Let’s talk muffins. But not the sweet, sugary kind. Nope, these Spinach and Cheddar Savory Muffins are in a league of their own. They’re cheesy, hearty, and packed with leafy green goodness (hello, spinach!). Think of them as the perfect breakfast sidekick or a grab-and-go snack.
What makes them special? Their versatility. You can meal prep them, serve them at brunch, or stash them in the freezer for busy mornings. Plus, who doesn’t want a muffin that’s basically self-contained comfort food?
The Recipe at a Glance
Here’s the rundown:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 12 muffins
- Difficulty Level: Easy? You bet.
What You’ll Need:
- Muffin tin (12 cups)
- Large and medium mixing bowls
- Whisk, spatula, and a spoon or ice cream scoop
- Muffin liners (optional but handy!)
Pro Tip: Want to prep these ahead of time? You can! Make a big batch, freeze them, and have breakfast ready whenever you need it.
The Ingredients
Here’s exactly what you’ll need to make these muffins. Nothing fancy—just good, reliable ingredients.
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs – Room temp works best for mixing.
- 1 cup milk – Regular or non-dairy like almond or oat milk.
- ¼ cup olive oil – Keeps things moist and flavorful.
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Or gluten-free flour if needed.
- 1 tsp baking powder – Lifts the muffins.
- ½ tsp baking soda – Teams up with the cheese to add fluffiness.
- ¼ tsp salt – Adjust to taste (especially if your cheese is salty).
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional) – For an extra savory punch.
- ½ tsp black pepper – Freshly ground is best.
Mix-Ins
- 1 ½ cups fresh spinach, chopped – Baby spinach works great. Just pat it dry after washing!
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar is my favorite. Shred your own for the best melt.
- ½ cup cooked, diced sweet potatoes (optional) – Sweetness + texture = a win.
Step-by-Step: Let’s Bake!
Cooking together is always more fun, so imagine me guiding you through this. You’ve got this!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first—set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your muffin tin or pop in some liners. Easy, right?
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Crack the eggs into a medium bowl. Add the milk and olive oil. Whisk until it’s all combined and a little frothy. It should look smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a bigger bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder (if using), and black pepper. This step spreads the magic (aka leavening agents) evenly.
Step 4: Time to Combine
Pour the wet mixture into the dry bowl. Gradually fold them together with a spatula. Don’t go wild with the mixing—keep it light! A few lumps are totally fine. Overmixing = dense muffins.
Step 5: Add the Flavor Bombs
Now for the fun part! Toss in the spinach, cheddar, and sweet potatoes (if using). Stir gently to distribute all those goodies. Every scoop should have a bit of everything.
Step 6: Fill the Muffin Cups
Grab your spoon or ice cream scoop and divide the batter between the 12 muffin cups. Fill each one about ¾ full. This leaves room for them to rise nicely.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide the tin into the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. How do you know they’re done? The tops will turn golden-brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center will come out clean. Bonus: your kitchen will smell amazing.
Step 8: Cool Down
Let the muffins rest in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. And hey, don’t be shy—go ahead and eat one while it’s still warm.
Variations & Customizations
Here’s how to make these muffins your own:
- Vegan Version: Use flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water per egg) and dairy-free cheese.
- Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 GF flour blend.
- Spicy Kick: Add ¼ tsp cayenne or a pinch of chili flakes.
- Seasonal Twist: In summer, try adding sun-dried tomatoes. In winter, swap spinach for kale.
Serving & Storing
How to Serve:
- Serve warm with soup, salad, or on their own.
- Hosting a brunch? Fancy them up with a drizzle of olive oil or a side of Greek yogurt.
Storage Tips:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap each muffin in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
- Microwave: 20 seconds is all it takes!
- Oven: Warm at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.
Final Thoughts
That’s it! Spinach and Cheddar Savory Muffins are the perfect combination of savory and satisfying. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or whipping these up for a weekend treat, I promise they’ll be a hit. Now, go grab a muffin tin and give these a shot. You’re going to love them!
PrintSpinach & Cheddar Savory Muffins
These fluffy Spinach and Cheddar Savory Muffins are the perfect blend of cheesy goodness and nutritious greens. Quick to make and packed with flavor, they’re a great option for breakfast, snacks, or even meal-prepped lunches.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- ¼ cup olive oil
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
- ½ tsp black pepper
Mix-Ins:
- 1 ½ cups fresh spinach leaves, chopped
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cooked and diced sweet potatoes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease with cooking spray. - Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and olive oil until smooth and combined. - Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder (if using), and black pepper. - Add Wet to Dry:
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, gently fold together until just combined. The batter should be slightly lumpy for fluffy muffins. - Fold in Mix-Ins:
Carefully stir in the chopped spinach, shredded cheddar, and sweet potatoes (if using) until evenly distributed. - Fill Muffin Cups:
Divide batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full. - Bake:
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even color. - Cool & Serve:
Allow muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with a side salad or soup for a complete meal.
- Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of olive oil for a fancier touch.
Tips & Tricks:
- Don’t overmix! Lumpy batter makes light, fluffy muffins.
- Shred cheese yourself for the best melt and flavor.
- Pat spinach dry to prevent excess moisture.
Storage & Reheating:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
- To Reheat: Microwave 20 seconds or warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes.