There’s a certain allure to the savory side of baking, where cheese and vegetables come together in a symphony of flavors that can brighten any meal. Savory Cheese Vegetable Muffins are a celebration of this harmony, a delightful alternative to their sweeter counterparts that often steal the spotlight. On a bustling morning or for a lazy weekend brunch, these muffins offer a nourishing start to the day, packed with the goodness of fresh produce and the comforting richness of melted cheese.

The inspiration to bake these comes from a desire to infuse the day with something wholesome yet satisfying. Perhaps it’s the vibrant colors of the vegetable medley in the fridge that beg to be used, or the thought of that perfect golden crust of baked cheese that motivates the apron to be tied on. There’s joy in the chopping and grating, a kind of meditation in the preparation that sets the stage for the magic to happen in the oven.

These muffins are versatile, too, easily adapted to suit the season’s offerings or the whims of your palate. They’re a testament to the creativity that savory baking allows, inviting a playful approach to ingredients that can cater to a variety of dietary preferences and occasions.

So let’s preheat our ovens and grease our muffin tins, ready to embark on a culinary journey that promises to deliver a burst of flavor and texture with every bite. Savory Cheese Vegetable Muffins are not just a recipe; they’re an ode to the joy of baking and the beauty of simple, fresh ingredients coming together to create something unexpectedly delightful.

Savoury Cheese Vegetable Muffins Recipe

Savoury Cheese Vegetable Muffins

Savoury Cheese Vegetable Muffins are a delightful and nutritious alternative to the more common sweet muffin varieties. They incorporate a medley of fresh vegetables, which not only provide a range of vitamins and minerals but also add texture and moisture to the muffins. The savory aspect is heightened by the inclusion of cheese, which melts during baking, creating pockets of creamy flavor and contributing to a golden, appetizing crust.

These muffins are versatile, as they can be customized with different vegetables and cheeses based on personal preference or seasonal availability. They are often enjoyed as a breakfast item, a snack, or as an accompaniment to soups and salads. The combination of wholesome ingredients and savory taste makes them a satisfying option for those seeking a hearty, yet still convenient, food choice.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 25

Total Time 55

Servings: 6 people

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: French

Calories: 564

Ingredients Equipment Method Video

Ingredients

3-4 cups 450g – 600g vegetables of your choice – I used the following:
Half Courgette finely grated
3 Spring Onions diced
1 Small Red Pepper chopped finely
Half Can Sweetcorn
1 Medium Sweet Potato diced
1 tbsp oil
1 heaped tsp Ground Cumin
2 tsp Salt
Pepper to taste
1 1/2 cups 150g Mature Cheddar Cheese, grated
2 cups 300g Self Raising Flour
½ cup 120ml milk
3 eggs
60 g butter melted

Equipment

1 oven

Method

Pre-heat the oven to 180°C or gas mark 4. Heat the oil in a pan for 1 minute before adding the sweet potato, ground cumin, 1 tsp salt & pepper to taste. Cook for 2-3 minutes before taking the pan off the heat and tilting it to drain the excess oil. Transfer into a bowl and let it cool.
Prepare all the other vegetables and place in a bowl. Squeeze as much water out of the courgette as you can. It will clump together, so make sure to separate the strands again.
In a separate bowl add the egg, milk and melted butter and lightly whisk, then set aside.
In a larger bowl, add the self raising flour, vegetables and cheese.
Mix the vegetables in with the flour until it is all well coated.
Add the egg mixture to the bowl and give it a good mix.
At this point, add the last tsp of salt and any additional pepper to taste. I also added 2 tsp of dried tarragon, just because I felt like it, but I don’t think it’s necessary as part of this recipe. I only decided to add sweetcorn at this point (hence not in the first few pictures) because I thought there may be too many vegetables at first, but I found it actually enhanced the taste.
Distribute the mixture evenly into cupcake or muffin cases, filling it approximately 3/4 of the way up and bake in the oven for around 25 – 35 minutes depending on your oven – I baked mine for 35 minutes. Make sure to turn the tray around half way through baking in order for it to brown evenly.
Now enjoy this cheesy, veggie, savoury muffin – I ended up eating 2 myself straight out the oven! 🙂

Video

How to make Savoury Cheese Vegetable Muffins using air fryer

The air fryer, a beacon of culinary innovation, offers a charming twist to the traditional baking of Savoury Cheese Vegetable Muffins. As I embark on this venture, there’s a sense of playfulness mixed with the anticipation of wholesome goodness. The vibrant hues of diced vegetables and the rich aroma of cheese promise a feast for the senses.

Gathering the ingredients feels like painting a canvas with nature’s palette, each vegetable adding its own texture and flavor. The cheese promises to melt into a deliciously gooey layer, binding the muffins with a comforting touch of indulgence.

As the air fryer hums to life, it’s hard not to marvel at its efficiency. It circulates heat with precision, ensuring each muffin is cooked evenly, their tops turning a delightful golden brown. The result is a batch of perfectly sized muffins, their savory notes a gentle reminder that healthy choices can also be incredibly satisfying and full of flavor.

In moments, the air fryer delivers a tray of warm, inviting muffins, each bite a harmonious blend of garden freshness and cheesy delight—a testament to the joy of modern baking.

Tips for making Savoury Cheese Vegetable Muffins

Cooking Tips

Sauté your vegetables lightly before adding them to the batter. This step enhances their flavors and ensures they’re tender within the soft crumb.
Choose a good melting cheese for that irresistible gooey texture. A sharp cheddar or a smooth Gouda can add depth to the muffins’ flavor profile.
Don’t skimp on seasoning. A pinch of salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or rosemary can transform your muffins from good to great.
Be gentle when combining wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins, so mix just until the ingredients are incorporated.
Finally, let the muffins rest for a few minutes after baking. This patience rewards you with a perfect texture and makes them easier to remove from the pan.

Serving Suggestion

Serving Savoury Cheese Vegetable Muffins is akin to sharing a piece of a cozy, rustic brunch any time of day. I delight in arranging them on a platter, their golden tops hinting at the savory treasures within. A light garnish of fresh herbs can elevate their appearance, adding a pop of color and a whisper of freshness.

I find they’re best enjoyed warm, when the cheese is just melted and the aroma of baked vegetables and herbs is most inviting. Accompanied by a crisp side salad or a bowl of soup, they transform a simple meal into a comforting experience.

Offering these muffins to friends and family feels like extending an invitation into a moment of shared comfort. It’s a gesture that says, “Let’s enjoy the simple, good things together,” creating bonds over the joy of homemade, heartfelt food.

Top 5 FAQs about Savoury Cheese Vegetable Muffins

What vegetables work best in savory muffins? The beauty of these muffins is their adaptability. Sturdy vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers hold up well during baking. It’s important to consider moisture content; vegetables with high water content should be pre-cooked or well-drained to avoid soggy muffins.
Can you use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? Yes, whole wheat flour can be used for a healthier option, though it may result in denser muffins. To maintain lightness, try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour, or add a bit more leavening agent to compensate for the heavier dough.
How can you prevent the cheese from drying out? To keep the cheese moist and gooey, choose a cheese with good melting properties, such as mozzarella or cheddar. You can also mix some cheese into the batter and sprinkle some on top before baking to ensure a cheesy texture throughout.
How long do savory muffins last and how should they be stored? Savory muffins can last up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, they can be refrigerated or frozen. Always reheat them before serving to restore their fresh-baked taste and texture.
Are these muffins suitable for meal prep or freezing? Absolutely! These muffins are great for meal prep as they can be made in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick and convenient breakfast or snack.

In crafting the conclusion for our exploration of Savoury Cheese Vegetable Muffins, we come to appreciate the simple pleasures that baking can bring into our lives. These muffins, with their blend of melted cheese and tender vegetables, are a testament to the joy of savory baking—a delightful departure from the expected sweetness of traditional muffins.

The journey from selecting fresh produce to savoring the warm, cheesy result is one of creativity and comfort. It’s a process that invites us to experiment with flavors and textures, to personalize each batch to our liking, and to share the fruits of our labor with those we cherish.

As we reflect on the tips shared and the emotions stirred by the act of baking, we’re reminded of the connections that food can forge. Whether enjoyed as part of a leisurely brunch or as a quick, satisfying snack, Savoury Cheese Vegetable Muffins offer a moment of nourishment for both the body and the soul.

So let us take these lessons and inspirations into our kitchens and our gatherings, knowing that each muffin is a small but meaningful celebration of the care we put into our cooking and the shared experiences that enrich our lives.