English muffins, a beloved breakfast food more popular in America than in their namesake country, have carved out a niche in the culinary landscape. Resembling pancakes more than traditional muffins, these flat and round yeasted breads have secured a place on the menus of most diners and breakfast establishments, offering a delightful alternative to toast with your morning meal. While store-bought packages reign supreme in terms of accessibility, the market now boasts a plethora of brands vying for consumer attention, making it challenging to navigate the array of options available on the shelves.
In a quest to simplify your shopping experience, Tasting Table’s own Sarah Klimek undertook the arduous task of ranking 10 store-bought English muffin brands, with Panera Bread finding itself at the bottom of the list. Initially enticing with their puffy, toasted appearance, Panera’s English muffins fell short in the taste department, failing to deliver on the expected texture and flavor profile. Lacking the characteristic light and airy interior that typically defines English muffins, these store-bought counterparts left much to be desired, devoid of the signature nooks and crannies that allow butter to permeate through. The distinct saltiness, subtle sweetness, and touch of acidity that elevate the Americanized crumpet were noticeably absent, resulting in a lackluster culinary experience. Consequently, it is advised to reserve your Panera Bread indulgences for the restaurant and avoid their grocery store offerings in this particular instance.
However, amidst the sea of English muffin contenders, two standout brands emerged as top choices for discerning consumers. The classic Thomas English muffins, a perennial favorite, continue to hold their own for good reason, offering a reliable and satisfying breakfast option. Surprisingly, a lesser-known brand, Dave’s Killer Bread, claimed the top spot in the rankings, showcasing its prowess in delivering a superior English muffin experience. Whether slathered with butter and jam as a delectable accompaniment to your morning eggs and bacon or transformed into the star of the meal with an indulgent English muffin French toast recipe, these versatile breads prove their worth in various culinary applications.
While traditionally associated with breakfast fare, English muffins are not confined to the early hours of the day. Embracing versatility, these delectable breads can effortlessly transition into lunchtime offerings, adding a touch of fun and novelty to midday meals. Following in the footsteps of culinary maestro Jacques Pepin, consider using English muffins as buns for smaller, more substantial hamburgers, amplifying the flavor and texture of this classic dish. Similarly, these breads serve as ideal vessels for crafting an array of sandwiches, whether featuring deli meats or the timeless combination of peanut butter and jelly. Transitioning seamlessly from breakfast to dinner, English muffins can be elevated with a garlic and butter spread for a modern twist on classic garlic bread or transformed into mini pizzas with a generous topping of marinara.
