4-Ways Savory Muffins Basic Recipe

4-Ways Basic Savory Muffins are the savory alternative to classic sweet muffins, soft and delicious single-serving rustic cakes of Anglo-Saxon origin. To make them, we prepared the dough with eggs, yogurt, seed oil, grated parmesan, corn starch, flour and instant yeast. The mixture will then be poured into muffin molds: in our recipe, we stuffed the savory muffins with grated soft cheese, grated zucchini, cherry tomatoes and green olives, so as to create different fillings for all tastes. Once ready, they are ideal to serve as a tasty appetizer, for a dinner with friends and relatives, during an brunch or a party buffet, or even for a heart breakfast!

What are Savory Muffins?

Savory muffins have their origins in the broader category of quick breads, which gained popularity in the 19th century when baking powder became widely available. Unlike their sweet counterparts, savory muffins are often packed with vegetables, cheese, and herbs, making them a versatile snack or side dish. In the U.S., variations like corn muffins are popular, while in Mediterranean regions, ingredients like olives, feta, and sun-dried tomatoes are common. Across the world, you’ll find variations that reflect local flavors, from British cheddar muffins to Indian versions with spices and chilies.

Fun fact: savory muffins are a great way to use up leftover vegetables, making them not only delicious but also eco-friendly!

Pro Tips for The Best Savory Muffins

• A well grated zucchini ensures it blends well into the batter and keeps the muffins moist without making them too watery.
• Eggs, yogurt, and oil at room temperature help create a smoother batter and fluffier muffins.
• Stir the batter until just combined to avoid tough muffins.
• If your zucchini is very watery, sprinkle it with salt and let it sit for a few minutes to release moisture before adding it to the batter.
• Use a toothpick to test the center of the muffins. If it comes out clean, they’re ready!

What is The Secret to Moist Muffins?

The secret to moist muffins is using ingredients like yogurt and oil, which add richness and softness to the batter. Also, avoid over-mixing the batter, as this can lead to tough, dry muffins. Finally, don’t over-bake—checking for doneness with a toothpick ensures they stay moist and tender.

Help! Why Are my Muffins so Dense?

Dense muffins are often the result of over-mixing the batter, which develops too much gluten and leads to a heavy texture. Additionally, using too much flour or not enough leavening agents like baking powder can cause the muffins to lack lift, making them dense.

Why Are They Crumbly, Instead?

Crumbly muffins can result from over-baking or not having enough moisture in the batter. If the ratio of dry ingredients to wet ingredients is off, the muffins may lack the necessary moisture to hold together. Additionally, using too much flour or not enough fat (like oil or butter) can lead to a crumbly texture.

What Else Can I Add to These Savory Muffins?

You can vary the filling with your favorite vegetables, such as carrots, broccoli florets, diced pumpkin, peppers, or leftovers from other preparations: savory muffins are also an exceptional recipe to empty the fridge. If you like, you can enrich the dough with cubes of speck, ham, bacon or other cured meats.

Can I Make These Muffins Gluten-Free?

Yes, these savory muffins can be made gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to choose a blend that includes xanthan gum or add it separately for better structure. You may also need to adjust the liquid slightly to maintain the right batter consistency, as gluten-free flours can absorb more moisture.

Are These Muffins Suitable for Kids?

Yes, these savory muffins are suitable for kids! They’re packed with vegetables like zucchini and tomatoes, offering a nutritious snack or meal option. The mild flavors and soft texture make them appealing to young eaters, and you can easily customize the ingredients based on their preferences, such as adding more cheese or leaving out certain vegetables.

Can I Make These Savory Muffins Ahead?

Yes, these muffins can be made ahead of time. You can bake them and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate them for up to 5 days.

Do These Savory Muffins Freeze Well?

Yes! After baking, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy later, thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick, tasty snack.

More Savory Muffins Ideas to Try Out

Cheesy Zucchini Muffins

Pea and Ham Muffins

Egg and Sausage Muffins

Savory Parmesan Spinach Muffins

Healthy Red Pepper Zucchini Muffins

Savory Peas Muffins

How to Store Savory Muffins

You can store savory muffins for 2-3 days in a tightly closed food bag. We recommend warming them for a few minutes in the oven before enjoying them.

How to Make Savory Muffins

Start by grating the soft cheese.

Grate half a zucchini.

Cut the cherry tomatoes into small pieces.

Slice the pitted green olives.

For the dough, start by beating the eggs in a bowl.

Add the oil and yogurt, they will make your muffins very soft. Mix well to combine everything.

Now continue with the parmesan, the salt and keep stirring.

Add the cornstarch and mix it with the rest of the ingredients.

Finally, add the flour and the instant yeast.

Continue mixing, you should obtain a smooth and thick mixture.

Place the paper cups inside the muffin pan and pour in the mixture.

Add the cheese and vegetables on the surface, alternating them.

Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 30 minutes. Let them cool before taking them out of the molds.

Enjoy!