These Zucchini Muffins are a cheesy alternative to sweet zucchini bread, inspired by the popular Cheese Muffins. They are easy to prepare and can stay fresh for up to four days, making them perfect for lunches or sharing at work during morning tea.
While many sweet muffin recipes exist, these savory muffins are a favorite for those who prefer a cheesy flavor. They have a crispy outer layer and a soft, fluffy inside with a subtle garlic taste. The grated zucchini adds volume and moisture without being detectable in taste, allowing the cheese flavor to shine. Plus, the zucchini gives a nice green appearance. If you’re concerned about picky eaters, peeling the zucchini can hide the green bits.
To make these cheesy muffins, you will need a medium zucchini, weighing about 180g (6oz), although slight variations in size are acceptable. Avoid using a very large zucchini. Shredded cheese, like cheddar or any meltable cheese (except mozzarella, which lacks flavor) is necessary. Pre-shredded cheese is acceptable, and in Australia, the Devondale 3 Cheese Blend is a popular choice.
You will also need plain or all-purpose flour as self-raising flour is not recommended for this recipe. Olive oil is used instead of butter, helping the muffins stay fresh longer. Only one egg is required, which helps bind the ingredients without making the muffins dry. This choice improves freshness compared to using two eggs.
Yogurt or sour cream adds moisture to the batter, making the muffins fluffy. Full-fat options are preferred, but low-fat works as well. Milk is included because it keeps the batter from being too thick; plus, it is usually cheaper than yogurt.
Baking powder and baking soda help the muffins rise, and a combination of both provides the best results. If one is unavailable, the other can be increased. One clove of garlic adds flavor, and a bit of salt is necessary to enhance the taste.
When baking these muffins, they may stick to the tin due to the cheese. To prevent this, lightly dust the muffin tin with flour, especially if it is not in great condition.
Have you tried making savory muffins before?
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Source: RecipeTin Eats, by RecipeTin Eats