Tasty Vegetable and Cheese Muffins: A Healthy and Tasty Snack

Why You’ll Love These Muffins

  • Healthy and Tasty: Filled with fresh vegetables and cheese, these muffins strike the perfect balance between nutrition and flavor.
  • Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and just one bowl, you’ll have a wholesome treat ready in no time.
  • Customizable: Personalize with your favorite veggies, cheeses, and seasonings.
  • Portable: Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even packed lunches.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose or whole wheat flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)

Wet Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs
  • ⅓ cup olive oil or melted butter
  • ½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
  • ½ cup milk

Add-Ins:

  • 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
  • ½ cup shredded zucchini (water squeezed out)
  • ½ cup finely chopped spinach or kale
  • ⅓ cup diced bell peppers (red, green, or yellow)
  • ¼ cup shredded carrot
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley or chives

Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

  • In another bowl, whisk the eggs, olive oil, yogurt, and milk until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Add Vegetables and Cheese

  • Stir the cheese, zucchini, spinach, bell peppers, carrot, and parsley into the wet mixture.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

  • Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins light and fluffy.

Step 6: Fill the Muffin Pan

  • Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.

Step 7: Bake

  • Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Muffins

  • Remove Excess Water: Squeeze water out of the zucchini and other moist veggies to avoid soggy muffins.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs add the best flavor and texture.
  • Don’t Overmix: Stir gently to keep the muffins tender and airy.
  • Customize Add-Ins: Experiment with different vegetables, cheeses, or even cooked bacon or ham.

Variations

  • Extra Cheesy: Sprinkle more cheese on top before baking for a golden, crispy crust.
  • Spicy Twist: Add chopped chili peppers or a pinch of cayenne for a kick.
  • Herb Infusion: Try fresh dill, thyme, or rosemary for an herby flavor.
  • Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Serving Ideas

  • Breakfast: Pair with scrambled eggs or avocado for a satisfying start to the day.
  • Snack: Enjoy on its own or with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
  • Lunchbox Addition: Perfect alongside a salad or bowl of soup for a balanced meal.
  • Party Platter: Serve as an appetizer with a dipping sauce like ranch or hummus.

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