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Discard English Muffins – Easy, Tangy, Golden Perfection Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 141 reviews

These discard English muffins are an easy and delicious way to use up sourdough discard, resulting in golden, tangy, and perfectly textured muffins. With a crispy exterior and chewy interior, they’re perfect toasted and served with butter, jam, or eggs. This recipe requires simple pantry ingredients and a skillet, making it a quick stovetop breakfast treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup sourdough discard
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup water (adjust as needed)
  • Neutral oil or butter for greasing skillet

Instructions

  1. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda. Whisk these together thoroughly to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt.
  2. Add wet ingredients and form dough: Add the sourdough discard, water, and honey to the flour mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms that comes together without being sticky.
  3. Knead and rest dough: Knead the dough gently for 2 to 3 minutes to develop some gluten. Then, cover and let it rest for 10 minutes to relax the dough and hydrate the flour.
  4. Shape muffins: Roll out the rested dough to about 1/2 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Use a biscuit cutter or a round cutter to cut out circles for the muffins.
  5. Preheat skillet: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-low heat. Lightly grease it with neutral oil or butter to prevent sticking.
  6. Cook muffins on stovetop: Place the muffin rounds in the skillet and cook each side for 5 to 6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Adjust heat as needed to avoid burning while ensuring the muffins cook internally.
  7. Optional oven finish: If the muffins are still doughy inside after skillet cooking, finish baking them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes to ensure they are fully cooked.
  8. Cool and serve: Allow the English muffins to cool completely. Serve toasted with your favorite toppings such as butter, jam, or eggs for a delightful breakfast or snack.

Notes

  • Adjust water quantity slightly to achieve a soft but not sticky dough consistency.
  • Cooking on medium-low heat is important to cook the muffins through without burning the outside.
  • The optional oven step ensures the interior is fully cooked if you’re concerned about any doughiness.
  • You can store cooked English muffins in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
  • Best served toasted for maximum flavor and texture.

Keywords: sourdough discard recipe, English muffins, stovetop muffins, homemade English muffins, breakfast bread