English muffins are a breakfast staple in both the United Kingdom and the United States. However, there are some key differences between how the British and Americans enjoy this baked good. Keep reading to learn more about the history of English muffins, how they are eaten in the UK, and why the British tradition differs from the American way.
What are English Muffins?
English muffins are small, round yeast-leavened breads that are cooked on a griddle. The nooks and crannies on the surface are a distinguishing feature of muffins. This is achieved by flouring the surface and separating the dough into individual round pieces before cooking.
Traditional English muffins use only a few simple ingredients: flour, yeast, salt, sugar, milk, and water. The dough is wetter than typical bread dough, which creates the characteristic griddle-baked texture.
In North America, English muffins are a popular breakfast item. They are often split and toasted before being topped with butter, jam, or eggs. The American-style muffins are larger, fluffier and have a more bread-like quality.
History of English Muffins in the UK
English muffins were created in the early 1800s by bakers in London, England. They were sold on the streets by vendors who carried the freshly baked goods in baskets. The muffins were baked directly on the inside of oven bricks to give them a distinctively irregular shape.
By the 1850s, English muffins were being produced commercially at bakeries in London. As they gained popularity, the muffins were made in ring-shaped molds to create the round shape we are familiar with today. Bottom-fermented yeasted dough gives them a sourdough tang.
English muffins were a common British breakfast food during the Victorian era. Their popularity crossed the pond to the United States in the late 1800s when English immigrants brought the recipes and traditions with them.
How Are English Muffins Eaten in the UK?
There are a few key differences between the way English muffins are enjoyed in Britain compared to the US:
- Size – English muffins in the UK are smaller, generally around 3 inches across.
- Shape – They have a very rounded dome shape.
- Preparation – English muffins are rarely split and toasted. Instead, they are eaten whole and untoasted.
- Toppings – In Britain, muffins are often just buttered and enjoyed as-is. Popular additions are clotted cream, curds, honey, jam or marmalade.
- Courses – English muffins are more associated with breakfast in the UK, rather than being an all-day food.
Overall, the British style is to eat English muffins in their original form without alteration. Toasting or splitting is seen as an American custom. The smaller size and bread-like texture lends itself well to enjoying the muffin whole.
Why Don’t Brits Split Their Muffins?
There are a few theories as to why the British traditionally eat English muffins whole, while Americans split them in half before toasting:
- Size – English muffins were originally smaller, so eating them whole was more practical.
- Preservation – Splitting exposes the interior crumb, causing it to stale faster.
- Toasting – Early English muffins were cooked directly on the oven brick so didn’t require additional toasting.
- Toppings – American-style sandwich fillings like eggs or ham necessitate splitting and toasting the halves.
- Marketing – Thomas’ company popularized splitting and toasting muffins in the early 1900s to sell more product.
The smaller size and different cooking method meant that early English muffins were designed to be eaten whole. The American habit of splitting emerged later on as the muffins evolved. Overall, the split and toasted preparation better suits the larger and fluffier modern muffin.
Common Ways to Enjoy English Muffins in Britain
Although English muffins are simple, they are tasty and versatile. Here are some classic ways that British people enjoy English muffins for breakfast:
Buttered
A freshly baked and still warm English muffin is delightful just spread with high-quality butter. The heat slightly melts the butter allowing it to soak into all the nooks and crannies.
With Jam or Marmalade
A tangy fruit jam or bitter orange marmalade pairs nicely with the subtle sweetness of a muffin. Some popular jams are strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, or apricot. Marmalade adds a pleasant bit of citrus zing.
Lemon Curd
Tart lemon curd is a beloved English spread. The creamy custard-like curd acts as a decadent topping for muffins. The sweet and sour lemon perfectly complements the bread.
Clotted Cream
This thick British cream has a texture similar to butter but with a rich, indulgent taste. English muffins topped with clotted cream are common in Cornwall, England.
Cheese
Crumbly and salty cheeses like feta, goat cheese and ricotta make a tasty English muffin topping. The cheese fills in the nooks on top of the bread.
Honey
A light drizzle of honey over a toasted English muffin is a quick and easy breakfast. The natural sweetness pairs nicely with the bread’s flavor.
How Are English Muffins Eaten in America?
In the early 1900s, American-made English muffins started to shift away from the British style. In particular, Thomas’ brand popularized wider and taller American-style muffins that were split and toasted.
Today in the US, the most common way to enjoy English muffins is:
- Split in half and toasted
- Buttered on both halves
- Sandwich toppings added such as eggs, cheese, ham, sausage, or avocado
This open-faced sandwich method allows the muffin to be adapted in many different ways. The toasting makes the surface crunchy while keeping the inside soft. American muffins are larger and taller than British ones, making them well-suited to splitting.
English Muffin Recipes
English muffins are very versatile as a base for both sweet and savory breakfast recipes. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy them:
Egg and Bacon
Fry an egg and bacon until done. Toast a split English muffin, butter it, and top with the egg and bacon. Simple and satisfying!
Smoked Salmon
Toast an English muffin half and spread with cream cheese. Top with smoked salmon, red onion, capers, and dill.
Sausage and Cheese
Cook breakfast sausage until browned. Add cheese on top to melt. Serve on a toasted English muffin half.
Peach and Ricotta
Spread ricotta over a toasted muffin half. Top with fresh peach slices and a drizzle of honey.
Banana Nutella
Slice a banana and sandwich between two toasted English muffin halves spread with Nutella hazelnut spread.
Apple Cinnamon
Toast a muffin and top with sliced apples sautéed in cinnamon butter. Sprinkle with brown sugar.
English Muffin Nutrition
English muffins are a healthy and nutritious breakfast choice. Here is the nutrition information for a plain English muffin (113g):
| Calories | 134 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 1g |
| Sodium | 240mg |
| Carbohydrates | 27g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Protein | 5g |
English muffins are a good source of fiber, providing 4% of the daily value per serving. They have less sugar and fat compared to many breakfast pastries. The carbohydrates come mainly from whole wheat flour.
When topped with healthy ingredients like eggs, vegetables, lean meats or fruit, English muffins can be an excellent addition to a balanced breakfast.
Where to Find English Muffins in the UK
Authentic English muffins can be found in most major supermarkets across Britain. Popular brands include:
- Warburtons
- Sainsbury’s
- Marks & Spencer (often shortened to M & S)
- Waitrose
- Tesco
Many local bakeries also produce fresh English muffins. Check farmers markets for artisanal batches made in small batches.
For an authentic experience, some restaurants serve a “full English breakfast” featuring eggs, sausage, baked beans, hash browns, tomato and an English muffin. This is typically eaten on weekend mornings.
English Muffin Culture
Despite their name, English muffins are popular on both sides of the Atlantic. However, distinct cultural differences developed between the American and British styles. The larger, fluffier texture leant itself well to customization with toppings.
English muffins have a nostalgic place at the traditional British breakfast table. Their smaller size and bread-like texture makes them perfect for enjoying with butter and jam. Toasting or splitting never caught on in their native homeland.
So although it may seem strange to many Americans, in the UK, English muffins are simply not split. The two different food cultures took the same product in different directions. English muffins reveal some interesting insight into how breakfast tastes diverged between Britain and America.
Conclusion
English muffins have a delicious history and tradition on both sides of the Atlantic. In Britain, they are smaller, dome-shaped, and eaten untoasted and whole. Toppings stick to the classic like butter, curds, jam or honey. The American style bakes them bigger and fluffier to accommodate splitting and filling like a sandwich.
Whichever way you prefer your English muffin, they make a tasty and savory start to the day. The nooks and crannies are perfect for soaking up sweet and savory flavors, from lemon curd to melty cheese. English muffins deserve a spot in more breakfast routines!