Do English Muffins Need To Be Refrigerated?
Fresh muffins have the best texture and flavor, but you won’t be able to fully enjoy everything that this yeast-leavened bread has to offer if the product hasn’t been stored correctly. Do English muffins need to be refrigerated? Or will they stay nice and fresh if kept in the pantry?
English muffins can usually stay fresh for up to 4 days at room temperature, but if you know that you won’t manage to consume the product within this timeframe, you would have to place the muffins in the fridge or freezer. The bread product can last for around 7 days in the refrigerator if kept in an airtight container.
Below, you will find simple instructions on how to store English muffins in the fridge and freezer for maximum freshness.
Do English Muffins Need to Be Refrigerated?
If you have bought English muffins in the store, make sure to check the expiration date. Some brands promise that their muffins will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks in an unopened package if stored in a dry and cool place.
Once you open the package, the English muffins might still last for 3-4 days at room temperature. Just make sure to put them in an airtight container or a sealable bag. A cabinet or breadbox is usually the perfect place for the muffins, as it keeps the product away from direct sunlight and moisture.
If you have already opened up your English muffins and you know that you won’t be able to eat all of them within 4 days, then you might want to put them in the fridge. The cool temperature of the refrigerator will slow down mold growth, so the muffins will stay fresh for a little longer (up to a week, in most cases).
How to Store English Muffins in the Fridge
Muffins are yeast bread which means that they are a porous food. This is exactly what gives the English muffins their amazing texture and softness, but, at the same time, the porousness is what allows the product to absorb moisture easily which makes them susceptible to mold.
Thankfully, cold temperatures can easily slow down bacterial and mold growth, in case you manage to store the product correctly in the fridge.
You can choose to wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap (make sure that it is dry and that you haven’t left any air bubbles behind) and then place the product in an airtight container or a Ziploc bag and into the refrigerator. The main aim here is to prevent air and moisture from coming in contact with the muffins.
It is generally recommended to consume the deliciousness within 7 days, but, in some cases, the English muffins can last for up to 2 weeks in the fridge.
Tip: keep the product closer to the back of the refrigerator. That’s where the temperature does not fluctuate as much.
To enjoy the muffins after they have been refrigerated, simply toast the desired quantity. Do bear in mind that muffins might lose some flavor and become a bit more dry after a few days in the fridge.
Do You Need to Keep English Muffins with Toppings in the Fridge?
If you have already covered your muffins in cheese or jelly or any other topping, you can still manage to save the dish for later, if you place it in the fridge. Just make sure to wrap each muffin tightly in foil or plastic wrap and then put them in an airtight container.
English muffins with toppings won’t last for a whole week in the refrigerator. Depending on the topping, you might want to consume the dish within 1-2 days.
Can You Freeze English Muffins?
If you need to preserve your English muffins for longer than a week, then you can freeze the product. In fact, muffins freeze extremely well, and if you manage to store them correctly, their texture and flavor will stay the same even after spending 3 months in the freezer.
Make sure to place the muffins in the freezer while they’re still fresh. You can keep them in the original unopened packaging or transfer the muffins to a resealable freezer bag or a freezer-safe airtight container. You might also want to additionally wrap each muffin in plastic wrap or parchment paper.
Tip: slice the muffins before freezing them.
When the time comes to consume the yumminess, simply leave the muffins at room temperature until they thaw or place them in the microwave. Ensure that the appliance is set to ‘defrost’ and don’t forget to cover the muffins with a microwave-safe cloth or towel so that they do not lose their moisture.
There are a number of interesting articles available on our website Do Dill Pickles Need To Be Refrigerated?, Can You Freeze Bologna?, Do Empanadas Need To Be Refrigerated?, and Do Custard Donuts Need To Be Refrigerated?
To Sum Up
So, do English muffins need to be refrigerated? If you know that you won’t be able to eat the whole pack within 4 days, then you should definitely place the muffins in the fridge.
However, the muffins might lose some flavor after a few days in the refrigerator. That’s why some experts recommend freezing English muffins even if you need to preserve them just for a week.
