If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, flavorful bite that’s perfect for breakfast, snack time, or alongside your favorite soup, this Cheddar Cheese Muffins Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender, golden muffins packed with sharp cheddar that melts in your mouth, subtle hints of garlic and onion elevating each bite with a burst of savory goodness. These muffins strike the perfect balance between fluffy and hearty, making them incredibly addictive and oh-so-satisfying every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is the key to making these muffins shine. Each component plays a special role, ensuring a moist texture, rich cheese flavor, and that lovely golden color that makes these Cheddar Cheese Muffins so irresistible.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb that holds all the flavors together perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Gives the muffins their delightful rise and fluffy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor without overpowering the cheese.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle hint of spice to complement the sharp cheddar.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional): Brings in warm, savory notes for an extra flavor punch.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The star of the show, providing bold, tangy depth.
- 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients and add richness to the batter.
- 1 cup milk: Keeps the muffins moist and tender.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled: Adds buttery flavor and a soft crumb.
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream: Boosts moisture and gives a slight tang that balances the cheese.
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions (optional): Freshness and a subtle oniony bite enhance the savory profile.
How to Make Cheddar Cheese Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly with cooking spray for easy removal later. This simple step ensures your muffins bake evenly and come out perfectly shaped every time.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and optional garlic powder. This blend is the foundation that guarantees your muffins will have a consistent rise and a kiss of spice in every bite.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until every flake is lightly coated with the flour mixture. This technique helps prevent the cheese from sinking to the bottom of the muffins and distributes that cheesy goodness throughout.
Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, and Greek yogurt or sour cream. These bring moisture, richness, and a subtle tang that balances the sharpness of the cheddar beautifully.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently stir just until combined. The key is not to overmix here; a few lumps are perfectly fine and will result in a tender muffin. If you’re adding chives or green onions, fold them in now for that extra burst of flavor and color.
Step 6: Fill and Bake
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about three quarters full for the perfect dome top. Bake in your preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops turn a gorgeous golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. These Cheddar Cheese Muffins are wonderful served warm or at room temperature, so dive in when they’re just right!
How to Serve Cheddar Cheese Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle your warm muffins with freshly chopped chives or cracked black pepper for a lovely fresh touch. A light brush of melted butter over the tops right after baking adds a beautiful sheen and extra richness.
Side Dishes
These muffins are a fantastic companion to hearty soups like tomato bisque or creamy potato leek. They also pair wonderfully with a crisp garden salad or a protein-packed breakfast spread featuring eggs and avocado.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the muffins in half and use them as a base for mini breakfast sandwiches with scrambled eggs and bacon. Or serve alongside a cheese board to add a savory, freshly bakes surprise that your guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Cheddar Cheese Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This way, they retain moisture without becoming too dense or dry.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze muffins individually wrapped in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top freezer bag. They can last up to 2 months this way and stay just as flavorful when thawed.
Reheating
To enjoy your muffins warm, reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes or microwave for about 20 seconds. This revives their soft texture and lets the cheddar melt beautifully again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this Cheddar Cheese Muffins Recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar gives the muffins their signature tangy flavor, you can experiment with Gruyère, pepper jack, or a cheese blend for new and exciting taste profiles.
Is it possible to make these muffins dairy-free?
With some substitutions, yes! Use a plant-based milk alternative, dairy-free yogurt, and a vegan butter substitute. Just keep in mind the cheese flavor will be different without cheddar.
How do I prevent the cheese from sinking to the bottom?
Coating the shredded cheese with a bit of the flour mixture before adding it to the batter helps suspend it in the muffins and prevents sinking during baking.
Can I add other mix-ins to the muffins?
Definitely! Chopped cooked bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, or even roasted peppers make great additions. Just fold them in gently when combining the wet and dry ingredients.
What is the best way to ensure fluffy muffins?
Be sure not to overmix the batter and use fresh baking powder. Gently folding the ingredients keeps the batter airy and results in light, fluffy muffins every time.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about fresh-baked Cheddar Cheese Muffins, and this recipe makes it so simple to create them at home. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or savoring them all to yourself, these muffins promise a tasty experience full of cheesy goodness and warmth. Give this Cheddar Cheese Muffins Recipe a try soon—you’re in for a delicious treat that will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen!
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Cheddar Cheese Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously cheesy and savory cheese muffins made with sharp cheddar and a touch of garlic and chives. Perfect as a side dish or a snack, these muffins have a tender crumb and golden tops, baked to perfection in just 20 minutes.
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)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
Optional
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare muffin tin: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or line it with paper muffin liners to prevent sticking.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (if using). This ensures the baking powder is evenly distributed to help muffins rise.
- Add cheese: Stir the shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the dry mixture, making sure the cheese is evenly coated in the flour mixture to prevent it from sinking during baking.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted unsalted butter, and Greek yogurt or sour cream until smooth and well combined.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently mix with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined; do not overmix to avoid tough muffins.
- Fold in herbs: If using, fold in the chopped chives or green onions to add fresh flavor and color to the batter.
- Fill muffin cups: Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each approximately 3/4 full to allow room for rising.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the muffin tops turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them onto a wire rack to cool further. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can substitute other cheeses such as Gruyère, pepper jack, or a cheddar blend for varied flavors.
- These cheese muffins pair perfectly with soups, salads, or breakfast spreads.
- Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
