These cauliflower muffins are a delicious and healthy twist on traditional savory muffins. The cauliflower adds a subtle sweetness and moisture to the muffins, making them perfect as a side dish or snack. Loaded with cheese and spices, they’re an easy way to sneak in some vegetables while enjoying a flavorful treat!
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Servings: 12 muffins
Ingredients:
- 1 medium cauliflower head (about 300-400g), cut into florets
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
- 1/4 cup (60g) melted butter or olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cauliflower:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease or line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- Steam or boil the cauliflower florets until tender, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and mash or finely chop. Set aside to cool.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until evenly distributed.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and melted butter (or olive oil). Add the cooled cauliflower to this mixture and stir to combine.
- Combine the Mixtures:
- Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Be careful not to overmix. Once combined, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped parsley (if using).
- Fill the Muffin Tin:
- Spoon the batter into the muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Serve:
- Let the muffins cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm as a savory snack or side dish!
Tips:
- You can substitute the cheddar cheese with other cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or a mix of cheeses for variation.
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour.
- Add some chopped cooked bacon or sausage for extra flavor.
Storage:
- Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. They can also be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.
Enjoy these fluffy and savory cauliflower muffins with your favorite soup or salad!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower. Just be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before using to avoid excess moisture in the muffins. - Can I substitute the cheese in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the cheese with any variety you prefer, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or a dairy-free cheese if you’re looking for a vegan option. - Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the muffins in advance, store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature, or refrigerate them for up to 5 days. - Can I freeze cauliflower muffins?
Yes, you can freeze the muffins! Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or oven. - How can I make these muffins gluten-free?
To make these muffins gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular wheat flour. You may need to adjust the texture slightly, so start with a 1:1 ratio substitution and experiment with adding a bit more liquid if necessary. - What can I use instead of eggs for a vegan version?
You can use a flax egg or chia egg as a substitute for eggs in this recipe. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken. - Can I add other vegetables to these muffins?
Yes! You can add a variety of vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just be sure to chop them finely and remove any excess moisture before adding them to the batter. - What can I serve these cauliflower muffins with?
These cauliflower muffins are versatile and can be served with a wide variety of dishes. They pair well with soups, salads, roasted meats, or even as a side to breakfast dishes like scrambled eggs. - Why did my muffins turn out dense?
If your muffins are too dense, it may be due to overmixing the batter or adding too much liquid. Be sure to mix the ingredients gently and avoid overworking the dough. - Can I make these muffins spicy?
Yes, if you like a bit of heat, you can add chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or chopped jalapeños to the batter for a spicy kick.