Last Updated on April 15, 2022
English muffins are very versatile bread, but unfortunately, take some time to make. So, can you make and freeze English muffins in advance?
If you have ever wondered whether you can freeze this delicious bread and how to do so, we have got all of the answers for you. In this jam-packed article, we will have a look at exactly how to freeze them, how long they last frozen, and how to defrost them properly.
What Are These Muffins?
English muffins are actually extremely common types of bread. Even if you aren’t familiar with what they are called, you have very likely had some. These are small, round, and relatively flat yeast-leavened bread that originated in the United Kingdom.
Despite being called “muffins”, they aren’t related to the U.S.-version of a muffin. In fact, they don’t even look like the muffins most of us are familiar with! Just like the U.S. and U.K. have different definitions for pancakes, so do they for muffins.
These English muffins are sliced horizontally and can be used untoasted or toasted. Often they are served plain alongside some condiments like butter, jam, and grated hard cheese or cream cheese.
English muffins are also an essential ingredient for making the world-famous breakfast dish, Eggs Benedict. If you aren’t familiar with Eggs Benedict, think of an Egg McMuffin – it’s very similar.
Characteristics
While these muffins are yeast-leavened, they still are pretty dense and have a relatively tight crumb. Many people even describe them as having a chewy texture and having light air pockets.
They have a definite yeasty flavor, like most types of bread do, however, they are pretty bland. But, this is exactly why they are served in the way that they are (with highly-flavored accompaniments).
That being said, sometimes English muffins are made with added cranberries, blueberries, or raisins. You can of course add a wide variety of ingredients, but don’t alter the recipe too much. It takes away from what the muffin should essentially function as – a vessel to carry other flavors.
Can You Freeze English Muffins?
You can easily freeze English muffins. In fact, thanks to their dense texture and already “bland” flavor, they freeze very well.
Usually, during freezing, the flavor of the item diminishes and the texture does become dry and crumbly. But, because English muffins are already a bit flavorless and dry, they remain virtually unchanged during freezing.
Making and freezing English muffins will allow you to prepare bulk batches in advance to save you some time later. It can help reduce prep time during the week, make excellent last-minute breakfast or lunch treats, and is perfect for unexpected guests.
Should I freeze or refrigerate English muffins?
Although you certainly can refrigerate English muffins, we don’t recommend doing so. A fridge has the tendency to dry out products, especially baked goods like these muffins.
Freezing them will help increase their shelf life considerably and keep their texture relatively unchanged.
But, do not freeze English muffins if you have already placed toppings on them. These toppings could freeze in a different way to the muffin. This could cause all of the ingredients in the mix to ultimately spoil if something goes wrong.
What could go wrong? Well, let’s say you have added some sliced meat between the layers of muffin. Then, when freezing them, the meat doesn’t freeze evenly. So, some parts start spoiling. This could also lead to the muffin spoiling through cross-contamination.
How To Freeze English Muffins
“Can you freeze English muffins?” is no longer the question. Now, we will look at the best way to do so! Freezing English muffins are extremely easy and will last for months if prepared and frozen correctly! Here’s how;
Step 1: Prepare
First, slice the muffins horizontally. Make sure to cut them all the way through. This will make it easier to defrost and use later.
Step 2: Wrap
Wrap each sliced muffin with freezer-safe wrapping. Make sure to wrap them tight enough that no air will come into contact with the muffin. But, don’t squish the muffins when wrapping them. You don’t want to misform them.
Step 3: Bag and label
Next, place the individually wrapped English muffins into a freezer-safe resealable bag or container. Make sure the container is airtight. This container will help prevent freezer burn.
Make sure you remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing it. Then, make sure to label the container or bag. We like to include what is inside the bag (in this case English muffins), the date they were frozen, and the estimated expiry date. This will help you use the oldest products first using the FIFO method.
Katz Gluten Free English Muffins | Dairy, Nut and Gluten Free | Kosher
Step 4: Freeze
Finally, place the muffins inside the freezer. Initially, make sure you don’t stack anything on top of the unfrozen muffins. Only once they have been fully frozen should you add things on top of them.
Also, make sure that you keep the muffins away from any odors inside the freezer. The extra bag or container also helps prevent the English muffins from absorbing any unwanted odors.
How Do You Wrap English Muffins In The Freezer?
It is crucial that you individually wrap the English muffins. This helps prevent them from drying out, coming into contact with foreign objects, and absorbing unwanted odors.
When looking at exactly how do you wrap English muffins in the freezer, it comes down to the wrap you use. Many people like to use wax paper or non-stick baking paper.
Personally, we like to use plastic or saran wrap. It is non-stick and can easily be re-used. It is also transparent so that you can see what has been wrapped.
How Long Are English Muffins Good For?
If stored correctly, English muffins can last about a week at room temperature. Anything longer than that will leave you with very bland and unappealing muffins. If stored in the fridge, your muffins can last up to two weeks, but again, we prefer using them as soon as possible.
If kept in the freezer, these muffins can last anywhere between 4-6 months!
How Do You Defrost English Muffins?
When people ask us how do you defrost English muffins, we have two methods we’d recommend. The first is allowing the muffins to defrost in the fridge overnight.
The second, and quicker method, is to defrost them in the toaster oven. This method is great if you have to toast the muffins anyway. It essentially cuts out a step. And, it is a great way to hide any texture changes in your muffins, especially if they are a bit old.
Can you refreeze defrosted English muffins?
We don’t recommend re-freezing defrosted English muffins. Once defrosted, they immediately start deteriorating. And, at a much quicker pace than when they were originally fresh.
So, when you re-freeze them after being defrosted, you are essentially freezing the bad qualities. They will potentially spoil completely in the freezer.
Final Words
If you found this article useful, then you will love our tutorial on Freezing Cupcakes. Let us know what you think in the comments below and share this guideline with your baking community!
Lindy Van Schalkwyk is a culinary specialist with a background in Advanced Cooking, Advanced Pâtisserie, Media Communications and Nutrition. She has gained invaluable experience in the culinary industry having worked in some of the top restaurants in Africa in 2016 and 2017. Her expertise in nutrition has enabled her to develop recipes for special dietary needs. In 2018, Lindy began working in the Food Media industry, focusing on recipe development, recipe writing, food writing and food styling.
