11 Uses For English Muffins You've Never Thought Of

Avocado toast

Avocado toast has long been a popular brunch favorite and shows no signs of fading in popularity. Typically made with a creamy avocado spread on a slice of lightly toasted sourdough, you can elevate this dish by swapping the bread for an English muffin.

The textured surface of the English muffin is ideal for this brunch classic. The smooth avocado topping seeps into the muffin's nooks and crannies, ensuring that each bite is packed with its rich flavor. The muffin also achieves a delightful crispness on the outside while remaining soft on the inside, creating a more enjoyable contrast than traditional bread. Avocados are a fantastic addition to breakfast, as their heart-healthy fats provide lasting energy and help stave off those pesky mid-morning hunger pangs.

To make this delicious twist, toast the muffin halves until they are perfectly golden brown. For a quick topping, simply mash an avocado and mix in a squeeze of lemon or lime juice along with a dash of chili flakes. If you're looking for a heartier option, add a runny poached egg and some crispy bacon bits for a savory kick. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar to finish, and you’ll have a delightful, nutritious start to your day.

Bostock bites

If you're looking to elevate your brunch experience, take inspiration from celebrity chef Curtis Stone and try using English muffins to create a unique twist on the classic Bostock bites. The Australian chef, who honed his skills in England under Marco Pierre White for eight years, has a fondness for English muffins and crafted this innovative breakfast dish to honor National English Muffin Day in 2021.

Traditionally, Bostock is made with brioche, which is soaked in syrup and baked, resulting in a delightful blend of breakfast pastry and French toast. Stone's take on this dish introduces a distinctive flair, with the chewy texture of the English muffins providing a satisfying bite. The muffins are soaked in a sweet orange syrup, then topped with almond cream and sliced almonds, before being baked to perfection, creating irresistible treats that are sure to impress your brunch guests.

Tuna salad sandwich

Tuna salad sandwiches are a staple in lunch boxes nationwide, often regarded as lackluster. However, with a touch of creativity and some inventive changes—like swapping traditional bread for an English muffin—you can elevate this classic dish into a contemporary lunchtime delight.

If you're skeptical about whether a tuna salad sandwich on an English muffin will be successful, rest assured; this is the very bread substitution that the legendary Julia Child embraced, resulting in a delectable open-faced sandwich brimming with zest. The topping, made from canned tuna combined with capers, cornichons, celery, and a splash of lemon juice, adds a burst of flavor, while the toasted muffin provides a satisfying textural contrast to the soft ingredients.

In addition to being high in protein, canned tuna is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, essential for maintaining a healthy brain. Incorporating these beneficial fats into a tasty sandwich is an excellent way to enhance the nutritional value of your lunch. Topped with tomatoes and lettuce, this sandwich achieves a harmonious balance, rekindling your appreciation for tuna salad.

Grilled cheese

Is there any comfort food more satisfying than a grilled cheese sandwich? Picture two thick slices of bread filled with your choice of ingredients, with gooey cheese spilling out from the edges. If you're a fan of grilled cheese but want to switch things up, consider using an English muffin in place of traditional bread.

The texture of the muffin is what makes this variation so delightful. The exterior will toast to a perfect crisp, while the inside remains soft and absorbs all that cheesy goodness, especially if you toast it beforehand. The smaller size of English muffins also allows for a more petite snack, though you can still load them up with as much filling as you desire.

Once you've lightly toasted the muffins, it's time to start layering in the filling. First, you'll need to select a cheese—cheddar, brie, or mozzarella are all fantastic choices, but feel free to experiment with your favorites. You can also get inventive with additional ingredients. Classic options include tomatoes, bacon, and onions, but for a unique twist, consider adding jalapeños, pineapple, or olives. Place the filling between the two muffin halves, and spread some butter on the outside to enhance the crispiness. Cook the sandwich in a skillet, flipping it a few times until the exterior is golden brown and the cheese is perfectly melty.

Bruschetta

Bruschetta is a delightful appetizer or snack that perfectly pairs a slice of crunchy bread with fresh tomatoes, a few basil leaves, and, if you're fortunate, some cheese. To avoid upsetting any Italians, be sure to pronounce it as brus-ketta. If you're in the mood for a slightly less traditional version, consider swapping the bread for an English muffin.

Authentic Italian bruschetta is typically made with ciabatta bread, known for its characteristic holes throughout the dough. English muffins have a similar uneven texture, although the flavor of the dough is quite different. The rugged surface of the muffin helps the toppings adhere well, and the olive oil can seep in without dripping onto your hands.

The secret to a successful English muffin bruschetta is to toast them first. The crispy exterior will provide a wonderful texture and keep the toppings from soaking in too quickly. Dice some ripe tomatoes, mix in a handful of fresh basil, and drizzle with olive oil, then spoon the mixture onto the toasted muffins. If you're in the mood for cheese, add some torn mozzarella on top, and serve as a light lunch or a delicious appetizer.

Croque Monsieur

The French classic breakfast dish, Croque Monsieur, is a true indulgence. At its core, it’s a hearty sandwich filled with cheese and ham, generously topped with a luscious béchamel sauce before being baked to perfection. This delightful creation offers a wonderful combination of creamy, crispy, and utterly delicious flavors. While crusty French bread or sourdough is commonly used for the outer layer, an English muffin can also serve as an excellent alternative.

English muffins strike the perfect balance between being sturdy enough to hold the sauce and soft enough to provide a delightful texture, unlike brioche, which can become soggy too quickly. When toasted, the muffin retains its structure and supports the filling well, resulting in a delectable treat with a satisfying contrast of textures.

While the muffin toasts, prepare the béchamel sauce in a pan using butter, flour, and milk. Once the sauce thickens, season it with salt and pepper, and stir in some fresh herbs. Assemble your muffin sandwich by placing a slice of ham and cheese between the two halves, then pour the béchamel over the top on a heatproof tray. Place the entire dish under the broiler for a few minutes until the sauce turns a lovely golden brown. Enjoy your muffin Croque Monsieur on its own or paired with a refreshing green salad.

French toast

If you're envisioning a leisurely Sunday morning and want a breakfast that complements your vibe, French toast is sure to satisfy. With its soft, fluffy bread and a slightly crispy outside, it's perfect for drenching in maple syrup and topping with a dollop of fresh cream — truly, it's what weekends are all about.

While brioche is a classic choice for French toast, English muffins serve as a delightful alternative, offering a slightly chewy interior that enhances the overall texture. The insides absorb the egg mixture beautifully, and once they hit the pan, they develop a wonderfully crispy crust.

When whipping up your egg mixture, don’t forget to infuse it with extra flavor using vanilla and cinnamon, or any other warming spices you prefer. A splash of cream will elevate the richness, and the muffin's porous texture ensures the mixture penetrates thoroughly. Place the muffin halves in a hot pan with some butter, flipping them after a few minutes, or once they’ve achieved a lovely golden crust. Serve them drizzled with maple syrup or honey, accompanied by fresh berries to balance the sweetness of the dish.

Breakfast bake

If you're looking to prepare breakfast for a large group or desire a filling morning meal that can be made the night before, a delicious breakfast bake might be just what you need. Typically loaded with protein from eggs, sausages, and cheese, it traditionally includes bread for structure, but English muffins serve as a fantastic substitute. Their chewy texture adds the perfect contrast to the softer ingredients, and the egg mixture will easily soak into all the little crevices.

The greatest advantage of this breakfast bake is its versatility; you can incorporate virtually any ingredients you like. Adding red peppers, tomatoes, spinach, and onions can enhance the nutritional value, while feta or Cheddar cheese will provide a delightful tang. Assembling the dish is incredibly easy. Simply cut the toasted English muffins into small cubes and spread them across the bottom of an oven-safe dish. Combine the eggs with your chosen ingredients, pour the mixture over the muffins, and finish with a generous sprinkle of cheese. You can either cover it and refrigerate overnight or bake it right away. This wholesome breakfast option offers a refreshing change from your usual cereal and will keep you satisfied until lunchtime.

Garlic bread

At times, you simply crave a savory snack to power through the afternoon and satisfy your desire for salt and umami flavors, and garlic bread is an excellent option to bridge that gap. If you find yourself without garlic bread in the fridge but have an English muffin in the pantry, there's no need to go without. With a bit of ingenuity, you can easily turn your muffin into a quick snack or side dish in just a few minutes.

While a baguette is the classic choice for homemade garlic bread, an English muffin can be just as satisfying and even offers some benefits. For starters, it allows you to prepare a smaller portion, using just one muffin instead of a whole baguette. Slicing the muffin in half is also much quicker and simpler than attempting to cut even slices from a French baguette. Plus, the little nooks in the muffin will absorb the garlic butter, enhancing the flavor in every bite.

To whip up delicious garlic bread, begin by lightly toasting the muffins while you prepare the garlic butter. Mix minced garlic with softened butter and fresh herbs like parsley. If you’d like, you can also incorporate some cheddar or Parmesan cheese into the blend. Spread the mixture on the freshly toasted muffins, then broil them for a few minutes until the topping begins to bubble. Enjoy them on their own or pair them with your favorite pasta dish to soak up the rich sauce.

Panzanella

If you haven't yet discovered panzanella, it's time to put it on your 'must-try' list. This traditional Italian salad is typically made with stale bread, juicy tomatoes, and sliced onions. It's a rustic dish that highlights simple ingredients at their best. You can substitute day-old stale bread with English muffins, as their chewy texture will provide a similar consistency and absorb the dressing wonderfully.

Before you start making your panzanella salad, you can cut the muffin in half and let it sit out for a few hours to mimic the traditional stale bread. Lightly toast it to achieve crisp edges while maintaining a soft interior. Cut it into cubes or tear it by hand to keep that rustic charm. Roughly chop the tomatoes and slice the onions, then combine them in a bowl with the croutons. Prepare a dressing using high-quality extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, mustard, and some seasoning. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything together to ensure all the ingredients are well coated. Enjoy it on its own as a light meal or serve it alongside a main course.

Open-faced sandwich

If you're seeking a sophisticated twist on the classic sandwich, perfect for an elegant brunch with friends, consider an open-faced sandwich. By omitting the top slice of bread, you allow the ingredients and presentation to take center stage, elevating the typical bread experience. Using half of an English muffin instead of traditional sourdough creates a sandwich that's easy to handle and robust enough to support any toppings you desire.

For a standout brunch option, try a delightful variation on a bagel filling: smoked salmon paired with cream cheese. This classic duo combines the refined flavor of salmon with the rich creaminess of cheese, resulting in a dish that is both balanced and just filling enough for a light lunch.

To make your open-faced muffin sandwiches, slice the muffins in half and toast them until they achieve a golden brown hue. Generously spread cream cheese on each half, adding some fresh dill for flavor. Lay a slice of smoked salmon on top, then finish with a sprinkle of chopped chives. Each bite will enchant your guests with the luxurious taste of salmon, the smoothness of cream cheese, and a refreshing hint from the herbs, all complemented by the muffin's crispy exterior and chewy center.