Description
These skillet English muffins are made with sourdough discard for a gentle tang and perfect texture. Soft and fluffy inside with a pleasantly crisp, golden crust, these muffins are cooked gently on the stovetop, creating a delightful homemade breakfast treat without needing an oven.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup sourdough discard
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 3 cups bread flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 cup cornmeal, for dusting
Instructions
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together sourdough discard, warm milk, honey, and instant yeast until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients and Form Dough: Stir in melted butter, then gradually add bread flour and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are incorporated.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl and let the dough rest in a warm spot until it becomes puffy and roughly doubles in size, about 60 to 90 minutes. If your kitchen is cool, rising may take longer.
- Add Baking Soda: Sprinkle the baking soda evenly over the risen dough and knead gently just until incorporated, about 30 to 60 seconds. Avoid overworking the dough to preserve texture.
- Shape the Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface. Turn the dough out and gently pat it into a thick round shape.
- Cut and Arrange Rounds: Dust a baking sheet with cornmeal. Cut the dough into rounds, place them on the prepared baking sheet with space in between. Gather scraps, re-pat, and cut more rounds as needed.
- Second Rise: Lightly cover the dough rounds and let them rise until noticeably puffy, about 30 to 45 minutes.
- Preheat Skillet: Warm a skillet or griddle over low heat. Sprinkle a little cornmeal on the surface to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Muffins: Place the dough rounds onto the skillet in batches. Cover and cook on low heat until the bottom is a deep golden brown. Flip and cook the other side until golden and cooked through. Maintain low heat so the centers set properly without burning.
- Cool: Transfer cooked muffins to a wire rack to cool completely before splitting.
- Serve: Split the muffins with a fork (to preserve the classic nooks and crannies) and toast them before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use sourdough discard for a subtle tang and added depth of flavor.
- Keeping the heat low while cooking ensures the muffins cook through without burning.
- Cutting with a fork instead of a knife preserves the muffins’ signature texture.
- Muffins can be stored in an airtight container and toasted later for freshness.
- If not using immediately, freeze the cooked muffins and toast when needed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American