This Alton Brown English Muffins Recipe is a soft and chewy breakfast bread, which uses powdered milk and yeast for classic nooks and crannies. It’s a straightforward recipe, ready in about 50 minutes.
Alton Brown English Muffins Recipe Ingredients
- 1/2 cup non-fat powdered milk
- 1 tablespoon plus 1/8 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon shortening
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 package dry yeast
- 1/3 cup warm water (about 100ºF)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- Cornmeal, for sprinkling
How To Make Alton Brown English Muffins
- Make milk mixture: In a medium bowl, combine powdered milk, 1 tablespoon sugar, salt, shortening, and hot water. Stir until dissolved. Set aside to cool.
- Proof the yeast: In a small bowl, stir yeast and 1/8 teaspoon sugar into 1/3 cup warm water. Let rest until dissolved.
- Make the batter: Add the yeast mixture to the cooled milk mixture. Stir in the sifted flour and beat well with a wooden spoon. Cover the bowl and let sit in a warm place for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the griddle: Heat an electric griddle to 300ºF. Lightly grease 4 (3-inch) metal rings with spray and dust insides with cornmeal.
- Cook the muffins: Scoop batter into the rings on the griddle. Cover with a half-sheet pan and cook for 5–6 minutes. Flip with tongs, cover again, and cook another 5–6 minutes until golden.
- Cool and serve: Transfer to a wire rack, remove rings, and let cool. Split with a fork for best texture and serve.
Recipe Tips
-
Why use powdered milk?
It adds richness without excess liquid and helps with browning and flavor. -
What if I don’t have metal rings?
You can make rings from foil or use silicone egg molds as a substitute. -
How to get perfect nooks and crannies:
Fork-split the muffins instead of cutting with a knife to preserve the texture. -
Can I use butter instead of shortening?
Yes, but shortening helps retain structure and gives a classic texture.
What To Serve With English Muffins
These versatile muffins pair well with both sweet and savory toppings:
- Butter and jam
- Cream cheese and smoked salmon
- Peanut butter and banana
- Poached eggs and hollandaise
- Breakfast sausage and cheese
How To Store English Muffins
Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Toast straight from frozen.
English Muffins Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 160
- Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 5g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 220mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, just scale all ingredients evenly and cook in batches.
Do I need to knead the dough?
No, this is a batter-style dough that doesn’t require kneading.
Why cover with a pan while cooking?
It helps trap steam, allowing the muffins to rise evenly and cook through.
Can I bake these instead of cooking on a griddle?
For authentic texture, use a griddle. Baking alone may yield a different result.
Try More Recipes:
- Alton Brown Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
- Alton Brown Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Alton Brown Coconut Cake Recipe
Alton Brown English Muffins Recipe
Description
These classic English muffins are light, chewy, and perfect for toasting, with plenty of signature nooks and crannies.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix powdered milk, sugar, salt, shortening, and hot water. Cool.
- Proof yeast in warm water with 1/8 tsp sugar.
- Combine yeast mixture with milk mixture. Add flour and mix well. Rest 30 minutes.
- Heat griddle to 300ºF. Prep metal rings with spray and cornmeal.
- Scoop batter into rings. Cover and cook 5–6 minutes. Flip, cover, and cook another 5–6 minutes.
- Cool on wire rack. Split with a fork and serve.
