These savory oatmeal muffins are a nutritious and flavorful snack or meal option, packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, arugula, and cottage cheese. The combination of herbs, cheeses, and vegetables adds layers of texture and taste, while oatmeal provides fiber and nutrients. These muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a grab-and-go snack!
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 12 muffins
Ingredients
- Oatmeal: 1 cup (100g)
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (5g)
- Dry Garlic: 1 teaspoon (2g)
- Italian Herbs: 1 teaspoon (2g)
- Cottage Cheese: 1 cup (240g)
- Mozzarella Cheese (shredded): ½ cup (60g)
- Eggs: 3 large
- Avocado Oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml)
- Arugula (chopped): 1 cup (20g)
- Green Onions (finely chopped): 2
- Cherry Tomatoes (halved): 1 cup (150g)
- Parmesan Cheese (grated): ½ cup (50g)
- Mozzarella Cheese (shredded, for topping): ½ cup (60g)
- Italian Herbs (for topping): 1 teaspoon (2g)
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine the oatmeal, salt, dry garlic, and Italian herbs. Stir well to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
Step 3: Mix in the Wet Ingredients
- Add the cottage cheese, shredded mozzarella, and eggs to the dry mixture. Stir until everything is well combined into a thick batter.
Step 4: Incorporate Vegetables and Oil
- Stir in the avocado oil, chopped arugula, green onions, and halved cherry tomatoes. Mix until the vegetables are evenly spread throughout the batter.
Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin
- Spoon the batter into a muffin tin lined with paper liners or greased with a little oil. Fill each muffin cup about 3/4 full to leave room for the muffins to rise.
Step 6: Add the Toppings
- Top each muffin with grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella, and a pinch of Italian herbs. This will create a deliciously cheesy and flavorful crust as they bake.
Step 7: Bake
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
- Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a side salad for a light meal.
- Serve with a dipping sauce like marinara or pesto.
- Enjoy as a portable snack for busy mornings or lunchboxes.
Cooking Tips
- Add Protein: You can add cooked bacon or sausage crumbles for extra protein.
- Vegetable Variations: Swap out the arugula for spinach, kale, or other greens.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use certified gluten-free oats to make this recipe gluten-free.
Nutritional Benefits
- High in fiber from oatmeal, supporting digestive health.
- Rich in protein from cottage cheese and eggs, helping to keep you full longer.
- Packed with vitamins and antioxidants from cherry tomatoes and arugula.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian-Friendly
- High-Protein
- Gluten-Free Option (using certified gluten-free oats)
Nutritional Facts (Per Muffin)
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Sugars: 2g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fiber: 2g
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store the muffins in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make and perfect for meal prepping.
- Nutrient-dense with fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
- Customizable with your favorite vegetables or cheeses.
- Great for on-the-go breakfasts or snacks.
Conclusion
These savory oatmeal muffins are an ideal way to combine healthy ingredients into a tasty, portable snack. With the perfect balance of protein, fiber, and vegetables, they’re not only satisfying but also nutritious. Make a batch to enjoy throughout the week as a versatile addition to your meal rotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Yes, simply use certified gluten-free oats to ensure the recipe is gluten-free. - Can I freeze these muffins?
Absolutely! Store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat before serving. - Can I replace arugula with another green?
Yes, spinach, kale, or even finely chopped broccoli would work well. - Can I add meat to these muffins?
Yes, cooked bacon or sausage crumbles make a delicious addition. - Can I use regular oil instead of avocado oil?
Yes, you can substitute avocado oil with olive oil or any neutral oil. - How long do these muffins stay fresh?
These muffins stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. - Can I make the batter ahead of time?
You can prepare the batter in advance, but it’s best to bake the muffins right after mixing for optimal rise and texture. - What can I serve with these muffins?
Serve with a fresh salad, soup, or as part of a brunch spread with eggs and fruit. - Can I omit the cheese for a dairy-free version?
Yes, you can replace the cheese with a dairy-free alternative or simply omit it. The texture will be slightly different. - Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! You can add bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to increase the vegetable content.