Fluffy Cheese Muffins are the perfect balance between a soft, airy texture and the rich, comforting taste of cheese. These savory muffins are a great alternative to sweet baked goods and make a fantastic choice for breakfast, brunch, or even a quick snack.
Made with simple pantry ingredients and a generous helping of cheese, these muffins come out perfectly moist and fluffy every time. Whether you’re entertaining guests, preparing a picnic, or just craving something homemade and savory, these cheese muffins are sure to satisfy. Their versatility allows for easy customization—add herbs, spices, or even diced vegetables to make them your own. Let’s dive into this foolproof recipe for making the best fluffy cheese muffins you’ve ever tasted.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
¼ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of choice)
2 tablespoons chopped chives or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a standard muffin tin by greasing it lightly or lining it with paper muffin liners. This ensures your muffins release easily after baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk well to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and seasonings.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the wet mixture. Crack the eggs into a bowl and beat them lightly. Add in the buttermilk and vegetable oil, whisking until well combined and smooth.
- Gently combine the wet and dry mixtures. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon just until the flour is mostly mixed in. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins tough.
- Fold in the cheese and optional herbs. Add the shredded cheese and any herbs you’re using, gently folding them into the batter. The cheese should be evenly distributed throughout the mix without overworking the batter.
- Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups. Fill each muffin cup about ¾ of the way full to allow room for the muffins to rise and become fluffy.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes. Keep an eye on them after the 18-minute mark. The tops should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the muffins cool for 5–10 minutes before removing from the tin. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely or enjoy them warm for the best cheesy flavor.
- Serve as a snack or alongside meals. These muffins pair wonderfully with soups, salads, or a hearty breakfast spread. They’re also excellent on their own with a little butter.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerated for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them and reheat in the oven or microwave as needed.
These Fluffy Cheese Muffins are incredibly easy to make and endlessly customizable. Try adding cooked bacon bits, caramelized onions, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. Swap the cheddar with mozzarella, feta, or pepper jack depending on your mood. No matter how you tweak the recipe, the result is always satisfying. With their soft crumb and savory taste, these muffins are sure to become a household favorite.