Celebrated on 04/23/2026
National English Muffin Day is celebrated on April 23, which coincides with the birthday of Samuel Bath Thomas, the inventor of the English muffin. Thomas, a British immigrant to New York City, created the first English muffins in 1880, using a griddle to achieve their signature nooks and crannies. Today, over 1 billion English muffins are sold annually in the United States alone.
National English Muffin Day was created to honor the invention of the English muffin by Samuel Bath Thomas. Thomas, born in Plymouth, England in 1855, emigrated to the United States in 1874 and opened a bakery in New York City. In 1880, he developed a new type of muffin that was griddle-baked rather than oven-baked, resulting in a dense, chewy texture with characteristic nooks and crannies. The holiday is observed on April 23, Thomas's birthday, though the exact year of its establishment is unclear. It is believed to have been promoted by the Thomas' English Muffin brand and various food enthusiasts.
Over the years, National English Muffin Day has grown from a niche observance to a widely recognized food holiday, thanks in part to social media and marketing campaigns by brands like Bays English Muffins. Today, it is celebrated by home cooks and restaurants alike, who often share recipes and creative toppings online. Common ways to mark the day include making homemade English muffins, hosting brunch parties, or simply enjoying a toasted muffin with butter, jam, or eggs. The holiday has also inspired themed events at bakeries and cafes, as well as limited-time menu items.
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