These savory muffins are a delightful twist on the classic sweet variety, offering a golden crust with a soft, gooey interior. Packed with melted cheese and fresh chives, they strike the perfect balance between comfort food and gourmet snack. The muffins are versatile enough to serve at breakfast, as a side dish with soups and salads, or as a satisfying snack on their own.
What makes these muffins special is their texture contrast: the crisp exterior gives way to a tender crumb, punctuated by pockets of melted cheese that stretch with every bite. The chives add a subtle onion-like freshness, cutting through the richness of the cheese and making each mouthful balanced and flavorful. They are easy to prepare, requiring only basic pantry ingredients, yet they deliver a result that feels indulgent and impressive.
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheeses for variety)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole or semi-skimmed)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- Optional: 1 teaspoon garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor
INSTRUCTION:
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a muffin tin with paper cases or lightly grease with butter.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and black pepper. If using garlic powder or paprika, add them here.
- Add cheese and chives: Stir in the grated cheese and chopped chives, coating them lightly with the flour mixture. This helps prevent the cheese from sinking to the bottom during baking.
- Prepare wet mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and melted butter until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the muffins dense. The batter should be slightly lumpy.
- Fill the muffin tin: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake until golden: Place in the oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool slightly and serve: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm to enjoy the gooey cheese at its best.
SERVINGS:
This recipe makes about 12 muffins, perfect for sharing with family or friends.
NOTE:
- Cheese choice: Cheddar provides a sharp flavor, but you can experiment with mozzarella for stretchiness or parmesan for a nutty note.
- Freshness tip: Chives add brightness, but you can substitute with spring onions or parsley if preferred.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in the oven to restore crispness.
- Freezing option: These muffins freeze well. Wrap individually and freeze for up to a month. Thaw and reheat before serving.
- Mindful preparation: The joy of these muffins lies in their simplicity. Preparing them is quick, but the act of mixing, baking, and savoring them fresh from the oven turns an ordinary moment into something special.
This recipe is more than just a savory snack—it’s a celebration of comfort and creativity. The combination of cheese and chives creates a flavor profile that is both familiar and exciting, while the muffin format makes them easy to enjoy anytime. Each bite offers warmth, richness, and a touch of freshness, making these muffins a memorable addition to your table.