English muffins are a popular snack or meal component across much of the world, but knowing how to store them properly is crucial to keeping them good and reducing any risk of wasting food. If you have English muffins in your cupboard or fridge, how long will they keep?
How long do English muffins last in the fridge? English muffins should last for about four days in the fridge, provided that they are kept in an airtight container. Interestingly, the fridge is not the best place to keep English muffins, even though it is usually the go-to option for food preservation, so if you’re trying to preserve your English muffins, keep them on the counter or in the freezer.
Why Shouldn’t You Put English Muffins in the Fridge?
It’s best not to put English muffins in the fridge because this can cause them to dry out. They often seem to lose flavor and the texture deteriorates, so it is better not to store them there. This is true even if you keep them in a sealed container. If you leave them loose, they are liable to become soggy.
It’s best to store English muffins in a cool, dry environment. The fridge is cool, but damp, and this can make the muffins go bad more quickly. Estimates vary, but many people note that English muffins keep better when they are stored at a cool room temperature.
Where Should You Store English Muffins Instead?
You can store English muffins on your counter or in a pantry, sealed in their original packaging or an airtight container. Exposure to air will make the muffins dry and increase the risk of them turning moldy, so make sure they are sealed.
On the counter, store-bought English muffins can last for a couple of weeks, or to their use-by date. As long as they do not get too warm or damp, they should keep amazingly well. However, homemade English muffins will not last as long, and should be used up within a couple of days, even if they are stored correctly.
Don’t leave homemade English muffins on the counter for more than about two days, because they will start to turn moldy. They lack the preservatives found in store-bought English muffins, and they should therefore be thrown away if they are not used up quickly.
Can You Freeze English Muffins?
Yes, English muffins freeze very well, and many people place them in their freezer. They will retain their texture and flavor for at least three months, likely longer, and should last almost indefinitely in the freezer.
You can put them in as soon as you purchase or bake them. Place them in a sealed container, or keep them in their original packaging, and freeze them promptly.
Don’t freeze English muffins that have been left out for too long, as freezing only slows the microbial spread, and will not reverse it. If the muffins are close to going bad, use them up instead, or throw them away.
How Should You Thaw English Muffins?
You can thaw English muffins by placing them on your counter and allowing them to defrost naturally at room temperature. There is no need to thaw them in the fridge or the microwave, although you can use the “defrost” setting on your microwave if you want them to thaw quickly.
Sometimes, microwaving English muffins makes them rubbery and tough, so it is best not to do this if you can avoid it. You can also place the muffins in a warm oven to defrost them, or cut them in half and toast them from frozen if you prefer. This should defrost them quickly.
In general, English muffins don’t take too long to defrost, since they are fairly small and compact. Placed in a reasonably warm spot, they should have defrosted within an hour or two.
How Should You Store Topped English Muffins?
If you have already put toppings on your English muffins, you may be wondering what you should do with them. Most toppings will require you to store the muffins in the fridge, rather than on the counter, to avoid the topping spoiling.
For example, if you have topped your English muffins with bacon, cream cheese, cheese, tomatoes, ham, etc., these must be kept in the fridge to ensure they remain cool, fresh, and free from bacteria.
It is best not to add toppings to your muffins until you are ready to eat them, because this creates storage issues. It can also make the muffins turn soggy, as they will absorb moisture from the toppings, spoiling the texture of the muffin.
However, if you have done so, place them in the fridge in an airtight container, and aim to use them up as soon as possible. Don’t leave them at room temperature. The sooner you eat them, the better they will taste. You may be able to lightly reheat them under a grill or in an oven.
How Do You Know If English Muffins Have Gone Bad?
Moldy English muffins will often develop blue or green specks on the surface of the muffin as mold starts to spread throughout the bread. They may also start to emit an unusual, slightly fruity odor, which again indicates that bacteria are present in the English muffin and it should not be eaten.
If you’re unsure about some English muffins that you have had for a while, inspect them carefully and smell them. If there is no sign of mold on the surface and the muffins smell fine, they should be okay to eat. However, if they are speckled, have an odd smell, or have turned damp or hard in places, it’s best to throw them away.
Don’t try to toast and eat English muffins that have gone bad; they could make you sick.
Final Thoughts
English muffins will not last well if stored in the fridge, because they are liable to get damp, and their flavor and texture will be spoiled. Aim to use them up within a couple of days if you want to refrigerate them, or a couple of weeks if you keep them in a cool cupboard instead.