How long do English muffins last in the fridge?

What is the shelf life of English muffins?

Fresh muffins have the best flavor and texture, so if you made or bought extra, you will want to take steps to store them properly. 

Typically, English Muffins last for about three to four days after purchase when stored at normal room temperature on the kitchen counter. After 3-4 days stored this way, they likely will go stale or develop mold. 

Try to keep them sealed tightly and in a cold, dry area, away from direct sunlight, like a cabinet or breadbox to maximize the shelf life of English Muffins.

If you are looking to keep your English Muffins longer than a few days, there are some storage methods to keep them fresh. The most appropriate storage method will depend on how quickly you think you will use the English Muffins. 

Do English muffins need to be refrigerated?

English Muffins do not need to be stored in the fridge if they will be consumer quickly. The cool temperature of the refrigerator does prevent mold growth, however, meaning they will last longer in the fridge. 

As mentioned above, if you will use them quickly, they can be kept on the counter for a few days. Just be sure to press as much air out of the package as possible to ensure freshness.

If you do choose to refrigerate your leftover English Muffins, the best thing to do is wrap the individual muffins in plastic wrap, and then place them in a Ziploc bag or sealed container for best results.

This will prevent air from reaching the English Muffins, preventing mold growth while further extending their shelf life. Remove the number of English Muffins you want from the bag and toast them to reheat. 

Can you freeze English Muffins?

If you don't think you will consumer your English Muffins before they spoil on the countertop or fridge, the best way to store them is to freeze them. English Muffins freeze very well, as long as you put them in the freezer while they are still fresh to ensure the best quality.

You can keep them in their original packaging or place them in an airtight container or resealable freezer bag. You may also wrap them in plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or parchment paper.

They will maintain their quality for at least three months if they are properly sealed. After that time, they will not go bad but may have some freezer burn, especially if not sealed properly.

To thaw, simply place the frozen English Muffin on the counter, or heat them in the toaster or toaster oven from frozen. You can also thaw them in the microwave or microwave oven.

Be sure that the power of your microwave is set to defrost or 50% power, and that the English Muffins are covered with a microwave-safe paper towel so that they do not lose their moisture. 

FAQs

Can you eat English Muffins past their expiration date?

Store-bought muffins like Bays English Muffins or Thomas English Muffins, have a long shelf life due to preservatives, but they will still expire after a while. If you have stored your English Muffins in the refrigerator or freezer, they will last beyond their sell-by date as discussed above.

How to tell if English Muffins have gone bad?

English Muffins left on the counter will likely go bad faster than those stored at cooler temperatures in the fridge or freezer. If you are worried that your English Muffins have gone bad, you can typically tell by checking their smell, appearance, and taste. If the English Muffins have a sour scent, hard texture, or any sign of mold, they should no longer be consumed.

How to store English Muffins with toppings?

If you have already put toppings on your English muffins like cheese or deli meats and are looking to store them for later, you must keep them refrigerated or frozen to ensure that they don't spoil.

For maximum freshness, be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place them in an airtight plastic container or resealable plastic bag. Shelf life will depend on what types of toppings you use.

If you choose to freeze English Muffins with toppings, they will not last as long as plain English Muffins. They will likely be good for about a month before the quality begins to deteriorate.