Homemade English Muffins - Breakfast Sandwich

In this instructable I will show you how to make english muffins. This easy english muffin recipe comes together nicely which in turn allows us to create a McDonalds Egg McMuffin copy cat breakfast sandwich. The english muffin is not totally perfect like the Thomas brand here in the United States but it is still oh so tasty. If I can make them, you can make them, let's get baking!

Don't forget to check out my other instructables here:

https://www.instructables.com/member/In%20The%20Ki...

If you have any questions or comments put them down below and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

Follow the easy steps below or watch the video tutorial, or do both!

Step 1: Ingredients/Tools

Print the recipe here if you want.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup of milk (125ml)
1 Tbsp. of white granulated sugar (12.5g)
1/2 cup of water (125ml)
1 1/2 tsp. of active dry yeast (7g)
2 Tbsp. of shortening (24g)
3 cups of all-purpose flour (384g)
1/2 tsp. of salt (3g)
cornmeal (for dusting)

McDonalds Egg McMuffin

1 english muffin (toasted with butter)
2 strips of bacon
1 slice of cheddar cheese
1 egg cooked

Tools:

baking sheet
skillet
plastic wrap
wooden spoon
bowls
fork
rolling pin
round cutter (cookie or biscuit) or shape with hands
cooking spray
spatula

Step 2: Start the Yeast

First let's get our yeast started. Heat the water for about 20 seconds in the microwave. We want the temp to be 105 to 115 degrees. F. then add a pinch of the sugar to the water. Now add the yeast. Give it a good mix with a fork, and then leave it alone for 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 3: Scald Milk

Now we need to scald the milk. Put the milk in the microwave and heat for 30 to 40 seconds until it bubbles. Then add the rest of the sugar to it and stir. The hot milk helps to dissolve the sugar.

Step 4: Start the Dough

Now melt the vegetable shortening in the microwave. It will take 30 to 40 seconds, then combine the yeast, milk, and shortening all together in a large bowl.

**If your yeast does not get foamy after 5 to 10 minutes. Start again. Either the yeast is bad, old, or the water was too hot, or not hot enough.

Add half of your flour and stir with a wooden spoon.

Step 5: Finish Dough

Next add half of the flour that is left and add your salt, then mix with a wooden spoon until it pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Now place dough on table or counter and the leave the rest of the flour (about 1/4 cup) to the side, we will use that as we knead. Now hand knead the dough for 8 minutes, add flour as necessary. Once the dough is kneaded shape into a ball and place in a bowl that has been sprayed with canola spray or other kitchen spray, or you could just add a little only to your fingers and coat the side of the bowl. Then cover the bowl with a damp towel, and let the dough rise for an hour.

Step 6: Shape the Muffins

Now we punch down the dough and place on our work surface, adding a bit of flour as necessary. Either use a rolling pin to roll it out or use your hands, we want the dough to be about 1/2 inch thick. Next use a round cookie cutter or biscuit cutter and cut our your muffins. Dust a baking sheet with cornmeal and place your dough rounds on that.

Step 7: Cover and Rise

Take the little leftover pieces of dough and then combine and roll out so you can cut out some more muffins. Or alternatively, you can just roll out balls of dough in your hand and pat them down to form the shape as well. Then once you are done, dust the tops of the muffins with cornmeal, then cover with plastic wrap and let them rise for 30 minutes.

Step 8: Cook the Muffins

Now we take a skillet and turn the heat to medium. I like to spray the skillet with some canola oil cooking spray. Add our muffins to the hot skillet and cook each side for 6 to 8 minutes. Each side will be nice and browned. Once done put on a plate or pan and keep in a warm oven until the rest of them are done.

Step 9: Baking Fat Ones

If you make really fat ones like in the picture, you will need to bake them in the oven after cooking them on the skillet. Heat your oven to 350 degrees F. (176C) then bake them for 5 minutes. This will insure they are completely cooked all the way through.

Step 10: Fork or Knife

Now traditionally in order to get nooks and crannies or little pockets you would take a fork and poke in the middle all around, and then pull apart with your fingers. Or you can just cut them with a knife, you won't get the pockets however, but the taste will be exactly the same! :)

Step 11: Assemble Your Breakfast Sandwich

Now you can serve your english muffins however you want, but my favorite way is to make a copy cat McDonalds Egg McMuffin. Toast each half of your muffin and then add some butter. Next add cheddar cheese, bacon, and one egg. Ready to go! Enjoy!

What is your favorite way to eat english muffins?? (peanut butter, butter, jelly, honey, etc.) Drop a comment down below and let me know.