Citrus Free English Muffins (Stovetop)

Total time2 hr 20 min

Prep time20 min

Cook time30 min

4.7

(5)

Homemade English muffins are one of those kitchen projects that feel far more impressive than the effort actually demands, and this stovetop version delivers every bit of that toasty, nook-and-cranny magic you'd expect. The dough comes together with pantry staples — milk, flour, yeast, butter, and a touch of baking soda — so there's nothing to second-guess about hidden citrus-derived additives or preservatives that sneak into packaged versions at the store. The baking soda works alongside the yeast to give these muffins their characteristic open crumb, and the cornmeal dusting adds a subtle crunch to the crust that's genuinely satisfying. Cooking them low and slow in a dry skillet is the real trick here: patience at that heat setting means the centers cook through fully while the flat faces develop a deep, even golden color. Splitting them with a fork rather than a knife is a small step that makes a big difference, tearing open all those irregular pockets that catch butter or jam so perfectly. Whether you're toasting them for breakfast or building a sandwich, these are the kind of rolls that make you wonder why you ever bought the packaged kind.

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Ingredients

8 servings

1 cup whole milk
2 tsp active dry yeast
1 tsp granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
¾ tsp fine salt
¼ tsp baking soda
1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled
3 tbsp fine cornmeal, for dusting

Instructions

1
Warm the milk in a small saucepan over low heat until it reaches 105–110°F (40–43°C) — it should feel warm but not hot on your wrist. Remove from heat, sprinkle in the yeast and sugar, stir briefly, and let stand for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2
Whisk the flour, salt, and baking soda together in a large mixing bowl. Pour in the yeast mixture and the melted butter, then stir with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until a shaggy, slightly sticky dough forms — it will be softer than bread dough and will not fully pull away from the bowl.

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