Looking for a delightful and healthy baking recipe? These Savory Herb and Cottage Cheese Muffins are a fantastic choice, offering a fluffy texture and delicious flavor perfect for any meal or snack. You’ll find them incredibly easy to make, even if you’re new to baking.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- All-Purpose Flour: Whole wheat pastry flour works well for an even healthier option.
- Cottage Cheese: Ricotta cheese can be used for a slightly different texture.
- Fresh Herbs: Dried herbs can be substituted; use about 1/3 the amount of fresh.
- Egg: A flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, rested 5 minutes) can be used as an alternative.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese
- ½ cup milk (any kind)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 12 muffins
- Calories per serving: Approximately 160 calories
- Tools Needed: Muffin tin, mixing bowls, whisk, measuring cups and spoons.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Muffin Tin
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. This ensures your healthy baking recipe turns out perfectly.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Make sure these dry ingredients are well combined for even distribution in your muffins.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, combine the cottage cheese, milk, melted butter, and egg. Stir these wet ingredients until they are just blended.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; do not overmix. A few lumps are perfectly fine for a tender muffin.
5. Fold in the Herbs
Gently fold in the chopped chives, parsley, and thyme. These fresh herbs add incredible flavor to your savory muffins, enhancing this healthy baking recipe.
6. Fill Muffin Cups
Divide the batter evenly among the 12 prepared muffin cups. Fill each cup about two-thirds full to allow for rising.
7. Bake the Muffins
Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Variation Ideas:
- Cheese Please: Add ½ cup shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese to the batter.
- Spicy Kick: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
- Veggie Boost: Fold in ¼ cup finely chopped bell peppers or spinach.
- Onion Lover: Incorporate 2 tablespoons of finely minced red onion or shallots.
Storage Instructions:
Store your Savory Herb and Cottage Cheese Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat thawed muffins in a microwave or a warm oven for a fresh-baked taste.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can you make these muffins gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for the all-purpose flour.
- What kind of milk should you use? Any milk, dairy or non-dairy, will work well in this recipe.
- Can you prepare the batter ahead of time? It’s best to bake these immediately after mixing for the best texture, but you can chop your herbs in advance.
- Why are your muffins dense? Overmixing the batter can lead to dense muffins; mix only until just combined.
- Can you use dried herbs instead of fresh? Yes, use about one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh.
- Are these good for meal prep? Absolutely! These muffins are a great addition to your healthy baking recipes for convenient breakfasts or snacks.
