Paraben Free Classic English Muffins
There is something deeply satisfying about pulling apart a homemade English muffin and watching all those nooks and crannies reveal themselves — the kind of texture you simply cannot get from a plastic-wrapped package at the grocery store. Store-bought versions often contain preservatives and additives that people avoiding parabens and synthetic compounds want nothing to do with, so making your own from scratch is genuinely the smarter move. This recipe keeps things beautifully simple: whole milk, butter, flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and a dusting of cornmeal — nothing hidden, nothing unnecessary. The technique is what makes it special, from the low-and-slow griddle cook that builds that signature golden crust to the fork-split finish that tears open the interior just right. Cooking them in a cast iron skillet means no oven required, and the result is a muffin that toasts up perfectly and holds whatever you pile on top. Whether you go classic with butter and jam or load them up for a weekend eggs Benedict situation, these are the kind of homemade staples worth adding to your regular rotation.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
8 servings
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp fine salt
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
- ¼ cup warm water (105–110°f / 40–43°c)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- ¼ cup fine cornmeal, for dusting
Instructions
- 1
Combine the milk, butter, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter melts and the mixture reaches about 110°F (43°C) — warm to the touch but not hot. Remove from heat.
- 2
Stir the yeast into the warm water in a large mixing bowl and let stand for 5 minutes, until foamy and fragrant.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!