There was a moment not long ago when my youngest asked for sourdough English muffins for breakfast. It wasn’t the usual toast or cereal request but something special and homemade. I remember how surprised I was because making sourdough English muffins felt like a bit of a kitchen adventure. When I finally pulled those warm, golden discs from the griddle, the kids’ faces lit up with excitement. The tangy flavor and that perfect English muffin texture made mealtime happier all around.
What really surprised me was how something as seemingly simple as sourdough English muffins could bring us together across the table. Everyone wanted to talk about how fluffy, yet crisply seared, each muffin was. That morning, we all lingered a little longer, passing around butter and jam, chatting about our day ahead. This small recipe quickly became a family favorite and has stayed in our meal rotation ever since.
What I love most is how approachable this recipe is, even if you’ve never tried making homemade sourdough English muffins before. With just a little bit of patience and a good sourdough starter recipe, you can create something truly special. I promise you, this sourdough English muffins recipe makes breakfast feel like a special occasion without any fuss.
If you’re looking for a warm, comforting way to bring everyone around the table, I hope you give this homemade sourdough English muffins a try. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a little gift to your family, turning an ordinary meal into a memory. Plus, the English muffin cooking technique I’ll share makes the process simple and fun for cooks at all skill levels.
What You’ll Need
Making sourdough English muffins is easier when you have the right ingredients on hand. Here’s what you need for reliably delicious muffins that will fill your kitchen with cozy smells.
- 1 cup active sourdough starter (100% hydration)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup whole wheat flour (optional but adds great flavor)
- 1 tbsp sugar (helps with browning and taste)
- 1 tsp salt
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 tbsp melted butter or oil
- Cornmeal or semolina for dusting

For the best sourdough English muffins, I recommend using a very active sourdough starter. If your starter is sluggish, feeding it the day before you plan to bake will help. You’ll find everything for this sourdough English muffins at your regular grocery store, including all-purpose and whole wheat flour.
If you don’t have whole wheat flour, you can simply use all-purpose flour alone. It still makes tasty muffins, though adding whole wheat lends a nice nuttiness. Milk is important for that tender crumb, but if you need a dairy-free version, unsweetened almond or oat milk works well. Just keep the temperature warm to encourage good fermentation.
My family prefers when I use a bit of melted butter in the dough—it adds richness and helps produce that soft but chewy texture we love. And don’t skip dusting the muffins with cornmeal or semolina before cooking. It helps create that classic crust that’s slightly crisp but never tough, giving your sourdough English muffins that authentic finish.
Trust me, this sourdough English muffins ingredient list keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor. Having these on hand makes your kitchen ready for a great hands-on baking session that’s rewarding and family-pleasing.
How to Make It
You’ll find the process of making sourdough English muffins really enjoyable. It usually takes me about 4 to 6 hours from start to finish, including the rising time. Don’t rush the fermentation—it’s key to getting that tangy flavor and perfect muffin structure.
- Mix your dough: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, active sourdough starter, sugar, and melted butter. Stir to blend. Add the all-purpose and whole wheat flours with salt. Mix until it comes together into a soft, slightly sticky dough.
- First rise: Cover your dough and let it rest at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours. You’ll notice it puff up a bit—that means your sourdough is working its magic.
- Shape your muffins: Sprinkle a clean surface with a little flour. Turn out the dough and gently press it to about ¾ inch thick. Use a round cutter (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut out muffins. Don’t worry if the edges aren’t perfect; they’ll cook up nicely.
- Second rise: Place the rounds on a cornmeal-dusted baking sheet. Cover and let rise for about 45 minutes until puffy.
- Cook your muffins: Heat a griddle or cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat. Cook muffins for 7 to 10 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know your sourdough English muffins are ready when they have a bronzed crust and feel firm but springy to the touch.
- Cool and enjoy: Transfer cooked muffins to a wire rack to cool. This step helps keep their texture soft yet chewy.
Here’s where I used to mess up my sourdough English muffins—turning the heat too high and burning the outsides before the inside cooked. Now I keep the griddle at a low temperature and cook slowly, giving each side time to brown gently.
While your sourdough English muffins are cooking, your kitchen will smell amazing, pulling everyone in for a taste. These muffins come out soft inside with the right nooks and crannies on the surface—the hallmark of a perfect English muffin texture.
If the edges look a little rough or the shape is uneven, don’t worry—these imperfections only add to their homemade charm. Cooking slowly and using cornmeal on your baking sheet helps prevent sticking and creates that traditional muffin crust.
For a visual step-by-step, check out this Sourdough English Muffins – Easy Overnight Recipe! – Little Spoon to see the process in action. It helped me gain confidence in the cooking technique.
Serving Ideas

Everyone reaches for seconds when this sourdough English muffins comes out warm with butter melting into all those perfect crevices. My family loves these toasted with a smear of homemade jam or honey for lazy weekend breakfasts.
This sourdough English muffins also shines as the base for breakfast sandwiches—stacked with eggs, cheese, and bacon or sausage for an easy, satisfying meal to fuel busy mornings. I’ve found that topping them with sliced avocado and a pinch of salt makes a simple yet flavorful lunch option.
Presentation tip: split your sourdough English muffins gently with a fork to reveal their signature nooks and crannies. It gives them that rustic homemade look and helps sauces and spreads stick beautifully.
Leftovers? I wrap any extras tightly and store them in the fridge. Reheating in a toaster or on a dry skillet brings back their crisp texture. They also freeze well, so you can pull one out for a quick bite on a hectic day.
This sourdough English muffins recipe also doubles as a crowd-pleaser at weekend brunches and holiday breakfasts. I’ve made larger batches for family gatherings, pairing them with eggs scrambled with fresh herbs and a side of fruit.
If your family loves this, they’ll also enjoy Juicy Pineapple Cake Delight as a sweet treat after. For more savory meal wins, check out Thai Red Curry Chicken: Creamy & Spicy Recipe.
Your Questions Answered
Can I make this sourdough English muffins ahead of time?
Yes, you can shape and let the muffins rise, then refrigerate them overnight before cooking. This slows fermentation and makes morning cooking easier. I’ve found this tip handy for busy weekdays.What if I don’t have whole wheat flour?
All-purpose flour alone works just fine. The muffins will be a little lighter in flavor but still have that great sourdough tang and texture.How do I store leftover sourdough English muffins?
Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individually wrapped muffins. Toast or warm before serving to refresh.My muffins come out dense. What should I do?
Make sure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly. Also, avoid adding too much flour when shaping. A tender dough leads to soft muffins with good rise and that classic English muffin texture.Why are my muffins not cooking through?
Try cooking on a slightly lower heat for longer. This allows the inside to cook without burning the outside crust.Can I use a sourdough starter recipe from another source?
Absolutely. Any active starter with a 1:1 flour-to-water ratio works well. I’ve tried starters myself from different recipes, including this one from Heartbeet Kitchen.What’s the best way to split the muffins?
Use a fork to gently separate them. It creates those lovely nooks and crannies that catch butter and jam beautifully. Cutting with a knife squishes the bread and loses that great texture.
If you want some more kitchen inspiration, The Clever Carrot’s Super Soft Sourdough English Muffins has some great tips on overnight techniques.
The Final Word
This sourdough English muffins has earned its place in my recipe collection because it brings my family together. It’s a meal that invites slowing down and sharing moments over food that’s homemade and comforting. I love its balance of tanginess from the starter and that soft, chewy texture that’s perfect toasted or fresh.
My sourdough English muffins Tips:
- Always use an active starter for the best rise and flavor.
- Keep your cooking heat moderate to avoid burning the crust before the inside cooks.
- Don’t skip the cornmeal dusting—it really makes a difference in texture.
I’ve also had success with a few variations myself. Adding herbs like rosemary to the dough creates a lovely savory version. I’ve made sweeter versions by increasing the sugar and topping with cinnamon sugar after cooking. My family especially loves the classic version toasted with butter and jam for breakfast but is equally happy with the savory herb version for dinner sliders.
You can make this sourdough English muffins your own by changing small ingredients or cooking times based on what your family prefers. I hope your kitchen fills with the same warmth and joy ours does when these muffins come off the griddle.
Warm encouragement to try this recipe and create your own family meal memories. If your family loves this, they’ll appreciate other favorites like Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies alongside it during the holiday season.
Sourdough English muffins are one of those simple recipes that bring families together by making mealtime extra special. Give it a try and see how this humble recipe becomes a treasured part of your kitchen.
sourdough English muffins
These sourdough English muffins feature a tangy flavor and a delightfully chewy texture, perfect for breakfast or snacks topped with butter and jam.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 muffins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup active sourdough starter
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Semolina or cornmeal for dusting
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the sourdough starter and warm milk.
- Add sugar, salt, melted butter, and mix well.
- Gradually add the flour and baking powder, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough back in the bowl, cover with a towel, and let it ferment in a warm place for 4-6 hours until doubled in size.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, roll out to about 1/2 inch thickness.
- Use a round cutter to cut muffins and place them on a baking sheet dusted with semolina or cornmeal.
- Cover and let rise for another 1-2 hours.
- Cook the muffins on a greased skillet over medium-low heat for 7-8 minutes each side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Split the muffins with a fork and toast before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, toast the muffins and spread with butter and honey or your favorite jam.

