Savory Spinach Muffins

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These savory spinach muffins are an incredibly delicious snack that your kids will love and always ask for more! Packed with nutritious baby spinach and a blend of simple ingredients, these muffins are not only tasty but also a great way to sneak some greens into your children’s diet. Perfect for breakfast, lunchboxes, or an afternoon snack, these fluffy and flavorful muffins are sure to become a household favorite.

Preparation Time

  • Total Preparation Time: 35 minutes
  • Active Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Baking Time: 20 minutes

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups 2% milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup plain yogurt
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 cups chopped baby spinach
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions (optional)

Directions

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with cooking spray.
  2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
    • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground black pepper until well combined.
  3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
    • In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, plain yogurt, and olive oil until smooth.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
    • Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
  5. Add Spinach and Optional Ingredients:
    • Fold in the chopped baby spinach, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped fresh chives or green onions if using. Mix until evenly distributed.
  6. Fill the Muffin Tin:
    • Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
  7. Bake:
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
  8. Cool and Serve:
    • Remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Cooking Tips

  • Don’t Overmix: To ensure fluffy muffins, mix the batter until the ingredients are just combined.
  • Cheese Variation: Feel free to substitute cheddar with other cheeses like feta or mozzarella for a different flavor.
  • Adding Herbs: Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can be added for extra flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

  • Spinach: Rich in iron, vitamins A and C, and fiber, adding nutritional value to the muffins.
  • Yogurt: Provides protein and probiotics, contributing to gut health.

Dietary Information

  • Vegetarian: This recipe is suitable for vegetarians.
  • Customization: For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and yogurt with plant-based alternatives and omit the cheese.

Nutritional Facts (per muffin, based on 12 muffins)

  • Calories: Approximately 180 kcal
  • Protein: 6 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 20 grams
  • Fat: 8 grams
  • Fiber: 1.5 grams

Storage

  • Room Temperature: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  • Refrigeration: They can be refrigerated for up to a week.
  • Freezing: Freeze the muffins in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Kid-Friendly: These muffins are a hit with kids, making snack time easy and enjoyable.
  • Nutritious: Packed with spinach and made with wholesome ingredients.
  • Versatile: Great for breakfast, snacks, or as a side with meals.

Conclusion

These savory spinach muffins are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making them an excellent choice for a quick snack or part of a meal. Their moist texture and flavorful taste will have your kids coming back for more. Easy to prepare and perfect for on-the-go, this recipe is a must-try for families looking to incorporate more greens into their diet in a fun and tasty way.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
    • Yes, you can substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Note that this may result in a denser muffin.
  2. Can I add other vegetables?
    • Absolutely! Finely chopped bell peppers, grated carrots, or zucchini can be added.
  3. How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
    • Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
  4. Can I omit the cheese?
    • Yes, the cheese is optional. Omitting it will reduce the calorie and fat content.
  5. What can I serve with these muffins?
    • They pair well with soups, salads, or can be enjoyed on their own.
  6. Can I use frozen spinach?
    • Yes, thaw and drain the frozen spinach well before adding to the batter.
  7. How do I reheat the muffins?
    • Warm them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes or microwave for about 20 seconds.
  8. Are these muffins suitable for freezing?
    • Yes, they freeze well. Cool completely before freezing.
  9. Can I make mini muffins with this recipe?
    • Yes, adjust the baking time to 12-15 minutes for mini muffins.
  10. How can I add more protein to the muffins?
    • Consider adding cooked and crumbled bacon or chopped nuts to increase protein content.
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