Savoury Cheese Muffins Recipe

The Fluffiest Savoury Cheese Muffins Recipe Ready in 30 Minutes

Savoury cheese muffins offer a delightful twist on traditional breakfast fare, converting ordinary mornings into culinary adventures.

These delectable treats blend salty, rich flavors with a tender, crumbly texture that instantly elevates any meal.

Tangy cheese nestled within soft, golden batter creates an irresistible combination that speaks to comfort and indulgence.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly these muffins come together, requiring minimal preparation and delivering maximum satisfaction.

Each bite promises a harmonious balance of savory ingredients that dance across your palate with surprising complexity.

The versatility of these muffins makes them perfect for various occasions, from casual brunches to elegant gatherings.

Baking enthusiasts will love how these muffins can be customized with different cheese varieties and herbs.

Savory in Every Bite Savoury Cheese Muffins

  • Burst with Cheesy Goodness: These muffins pack a powerful punch of sharp cheddar cheese, creating an irresistible savory flavor that makes every bite a delightful experience.
  • Quick and Easy Weeknight Wonder: With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, these muffins come together in under 40 minutes, making them perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results without complicated techniques.
  • Perfectly Textured Comfort: The careful mixing technique ensures ultra-soft, tender muffins with a golden crusty exterior, delivering a mouthwatering contrast between crisp edges and fluffy inner crumb that keeps you coming back for more.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Excellent as a breakfast side, snack, or accompaniment to soups and salads, these garlic-infused cheese muffins work magic for multiple meals and will impress both family and guests with minimal effort.

What You’ll Need Savoury Cheese Muffins

Main Ingredients:

Flour Group:
  • Plain Flour: A staple base for the muffins, provides structure and texture.
Dairy Group:
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and flavorful cheese that adds richness and savory depth to the muffins.
  • Milk: Helps create moisture and binds ingredients together.
  • Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and ensures a tender, soft muffin texture.
Protein Group:
  • Egg: Binds ingredients and provides structure to the muffins.

Additional Ingredients:

Seasoning Group:
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile of the muffins.
  • Baking Powder: Helps muffins rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Baking Soda: Assists in leavening and browning of the muffins.
  • Crushed Garlic: Adds a robust, aromatic flavor to the muffins.
  • Chopped Parsley: Provides fresh herbal notes and green color.
Fat and Oil Group:
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and softness in the muffins.
  • Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps with browning, used for brushing and flavor.

How to Bake Them Up Savoury Cheese Muffins

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 180°C/350°F (standard) or 160°C/320°F (fan-forced). Grab a 12-hole muffin pan and get ready to create magic!

Step 2: Craft the Garlic Butter Blend

Melt butter with garlic in a microwave-safe bowl. Zap in quick 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth. Use some of this golden goodness to coat every nook of the muffin pan. Keep the leftover butter for a final flavor explosion.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Blend until these powdery friends are perfectly mixed.

Step 4: Whip Up Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix with enthusiasm:
  • Lightly beaten egg
  • Milk
  • Sour cream
  • Vegetable oil
  • Chopped parsley
  • Crushed garlic

Whisk until everything looks happy together!

Step 5: Marry the Ingredients

Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Gentle touches are key! Stir about 8 times – just enough to say hello. Fold in grated cheddar cheese with love, stopping when flour disappears (maximum 7 big stirs).

Step 6: Fill the Muffin Playground

Distribute batter across 11 muffin holes. Let the batter sit proudly, almost overflowing. If it forms cute little mounds, leave them be!

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven. Bake for 22-25 minutes until muffins turn a gorgeous golden brown and bounce back when touched.

Step 8: Add the Final Touch

Pull out your masterpiece. Transfer muffins to a cooling rack. Brush tops with reserved garlic butter.

Smart Baking Tips Savoury Cheese Muffins

  • Prevent Overmixing: Stir the batter gently and minimally to keep muffins tender and fluffy, avoiding tough and dense textures.
  • Check Cheese Distribution: Fold cheese lightly to ensure even spread throughout the muffins, preventing cheese clumping.
  • Test Doneness Accurately: Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs attached.
  • Maximize Garlic Flavor: Use fresh crushed garlic for the most intense and aromatic flavor profile in your muffins.
  • Store and Reheat Smartly: Cool muffins completely before storing in an airtight container, and warm briefly in the oven to restore their crispy exterior.

How to Keep Them Tasty Savoury Cheese Muffins

  • Refrigerate: Store cooled muffins in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, keeping them fresh and preventing moisture buildup.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
  • Reheat: Warm refrigerated or thawed muffins in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 180°C/350°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy on the outside.

Best Sides to Serve Savoury Cheese Muffins

  • Cheese-Paired Wine Selection: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the rich, cheesy muffins with its bright acidity, while Chardonnay's buttery notes complement the garlic and cheese flavors perfectly.
  • Complementary Protein Partner: Herb-roasted chicken or smoked turkey slices create a delightful savory combination, adding extra protein and enhancing the muffins' garlic and cheese profile.
  • Fresh Salad Sidekick: Crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a zesty, light contrast to the dense, rich muffins, balancing the overall meal with a fresh, peppery punch.
  • Soup Soulmate: Creamy tomato basil soup offers a velvety companion that highlights the muffins' cheesy texture, creating a comforting and satisfying meal experience.

Ways to Switch It Up Savoury Cheese Muffins

  • Herby Mediterranean Kick: Replace parsley with a blend of fresh oregano, thyme, and basil for a vibrant Mediterranean flavor profile. Add crumbled feta cheese instead of cheddar to enhance the regional taste.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Cheese Boost: Incorporate finely diced jalapeños and swap cheddar with pepper jack cheese. Sprinkle extra chili flakes on top for an extra heat punch that will wake up taste buds.
  • Bacon and Chive Classic: Fold crispy chopped bacon bits into the batter and garnish with fresh chives. Use a combination of sharp cheddar and gruyère cheese for deeper, more complex flavors that complement the bacon perfectly.
  • Sun-Dried Tomato Sensation: Mix chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the batter and incorporate grated parmesan cheese. Dust the tops with dried Italian herbs for an elevated, rustic taste experience.
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Savoury Cheese Muffins Recipe

Savoury Cheese Muffins Recipe


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4.6 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Savory cheese muffins deliver a delightful explosion of sharp cheddar and herbs in every bite. Golden-brown and irresistibly tender, these muffins promise a quick, satisfying snack you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (200g / 7 oz) grated cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups (300g / 10.5 oz) plain flour (all-purpose flour)
  • 1 cup milk (full-fat or low-fat)

Dairy and Egg Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons (50g / 1.75 oz) salted butter (or unsalted with a pinch of salt)
  • ¼ cup (60g / 2 oz) sour cream (or plain yogurt)
  • 1 large egg (about 60g / 2 oz), lightly whisked

Seasoning and Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 3 garlic cloves, crushed
  • ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda (bi-carb soda)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ⅓ cup (85ml / 2.9 fl oz) vegetable oil (or any neutral-flavored oil, not olive oil)

Instructions

  1. Create a mise en place by preheating the oven to 180°C/350°F and preparing a 12-hole muffin tin with a fragrant garlic butter coating.
  2. Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl, infusing it with crushed garlic. Generously brush the muffin tin cavities, reserving some of the aromatic butter for later.
  3. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl, ensuring a smooth, lump-free dry mixture.
  4. Whisk egg, milk, sour cream, vegetable oil, chopped parsley, and additional crushed garlic in a separate bowl until thoroughly blended.
  5. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, using a minimal number of strokes to maintain the batter’s delicate texture. Carefully incorporate grated cheddar cheese, being careful not to overmix.
  6. Distribute the batter evenly among 11 muffin holes, allowing the thick mixture to settle naturally without excessive manipulation.
  7. Bake for 22-25 minutes until the muffins develop a golden, crisp exterior and exhibit a springy center when lightly pressed.
  8. Transfer the freshly baked muffins to a cooling rack and lavish the tops with the remaining garlic butter, reheating if necessary. Allow to cool briefly before serving for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Precise oven temperature matters for achieving the perfect golden, crusty exterior while maintaining a soft, tender crumb.
  • Gentle mixing is crucial – overmixing will create tough, dense muffins instead of light, fluffy ones.
  • Generously brushing the muffin tin with garlic butter ensures easy removal and adds an extra layer of flavor.
  • The batter should look slightly lumpy and not completely smooth, which is a sign of proper, minimal mixing.
  • Immediately brushing warm muffins with reserved garlic butter intensifies the aromatic garlic flavor and adds a beautiful sheen.
  • Serve these muffins warm for the most enjoyable texture and most pronounced cheese and garlic notes.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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