Spinach and Cheese Muffins Recipe

These Spinach and Cheese Muffins are savory, fluffy, and packed with flavor. The combination of feta cheese, cheddar cheese, spinach, and eggs makes for a protein-rich muffin that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light snack. With a slight tang from the yogurt and a boost of nutrients from the spinach, these muffins are both satisfying and healthy. The muffins are baked to perfection with a light, airy texture and a golden crust. They’re easy to make and perfect for meal prep.

Preparation, Cook, and Total Times

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 9 muffins

Cuisine

These savory muffins are inspired by Mediterranean flavors, featuring ingredients like feta cheese and spinach, and baked into a convenient, portable muffin form. They make a great addition to any brunch spread or a quick breakfast on the go.

Full List of Ingredients

• 6 large eggs
• 5.64 ounces (160 g) baby spinach
• 3 tablespoons yogurt
• 2.47 ounces (70 g) feta cheese, crumbled (a little under ⅔ cup)
• ½ cup (50 g) cheddar cheese, coarsely grated
• 1⅔ tablespoons all-purpose/plain flour
• ⅓ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt, plus pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Cooking Directions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C/160°C fan/gas mark 4). Thoroughly grease your muffin pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.

2. Prepare Spinach
   Finely chop the spinach. Heat a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat, add the spinach, and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it wilts and turns dark green. Remove the spinach from heat immediately and spread it over a large plate to cool.

3. Prepare the Eggs
   In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and yogurt until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.

4. Add Cheese
   Add the crumbled feta, grated cheddar, salt, and pepper to the egg mixture. Whisk until everything is well incorporated.

5. Add Spinach
   Once the spinach has cooled to room temperature, stir it into the egg and cheese mixture using a whisk.

6. Add Flour
   Sift the flour and baking powder over the batter and gently stir it in with a whisk. Be careful not to overstir, as you want to keep the batter light and airy.

7. Fill Muffin Cases
   Fill the muffin cases with the batter, but don’t fill them all the way to the top. You should be able to make about 9 muffins from this mixture.

8. Bake Muffins
   Place the muffin pan in the center of the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The muffins should be golden brown on top.

9. Cool Muffins
   Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and set them aside to cool for about 10 minutes. Run a flexible spatula or knife around each muffin while still warm to remove them from the pan. Allow the muffins to cool completely on a wire rack.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Protein: 10 g
• Fat: 11 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Cholesterol: 190 mg

The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe

These savory muffins are a modern take on Mediterranean ingredients, using spinach and cheese as key components. The popularity of savory muffins has grown over recent years, as people seek convenient and healthy snack options that are both nutritious and satisfying. By incorporating eggs and yogurt, these muffins also provide a good source of protein, making them a filling choice for breakfast or lunch.

Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich in Flavor: The combination of spinach, feta, and cheddar cheese creates a savory, satisfying flavor profile.
2. Quick and Easy: These muffins are simple to make and bake quickly, making them ideal for busy mornings.
3. Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with spinach, eggs, and cheese, these muffins provide essential vitamins, minerals, and protein.
4. Portable and Convenient: Perfect for breakfast on the go or as a light snack throughout the day.
5. Customizable: You can easily swap the cheeses or add extra vegetables to suit your tastes.

Health Benefits

1. Spinach: High in fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants, spinach supports immune health and eye health.
2. Eggs: A great source of protein and healthy fats, eggs help with muscle repair and overall wellness.
3. Cheese: Feta and cheddar provide calcium for strong bones and protein for muscle building.
4. Yogurt: Adds probiotics, which support gut health and digestion.
5. Low in Carbs: With minimal carbs, these muffins are a good option for low-carb and keto diets.

Serving Suggestions

1. With a Side Salad: Serve with a side of mixed greens for a light and balanced meal.
2. As a Snack: These muffins make a great snack on their own, or paired with a dollop of yogurt or hummus.
3. For Breakfast: Enjoy them warm with a cup of coffee or tea for a satisfying start to your day.
4. Brunch: These muffins are perfect for a brunch spread, alongside fresh fruit or a smoothie.

Cooking Tips

1. Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter just enough to combine the ingredients—overmixing can result in dense muffins.
2. Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach will give the muffins a better texture and flavor than frozen spinach.
3. Let the Muffins Cool: Allow the muffins to cool before storing them to keep them from becoming soggy.
4. Add Extra Cheese: For extra cheesy flavor, top the muffins with more grated cheese before baking.

Variations to Try

1. Add Garlic: Mince a few cloves of garlic and sauté them with the spinach for added flavor.
2. Use Goat Cheese: Try using goat cheese for a tangy twist.
3. Add Other Vegetables: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for more variety.
4. Make Them Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these muffins gluten-free.

Conclusion

These Spinach and Cheese Muffins are a savory, healthy, and delicious option for breakfast, lunch, or a light snack. With their cheesy goodness, protein-rich ingredients, and easy preparation, they’re sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or as a make-ahead meal, they’re a convenient and flavorful choice.

10 Comprehensive FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen spinach?
   Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain the frozen spinach thoroughly to remove excess moisture before adding it to the recipe.

2. Can I make these muffins dairy-free?
   Yes, you can use dairy-free cheese and non-dairy yogurt to make this recipe dairy-free.

3. How do I store leftovers?
   Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days, or refrigerate them for up to 4 days.

4. Can I freeze these muffins?
   Yes, these muffins freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.

5. Can I add more vegetables to the muffins?
   Yes, you can add more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to the batter for extra flavor and nutrients.

6. Can I use a different type of cheese?
   Yes, you can substitute feta or cheddar with any cheese of your choice, such as mozzarella, goat cheese, or gouda.

7. How can I make these muffins spicier?
   Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or finely chopped jalapeños to the batter for a spicy kick.

8. How can I make these muffins fluffier?
   Be sure to gently fold the ingredients together without overmixing to ensure a lighter texture.

9. Can I make these muffins without eggs?
   Yes, you can substitute the eggs with a flax egg or chia egg for a vegan version of these muffins.

10. Can I double this recipe?
    Yes, you can easily double the recipe to make more muffins. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly if using a larger muffin tin.