I remember the first time I made homemade English muffins. My kitchen looked like a flour bomb exploded. My three kids had batter in their hair.
But the moment those golden, craggy rounds came off the griddle, everyone went silent. That’s the magic of good Sourdough English Muffins. They taste like a warm hug.
They are tangy, chewy, and perfect for a lazy Saturday breakfast. Today, I want to share my simple method with you. You will love making these Sourdough English Muffins from scratch.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
These Sourdough English Muffins use no commercial yeast. The natural tang from a bubbly starter adds incredible flavor. They are incredibly forgiving.
Even my youngest can help shape the dough. These sourdough english muffins stay fresh for days. They freeze beautifully too.
You get those perfect nooks and crannies every single time. Trust me, these sourdough english muffins will become a family staple.
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Sourdough English Muffins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These homemade Sourdough English Muffins are tangy, chewy, and perfect for a lazy Saturday breakfast. Made without commercial yeast, they develop incredible flavor from an overnight fermentation. The nooks and crannies are perfect for catching butter and jam.
Ingredients
1 cup Active sourdough starter
3 cups All-purpose flour
1 cup Warm milk
2 tablespoons Melted butter
1 tablespoon Granulated sugar
1 teaspoon Salt
3 tablespoons Cornmeal
Instructions
- Mix the starter, milk, and sugar in a large bowl
- Add the flour and salt. Stir until a shaggy dough forms
- Knead for five minutes. The dough will be sticky
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Let it rest overnight at room temperature (8-12 hours). In the morning, it should be puffy and bubbly
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Pat it into a 1-inch thick circle
- Cut rounds using a biscuit cutter
- Sprinkle cornmeal on a baking sheet. Place each round on the sheet. Cover them with a towel. Let them rise for 45 minutes
- Cook them on a dry griddle over medium heat. Cook for five minutes per side. The internal temperature should reach 200°F
- Cool completely before splitting with a fork
Notes
Use a kitchen scale for perfect results. Do not skip the overnight fermentation. Cook low and slow to avoid burning. Use a fork to split the muffins for the best nooks and crannies.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 185 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 299 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Keywords: sourdough, English muffins, breakfast, homemade
Ingredients You’ll Need

This list is short. You probably have most items already. Active sourdough starter is key.
Use unbleached all-purpose flour for best texture. Salt brings out the flavor. A little sugar helps with browning. Butter or oil adds tenderness.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Active sourdough starter | 1 cup (240g) |
| All-purpose flour | 3 cups (360g) |
| Warm milk | 1 cup (240ml) |
| Melted butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Granulated sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Cornmeal (for dusting) | 3 tablespoons |
Substitutions & Variations
Use whole wheat flour for heartier Sourdough English Muffins. Swap milk for buttermilk for extra tang. Add dried herbs or garlic powder for savory sourdough english muffins.
Cinnamon and raisins make a sweet version. Gluten-free flour blends can work too. Just add a binder like xanthan gum.
If you enjoy experimenting with sourdough in sweet treats, you’ll love these GF Sourdough Lemon-Blueberry Cookies. They capture the same tangy flavor in a chewy cookie form, perfect for using up extra starter.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, mix the starter, milk, and sugar in a large bowl. Then, add the flour and salt. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Next, knead for five minutes. The dough will be sticky. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap.
- Let it rest overnight at room temperature. In the morning, it should be puffy and bubbly. Now, turn the dough onto a floured surface.
- Pat it into a 1-inch thick circle. Cut rounds using a biscuit cutter. Sprinkle cornmeal on a baking sheet.
- Place each round on the sheet. Cover them with a towel. Let them rise for 45 minutes.
- Finally, cook them on a dry griddle over medium heat. Cook for five minutes per side. The internal temperature should reach 200°F. Cool completely before splitting.
Pro Tips for Success

Use a kitchen scale for perfect sourdough English muffins. Do not skip the overnight fermentation. It develops that signature tang.
Cook them low and slow. Rushing burns the outside and leaves a raw center. Use a fork to split them.
This creates the best nooks for butter. Do not cut them with a knife.
Mastering the low and slow cooking method ensures your muffins turn out perfectly. For another crusty sourdough project, check out this Sourdough Baguette Recipe: The Secret to an Authentic, Crusty Loaf to expand your baking skills.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store cooled Sourdough English Muffins in an airtight container for three days. Freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, toast them directly from frozen.
They crisp up perfectly. Never microwave them. They become rubbery.
What to Serve With This Recipe

Serve these Sourdough English Muffins with poached eggs for Eggs Benedict. Slather them with butter and jam for a simple breakfast. Use them for breakfast sandwiches.
Pair them with creamy scrambled eggs. They also make great mini pizzas. Split, toast, and top with sauce and cheese.
These muffins are versatile for breakfast or snacks. If you need a gluten-free sourdough option, try this Gluten-Free Sourdough Bread – 7 Foolproof Steps for Success for another delicious way to enjoy sourdough.
FAQs
Why are my Sourdough English Muffins dense?
Your starter might be too young. Use a bubbly, active starter for light sourdough english muffins.
Can I skip the overnight rest?
No. The long fermentation builds flavor and texture in these sourdough english muffins.
How do I get more nooks and crannies?
Do not overwork the dough. Gentle handling creates those iconic pockets in these sourdough english muffins.
Can I use a sourdough discard?
Yes, but the flavor will be milder. Use a fed starter for tangier Sourdough English Muffins.
Sourdough English muffins are a tangy, chewy bread product leavened by natural fermentation rather than commercial yeast. They originated as a variation of traditional English muffins, using a sourdough starter to develop their characteristic flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 185 |
| Fat | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Fiber | 1g |
These homemade Sourdough English Muffins bring pure joy to your table. They are simple, nourishing, and full of love. Make a batch this weekend. Your family will thank you.