Crumpets are a type of British baked bread product that is often enjoyed as a breakfast or tea-time treat.
They are characterized by their round shape, spongy texture, and numerous small holes or bubbles on the surface, which are created during the cooking process.
Crumpets are usually served warm, toasted, or lightly grilled. They can be enjoyed plain or with a variety of toppings, such as butter, marmalade, cream cheese, or even savory spreads like melted cheese or smoked salmon.
Sourdough Crumpets Recipe
There’s something undeniably special about a homemade breakfast that starts with the warm aroma of freshly cooked crumpets wafting through the air.
These sourdough crumpets not only taste divine but also carry the wholesome goodness of sourdough starter, making them an excellent choice for those who appreciate both flavor and nutrition.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of active sourdough starter
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- 1 egg
- 1 cup of warm milk
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- Butter for greasing the griddle
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Sourdough Starter

The heart and soul of sourdough crumpets lie in the sourdough starter. If you don’t have an active starter, you’ll need to create one. Follow these simple steps:
- In a glass jar, combine ½ cup of flour with ½ cup of water. Mix until smooth.
- Cover the jar with a clean cloth and let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours.
- After 24 hours, you should see bubbles forming in the mixture. This indicates that your sourdough starter is active and ready to use.
Step 2: Mixing the Batter

Now, let’s prepare the crumpet batter:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the active sourdough starter, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.
- Add the egg and warm milk to the mixture, whisking until it’s thoroughly combined.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour, stirring continuously until you have a smooth, thick batter.
Step 3: Rest and Ferment

Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let the batter rest at room temperature for about 2 hours. During this time, the sourdough will work its magic, giving the crumpets their signature flavor and texture.
Step 4: Cooking the Crumpets

- Heat a griddle or a large non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Grease it with a little butter.
- Using a ladle, pour the batter onto the griddle to create small, round crumpets.
- Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they’re golden brown and have those characteristic crumpet holes on the surface.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once your sourdough crumpets are cooked to perfection, serve them warm with your favorite toppings. Classic choices include butter, honey, jam, or even a dollop of clotted cream for that indulgent touch.
Sourdough Crumpets

Crumpets are a type of British baked bread product that is often enjoyed as a breakfast or tea-time treat.
- 1 cup of active sourdough starter
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- 1 egg
- 1 cup of warm milk
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- Butter for greasing the griddle
- In a glass jar, combine ½ cup of flour with ½ cup of water. Mix until smooth.
- Cover the jar with a clean cloth and let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours.
- After 24 hours, you should see bubbles forming in the mixture. This indicates that your sourdough starter is active and ready to use.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the active sourdough starter, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.
- Add the egg and warm milk to the mixture, whisking until it’s thoroughly combined.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour, stirring continuously until you have a smooth, thick batter.
- Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let the batter rest at room temperature for about 2 hours. During this time, the sourdough will work its magic, giving the crumpets their signature flavor and texture.
- Heat a griddle or a large non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Grease it with a little butter.
- Using a ladle, pour the batter onto the griddle to create small, round crumpets.
- Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they’re golden brown and have those characteristic crumpet holes on the surface.
- Once your sourdough crumpets are cooked to perfection, serve them warm with your favorite toppings. Classic choices include butter, honey, jam, or even a dollop of clotted cream for that indulgent touch.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour for a healthier version of sourdough crumpets?
Absolutely! You can substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier crumpet.
How do I store leftover crumpets?
Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. To reheat, simply pop them in the toaster or on a griddle for a few minutes.
Can I freeze the crumpets?
Yes, you can. Just make sure they’re tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in an airtight bag or container before freezing.
What’s the best way to achieve those signature crumpet holes?
The key is in the batter’s thickness and the right cooking temperature. Make sure your batter is thick but pourable, and cook on medium-low heat.
Can I use this sourdough crumpet recipe to make larger crumpets?
Certainly! Adjust the size to your preference, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary.
Are sourdough crumpets suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Unfortunately, not in their traditional form. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flours and xanthan gum to achieve a similar texture.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, the ultimate sourdough crumpets recipe that’s bound to elevate your breakfast game. With the tangy goodness of sourdough and the classic charm of crumpets, this recipe offers the perfect blend of tradition and innovation. Surprise your taste buds with this delightful morning treat and make breakfast a memorable affair.