The Ultimate Savory Cheese Muffins
There is something undeniably comforting about a warm, savory muffin fresh from the oven. Unlike their sweet counterparts, these cheese muffins focus on rich, salty flavors and a satisfying texture that features a “shatter-crisp” cheese crust on top.
Why You’ll Love These Muffins
- Irresistible Texture: A fluffy, tender crumb paired with a bubbling cheese topping.
- One-Bowl Wonder: Minimal cleanup makes this a perfect recipe for busy mornings.
- Versatile: Easy to customize with herbs, bacon, or a kick of spice.
Ingredients
| Category | Item | Quantity | Note |
| The Dry Base | All-Purpose Flour | 2 cups | Sifted for a lighter texture. |
| Baking Powder | 1 tbsp | Ensures a high, airy rise. | |
| The Savory | Sharp Cheddar | 1.5 cups | Shredded; use sharp for bold flavor. |
| Fresh Chives | 2 tbsp | Finely chopped for a mild onion note. | |
| The Wet Mix | Whole Milk | 1 cup | Provides richness. |
| Unsalted Butter | 1/2 cup | Melted and slightly cooled. | |
| Large Egg | 1 | Acts as a binder. | |
| Seasoning | Garlic Powder | 1/2 tsp | Adds a subtle savory depth. |
Instructions
1. Prep the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Generously grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper liners. For the crispiest edges, greasing the tin directly is recommended.
2. Mix Dry and Savory
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Fold in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar and the fresh chives, ensuring the cheese is well-coated in flour to prevent it from sinking.
3. Combine with Wet Ingredients
In a separate jug, whisk the milk, melted butter, and egg. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined—do not overmix, or the muffins will be tough.
4. Top with Extra Cheese
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar over the tops. This creates the signature golden, cheesy crust seen in the images.
5. Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 18–20 minutes. The muffins are done when the cheese on top is bubbling and browned, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Pro-Tips for Success
- The “Gooey” Center: For an extra-cheesy surprise, push a small cube of mozzarella into the center of each muffin batter cup before baking.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter only until the streaks of flour disappear. A few lumps are perfectly fine and lead to a more tender muffin.
- Add a Kick: If you like heat, fold in some finely diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the dry mix.
