Spinach and Cheese Muffins Recipe

These Spinach and Cheese Muffins are the perfect combination of savory and fluffy, making them ideal for breakfast, brunch, or even as a snack. Packed with nutritious spinach, melted cheese, and a touch of garlic and herbs, these muffins are not only delicious but also versatile. They can be served warm from the oven or enjoyed at room temperature. Whether you pair them with a bowl of soup or enjoy them on their own, these muffins are sure to be a hit!

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Recipe Overview:

• Yield: 12 muffins
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes

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Ingredients:

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, complements spinach)

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup whole milk (or your preferred milk)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup olive oil or melted butter
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for added depth of flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, adds warmth)

Add-ins:

• 1 1/2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a combination of both work great)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion or green onion (optional, for extra flavor)

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Equipment:

• Muffin tin (12-cup)
• Muffin liners (optional, for easy cleanup)
• Large mixing bowls
• Whisk or fork (for mixing)
• Spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

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Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the oven is hot enough to bake the muffins evenly.
2. Prepare your muffin tin by lining it with paper liners or greasing it with non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the muffins from sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Prepare Wet Ingredients

1. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: milk, eggs, olive oil (or melted butter), Dijon mustard, and vanilla extract. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare Dry Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and nutmeg. Stir well to ensure that everything is evenly mixed.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients: Pour the liquid mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir gently with a spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense muffins. The batter should be lumpy and thick.
2. Fold in spinach and cheese: Gently fold in the chopped spinach, shredded cheese, Parmesan cheese, and optional chopped onions. The spinach may wilt slightly from the heat of the batter, but make sure it’s evenly distributed throughout.

Step 5: Fill Muffin Tin

1. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each muffin cup about 3/4 of the way full. You should have enough batter to make 12 muffins.
2. Optional topping: If desired, sprinkle a little extra cheese on top of each muffin before baking for a cheesy, golden crust.

Step 6: Bake the Muffins

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops of the muffins are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (with only a few crumbs, not wet batter). The muffins should be firm to the touch.
2. Check for doneness: If the muffins need more time, continue to bake in 2-minute increments, checking each time.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

1. Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Serve warm or at room temperature. These muffins are perfect for breakfast, as a side to soup, or simply enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.

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Notes and Tips:

1. Spinach Options:
   • If using fresh spinach, make sure to chop it well before adding it to the batter. You can also sauté it lightly in a pan to reduce moisture if you prefer a more concentrated spinach flavor.
   • If using frozen spinach, thaw it and squeeze out all excess moisture. This is important to prevent the muffins from becoming too wet.
2. Cheese Variations:
   • Cheddar is a classic choice for these muffins, but you can also try other cheeses such as mozzarella, gouda, or fontina for a different flavor.
   • For a richer taste, add cream cheese or ricotta in addition to your shredded cheese.
3. Herbs and Seasonings:
   • You can customize the flavor by adding herbs such as oregano, thyme, or basil for extra freshness. A little chili powder or red pepper flakes can also give the muffins a nice kick.
4. Storage:
   • These muffins store well for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container at room temperature.
   • To freeze, place cooled muffins in a ziplock bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or oven.
5. Make it Gluten-Free:
   • You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these muffins gluten-free. Just ensure that the baking powder you use is also gluten-free.

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Serving Suggestions:

• For Breakfast: Serve the muffins alongside scrambled eggs, yogurt, or a fruit salad for a well-rounded breakfast.
• With Soup or Salad: Pair these savory muffins with a bowl of tomato soup, chicken soup, or a fresh green salad for a light and satisfying meal.
• For a Snack: Enjoy them as a mid-day snack with a cup of tea or coffee.

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Conclusion:

These Spinach and Cheese Muffins are an excellent way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet without compromising on flavor. Whether you’re looking for a savory snack, a brunch option, or a side dish for dinner, these muffins offer the perfect balance of cheese, spinach, and herbs. They’re easy to make, customizable, and sure to be loved by everyone. Enjoy the delicious combination of flavors in every bite!