Savory Cheese & Vegetable Egg Muffins
Yield: 12 muffins
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- ½ cup (120 ml) milk
- 1 cup grated zucchini (squeezed dry)
- 1 cup grated carrot
- 1 cup grated cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped spring onions or chives
- 1 cup self-rising flour
- (or 1 cup all-purpose flour + 1½ teaspoons baking powder + ¼ teaspoon salt)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon mixed herbs or Italian seasoning (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper muffin cases.
Step 2: Prepare Vegetables
- Grate the zucchini and squeeze out as much liquid as possible using a clean towel.
- Grate the carrot.
- Grate the cheese.
- Chop the spring onions.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl whisk together:
- Eggs
- Milk
- Melted butter/oil
until smooth.
Step 4: Add Vegetables
Stir in:
- Zucchini
- Carrot
- Cheese
- Spring onions
Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients
Mix together:
- Flour
- Baking powder (if using)
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Herbs
Fold into the egg mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups
Fill each muffin cup about ¾ full.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until:
- Golden brown
- A toothpick comes out clean
- The tops spring back when lightly pressed
Step 8: Cool
Allow to cool for 5 minutes before removing from the pan.
Nutrition Information (Approximate, per muffin)
Based on 12 muffins.
- Calories: 130–150 kcal
- Protein: 7 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 2 g
- Calcium: 120 mg
- Sodium: 220 mg
Nutritional values will vary depending on the cheese, flour, and milk used.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Up to 4 days
- Freezer: Up to 2 months
- Reheat:
- Microwave: 20–30 seconds
- Oven: 170°C (340°F) for 8–10 minutes
Variations
You can add:
- Cooked bacon
- Ham
- Chicken
- Spinach
- Bell peppers
- Corn
- Mushrooms
- Broccoli
- Feta cheese
- Parmesan cheese
Tips
- Always squeeze excess moisture from zucchini to prevent soggy muffins.
- Don’t overmix the batter or the muffins may become dense.
- Fill muffin cups only ¾ full.
- Let the muffins cool slightly before removing from the pan.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q: Can I make these without flour?
Yes. Leave out the flour for a lighter, crustless egg muffin. The texture will be softer.
Q: Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes. Replace all-purpose flour 1:1 with whole wheat flour, though the muffins may be slightly denser.
Q: Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes. Thaw and drain them well before adding.
Q: What cheese works best?
Cheddar, mozzarella, Gouda, Monterey Jack, or a blend all work well.
Q: Why are my muffins watery?
Usually because the zucchini wasn’t squeezed dry or the vegetables contained excess moisture.
Q: Can I make them ahead?
Yes. They’re ideal for meal prep and reheat well.
Q: Can children eat these?
Yes. They’re a good way to include vegetables in a child-friendly snack or breakfast.
Q: Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with baking powder if needed.
Q: Can I make mini muffins?
Yes. Bake mini muffins for 12–15 minutes.
Q: Can I add meat?
Yes. Add about 1 cup of cooked, chopped bacon, sausage, ham, or chicken.
