These easy-to-make cheese muffins are the perfect snack for kids and adults alike. They’re quick to prepare, versatile, and great for picnics or lunchboxes. With a lovely cheesy flavor, these muffins are not only delicious but fun to make, especially for children who can help with mixing and measuring. A great way to get kids involved in baking!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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250g (1 ½ cups) self-raising flour*
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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¼ teaspoon mustard powder
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200g (2 ½ cups) grated cheddar cheese
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1 egg
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175ml (¾ cup) milk
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75g (⅓ cup) butter, melted
*If you don’t have self-raising flour, use plain or all-purpose flour and add an extra 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder.
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 190°C (180°C Fan)/350°F and line a muffin tray with paper cases.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: Measure out the flour, baking powder, and mustard powder, and add them to a mixing bowl. Grate the cheese and add it to the dry ingredients. Stir to combine.
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Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, crack the egg and add the milk and melted butter. Whisk to combine.
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and gently mix with a wooden spoon until just combined. Do not overmix.
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Bake: Spoon the muffin mixture into the paper cases. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the muffins are golden brown and a knife inserted comes out clean.
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Cool and Serve: Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Nutrients (Per muffin)
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Calories: 180 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 18g
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Protein: 6g
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Fat: 10g
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Saturated Fat: 6g
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Sodium: 220mg
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Potassium: 100mg
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 1g
These cheese muffins are a delightful and easy option that will please kids and adults alike!
Why Cheese Muffins Are the Perfect Snack
Cheese muffins offer the best of both worlds: they’re easy to make, and they’re loaded with flavor. The cheddar cheese provides a rich, savory taste, while the mustard powder adds a subtle zing that complements the cheese perfectly. Whether enjoyed warm out of the oven or at room temperature, these muffins stay moist and flavorful for hours, making them perfect for meal prepping or making in advance.
Not only are they delicious, but these muffins also provide a balance of nutrients. With 6 grams of protein per muffin, they offer a satisfying snack that can help keep hunger at bay. The cheese adds a good amount of fat, including saturated fat, which can be great for those needing a little extra energy. With 1 gram of fiber per muffin, these muffins are a great source of simple, tasty fuel.
How Easy Cheese Muffins Are Made
Making these cheese muffins is incredibly straightforward, making it a great recipe for both beginner bakers and kids who want to get involved in the kitchen. Here’s a quick breakdown of the process:
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Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 190°C (350°F) and lining a muffin tray with paper cases. This ensures that the muffins will bake evenly and be easy to remove once done. -
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, combine the self-raising flour, baking powder, and mustard powder. Grate the cheddar cheese and add it to the dry ingredients, then stir to ensure that the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture. The mustard powder adds a subtle but flavorful twist that enhances the cheese. -
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, crack the egg and add the milk and melted butter. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well combined. The butter helps to keep the muffins moist, and the milk gives them the perfect texture. -
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Next, slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently with a wooden spoon until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could lead to dense muffins. The mixture should be lumpy, which is perfectly fine. -
Bake:
Spoon the muffin batter into the lined muffin tray, filling each case about three-quarters full. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until the muffins are golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. -
Cool and Serve:
Once the muffins are baked, allow them to cool in the tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature. They make for a fantastic breakfast or snack!
Customizing Your Cheese Muffins
While this recipe is delicious as-is, it’s also a great base for customization. Here are some fun variations you can try to personalize your muffins:
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Different Cheeses: While cheddar is a classic choice, you can swap it out for different cheeses like mozzarella, Gruyère, or even a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavor.
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Add-ins: You can toss in some extra ingredients to give the muffins more texture and flavor. Consider adding chopped herbs (like chives, thyme, or rosemary), diced ham, cooked bacon, or even sun-dried tomatoes for a savory twist.
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Spices: If you want to elevate the flavor further, try adding a pinch of garlic powder, paprika, or ground black pepper to the dry ingredients for an extra layer of taste.
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Spicy Option: For those who like a little heat, you could add some finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the mixture.
With so many options, you can easily tailor these cheese muffins to suit your tastes or make them more exciting for different occasions.
The Benefits of Involving Kids in Baking
Baking these cheese muffins with kids can be a fun and educational experience. Not only does it give children the opportunity to practice measuring, mixing, and following instructions, but it also helps them develop an interest in cooking. These muffins are simple enough for kids to assist with, whether it’s grating the cheese, stirring the dry ingredients, or spooning the batter into the muffin tray. It’s a great way to introduce children to the joy of baking while creating lasting memories.
Baking also teaches kids important skills such as patience, problem-solving, and teamwork. Plus, it gives them a sense of pride when they get to enjoy the muffins they made themselves!
Serving Ideas for Cheese Muffins
Cheese muffins are perfect for a variety of occasions and can be served in many different ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:
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Breakfast or Brunch: Pair these cheesy muffins with a cup of coffee or a glass of fresh juice for a quick, satisfying breakfast. They’re also a great addition to a brunch spread, alongside other savory items like scrambled eggs, fruit salad, or smoked salmon.
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Picnics or Lunchboxes: These muffins are portable and easy to pack, making them ideal for picnics or school lunches. Serve them with a side of sliced vegetables or fruit for a balanced meal.
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Appetizers or Side Dish: Serve the muffins as an appetizer or side dish at a gathering or dinner party. They go great with soups, salads, or even a cheese platter.
Nutritional Information and Portioning
Each muffin contains approximately 180 calories, making them a satisfying snack without being too heavy. With 18 grams of carbohydrates and 6 grams of protein, these muffins offer a good balance of energy and satiety. The cheese contributes 10 grams of fat, with 6 grams coming from saturated fat, which gives these muffins their rich and savory flavor.
Despite being rich in flavor, these muffins are not overly indulgent, and with 1 gram of fiber per serving, they can contribute to your daily fiber intake. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can adjust the amount of cheese or swap some ingredients for healthier alternatives, such as using low-fat cheese or substituting part of the butter with olive oil.
Conclusion
These easy cheese muffins are a fantastic, flavorful snack that everyone in the family will love. They are simple to prepare, highly customizable, and perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re making them as an after-school treat, for a picnic, or as part of a larger meal, these cheesy delights are sure to be a hit. Involve your kids in the baking process, and enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness together.