These Cheese and Herb Muffins are everything you need in a quick savory snack—fluffy, cheesy, herby, and ready in a flash. They’re the kind of muffins you whip up when you want something warm and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. Perfect for breakfast on the go, an afternoon snack, or even alongside your favorite soup or salad, these muffins are packed with bold, cheesy flavor and a burst of fresh herbs in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Make: These muffins come together in about 30 minutes—prep to plate. No electric mixer, no fancy tools.
- Versatile: They’re great for breakfast, lunchboxes, picnics, or even served warm with dinner.
- Bold, Savory Flavor: Sharp cheese, fragrant herbs, and a perfectly golden crust—every bite is satisfying and full of flavor.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a batch now, freeze the rest, and you’ve got snacks for days!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what makes these muffins irresistible:
- All-Purpose Flour: The base that gives structure to your muffins. For a nuttier taste, try substituting part with whole wheat flour.
- Baking Powder: This is your rising agent, helping those muffins puff up beautifully.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors—don’t skip it.
- Cheddar Cheese: Use sharp cheddar for that deep, tangy flavor. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, mozzarella, or even feta for a twist.
- Fresh Herbs: Think parsley, chives, thyme, or dill. Fresh herbs add bright, aromatic notes. If using dried herbs, use a smaller amount—they’re more concentrated.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
- Milk: Keeps the batter moist. Whole milk gives the richest flavor, but any milk works.
- Butter: Melted butter adds richness and that golden, bakery-style finish.
- Optional Add-ins: Cooked bacon bits, sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized onions for extra flair.
Variations
Let your creativity run wild with these:
- Spicy Kick: Stir in chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Garlic & Herb: Add garlic powder or roasted garlic to boost flavor.
- Mediterranean Style: Mix in crumbled feta, chopped olives, and oregano.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cheese. Replace eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed mixture.
How to Make Delicious Cheese and Herb Muffins
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Muffin Tin
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin or line with paper liners.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Give it a quick whisk to evenly distribute everything.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Herbs
Stir in the shredded cheese and chopped herbs, making sure they’re well-coated in the flour mixture. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and melted butter until smooth.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Don’t overmix—it’s okay if it’s a little lumpy.
Step 6: Fill and Bake
Scoop 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 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm for the best flavor.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Overmix: Stir just until the batter comes together. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough muffins.
- Fresh Cheese Is Best: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents. Grating your own gives better flavor and melt.
- Customize the Herbs: Go with what’s in season or in your fridge. Fresh basil, rosemary, or even scallions all work beautifully.
- Use an Ice Cream Scoop: It helps portion the batter evenly and keeps your hands mess-free.
How to Serve
These savory muffins shine on their own, but here are some delicious pairings:
For Breakfast:
Serve with scrambled eggs and a side of fruit.
With Lunch or Dinner:
Pair with a bowl of tomato soup, a hearty stew, or a crisp garden salad.
On the Go:
Wrap them up for road trips, picnics, or quick snacks between meetings.
For Entertaining:
Slice and warm them slightly, then serve with a smear of herb butter or soft cheese.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing
Let the muffins cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Microwave frozen muffins for about 30 seconds, or reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, you can! Just reduce the amount—generally, use one-third the amount of dried herbs since they’re more potent. Dried thyme, oregano, or basil all work well.
What kind of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is a classic, but you can mix things up with Gruyère, Swiss, feta, or even blue cheese if you like a bold flavor. Softer cheeses like mozzarella melt nicely but offer milder flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just make sure it includes a binder like xanthan gum for best texture.
Why are my muffins dense or dry?
Overmixing the batter or baking too long can make muffins dense or dry. Mix gently and keep a close eye on the bake time to get soft, fluffy muffins every time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a savory twist on a classic favorite, these Delicious Cheese and Herb Muffins are a total must-try. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and packed with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re baking a batch for brunch or stashing some in the freezer for later, this recipe is a cozy, cheesy winner. Give them a try and enjoy the comforting deliciousness!
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 light, fluffy, and packed with the rich flavors of cheddar cheese and fresh herbs, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a savory snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, parsley, and chives until evenly distributed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- You can substitute cheddar with other cheeses like Gruyère or feta for a different flavor profile.
- For added flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or dried Italian herbs.
- These muffins freeze well and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
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