Savory, cheesy, and packed with aromatic herbs, these Cheese and Herb Muffins are an absolute delight. Perfect for a quick breakfast, a cozy afternoon snack, or as a savory side to soups and salads, these muffins come together in under 30 minutes. They’re soft on the inside, slightly crisp on top, and bursting with flavor in every bite. If you’re after something easy, fast, and satisfying, this recipe is just what you need—ideal for busy weekdays or last-minute guests!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Make: You’ll have warm, fluffy muffins on the table in about 25 minutes—yes, really!
- No Mixer Needed: Just one bowl, a whisk, and some stirring—simple enough for even beginner bakers.
- Flavor-Packed: With sharp cheese and fresh herbs, every bite is rich and savory.
- Versatile: These muffins are perfect on their own, but pair beautifully with breakfast spreads or light dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these basic pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients:
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the muffins, giving them a light yet sturdy structure.
- Baking powder: Helps the muffins rise to fluffy perfection.
- Salt and black pepper: Enhances flavor—don’t skip this!
- Shredded cheese: Sharp cheddar is classic, but you can mix in parmesan, gruyere, or feta for variety.
- Fresh herbs: Think chives, parsley, thyme, or dill. Use what you have or what you love—herbs bring life and fragrance.
- Milk: Whole milk adds moisture and richness.
- Egg: Binds the muffins and adds softness.
- Olive oil or melted butter: Adds moisture and depth of flavor.
- Garlic powder (optional): For an extra savory kick.
Variations
Want to mix things up? Here are a few fun ideas:
- Add Veggies: Diced bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini work beautifully.
- Make it Spicy: A pinch of chili flakes or diced jalapeño gives a gentle heat.
- Go Gluten-Free: Substitute with a good gluten-free flour blend.
- Different Cheeses: Use blue cheese for bold flavor or mozzarella for meltier texture.
- Mini Muffins: Use a mini muffin tin for bite-sized snacks or party trays.
How to Make Delicious Cheese and Herb Muffins
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the cups with oil or butter.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using. Stir in the shredded cheese and chopped herbs until evenly coated.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl or measuring jug, whisk together the milk, egg, and oil (or melted butter) until smooth.
Step 4: Combine and Stir
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Do not overmix—a few lumps are totally fine and help keep the muffins light.
Step 5: Fill and Bake
Spoon the batter evenly into your muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full. Bake for 18–22 minutes or until the tops are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let the muffins cool for 5–10 minutes before removing from the pan. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Overmix: Stir until ingredients are just combined—overmixing will make your muffins dense.
- Use Fresh Herbs: They add a brighter flavor than dried herbs, but dried work in a pinch—just reduce the amount slightly.
- Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
- Check Early: Oven temperatures vary, so start checking a few minutes before the recommended baking time.
How to Serve
These muffins are incredibly versatile and can be served in several tasty ways:
Breakfast
Pair with scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, or a dollop of sour cream for a savory start.
Lunch
Serve alongside a bowl of soup—tomato, lentil, or even chicken noodle.
Appetizer
Cut into quarters and serve with herb butter or soft cheeses.
On-the-Go Snack
Wrap one up for a mid-morning or afternoon energy boost.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing
Freeze the muffins in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag once frozen. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To reheat, pop in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, or warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. They’ll taste just as good as fresh!
FAQs
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes! If using dried herbs, reduce the amount by about one-third, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs, use 1 teaspoon of dried.
Can I make these muffins dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use a dairy-free milk like almond or oat, and replace the cheese with a plant-based alternative. Just make sure it’s one that melts well.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Sharp cheddar gives a strong, classic flavor, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like gouda, feta, or even a spicy pepper jack.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe scales beautifully. Just make sure you use two muffin trays or bake in batches, and keep an eye on the baking time.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried savory muffins before, these Delicious Cheese and Herb Muffins will make you a believer. They’re warm, cheesy, and packed with herbaceous goodness, and they’re as easy to whip up as they are to devour. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or tuck a few into your lunchbox, they’re a simple pleasure that’s sure to satisfy. Give them a try—you just might find your new favorite snack!
PrintDelicious Cheese and Herb Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These savory cheese and herb muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack. Packed with sharp cheddar and fresh herbs, they are moist, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir in the shredded cheese, parsley, and chives until evenly distributed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, and eggs.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- You can substitute other herbs like thyme or basil if desired.
- Use a mix of cheeses for a more complex flavor.
- Best enjoyed warm or reheated slightly in the oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
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