Description
Spinach and Cheese Muffins
These savory muffins are the perfect combination of healthy greens and cheesy goodness! Spinach and cheese make these muffins a nutritious and delicious option for breakfast, snacks, or even as a side dish. They are easy to prepare, quick to bake, and ideal for busy mornings or packed lunches.
6 large eggs
160 g baby spinach (finely chopped)
3 tbsp yogurt
70 g feta cheese, crumbled
50 g cheddar cheese, grated
1⅔ tbsp all-purpose flour
⅓ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt, pepper to taste
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a muffin pan.
2. Wilt spinach in a hot pan, cool.
3. Whisk eggs and yogurt, add cheese, spinach, flour, and baking powder.
4. Fill muffin cases and bake for 25 mins.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Kcal: 120/muffin
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat and Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Thoroughly grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper cases.
2. Prepare the Spinach: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the baby spinach and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until just wilted. Transfer to a plate or colander to cool completely, then squeeze out any excess liquid with your hands. Finely chop the wilted spinach.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the 6 large eggs and 3 tablespoons of yogurt together until smooth and well combined.
4. Combine All Ingredients: To the egg mixture, add the chopped spinach, crumbled feta, grated cheddar, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Gently fold everything together until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
5. Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full. Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Serve: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely or serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile muffins can be enjoyed in many ways. For a complete breakfast, serve them warm with a side of fresh tomato salsa or avocado slices. They make an excellent packed lunch component alongside a green salad or cup of soup. For a party appetizer, make a mini-muffin version and serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt mixed with herbs.
How-to Summary
In short: Wilt and chop spinach, whisk eggs and yogurt, fold in all remaining ingredients (cheeses, flour, baking powder, seasoning), portion into a greased muffin tin, and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 25 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen spinach? Yes. Thaw ½ cup of frozen chopped spinach and squeeze it extremely dry before using.
Can I make these muffins ahead of time? Absolutely. Bake, cool completely, and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
Can I freeze them? Yes. Freeze in a single layer on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.
Can I substitute the flour? For a gluten-free version, you can use an equal amount of a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly denser.
My muffins are soggy. What happened? This is almost always due to excess moisture in the spinach. Ensure you squeeze the cooked spinach very thoroughly before adding it to the batter.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Removing Enough Moisture from Spinach: This is the top mistake, leading to soggy muffins. Squeeze the wilted spinach firmly.
- Overmixing the Batter: Fold ingredients until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, making muffins tough.
- Using Cold Ingredients: For best results, use eggs and yogurt at room temperature to ensure a better rise and even baking.
- Overfilling the Muffin Cups: Fill only ¾ full to allow space for rising without spilling over.
Conclusion
These Spinach and Cheese Muffins are a simple, nutritious, and delicious solution for any time of day. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can consistently create a batch of savory, protein-packed muffins that are perfect for meal prep, on-the-go eating, or sharing with family and friends. Enjoy this versatile recipe as a staple in your kitchen.