English muffins getting those classic nooks and crannies?
Two likely culprits: either your dough didn’t rise enough before cooking, or you cut them with a knife instead of splitting with a fork. The fork-splitting method creates those irregular surfaces that toast up so beautifully.

Final Thoughts

These Sourdough Discard English Muffins are truly worth every minute spent making them. There’s something deeply satisfying about transforming your sourdough discard into these golden, perfectly textured breakfast treats. Whether slathered with butter and jam or holding together your favorite breakfast sandwich, they’ll elevate your morning routine. The first time you split one open to reveal those perfect nooks and crannies, you’ll be hooked for life!

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