Crumpets vs. English Muffins: What’s the Difference? (2024)

So you're in the bread aisle thinking about switching up your breakfast game by choosing something other than bagels or your usual loaf for toast. This makes you wonder about the difference between crumpets vs. English muffins. You're probably familiar with English muffins, but what is a crumpet exactly? Upon close investigation, you'll find they're quite different.

What Is a Crumpet?

Crumpets are small, round, griddled, thin bread with a spongy texture. Crumpets are authentic British bread commonly enjoyed for breakfast (or with afternoon tea). They're also regularly enjoyed throughout the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa. You can find crumpets in many grocery stores in the U.S. now, but they're not as common in the bread aisle as English muffins. Try making your own with this crumpet recipe from our sister site Food & Wine.

What Is an English Muffin?

English muffins are small, round, yeast-leavened bread cooked on the stovetop. In the 1800s, English muffins were created in New York after Samuel Bath Thomas moved to America from England. So while you might have considered English muffins a “British” bread, it’s actually more common here in the United States (and therefore why you see them in stores more often than crumpets). In fact, you’ll likely find them referred to as just muffins or American Muffins in the United Kingdom.

Crumpets vs. English Muffins

Crumpets and English Muffins are both cooked on a griddle or stove top. They’re about the same size and have craters or holes. The differences are that crumpets are always made with milk (you won’t find any milk in English muffin recipes) and are only griddled on one side, leaving one side toasted and the other soft—think sort of like a pancake’s texture, only a little more spongy. Crumpet recipes don’t require yeast, and they have a looser batter. They’re also served whole, while English muffins are split. As for English muffins, they have a breadier texture and are toasted on both sides.

Now that you know the differences between crumpets vs. English muffins, try both to see which you like best. Either is great as a morning breakfast toasted with butter and your favorite jam or spreads. You can also go savory by turning English muffins into mini pizzas or a classic eggs benedict.

Bread Recipes for Carb Lovers

Don't be afraid of carbs! Bread can be part of a healthy diet; if it's homemade, the ingredients are guaranteed good quality. This pumpkin bread has just 191 calories in a serving and is a perfect snack for a chilly autumn day. Hokkaido milk bread is a slightly sweet Japanese yeast bread made with milk, similar to brioche. Learn to make a sourdough starter for delicious sourdough bread loaves. Prepare bacon and French toast with leftover French bread or a loaf of challah for a delicious brunch or breakfast for dinner.