Quick Cheese Muffins

Quick Cheese Muffins are the perfect solution when you need a simple yet flavorful side dish or snack. These savory muffins are soft, cheesy, and packed with flavor, all without the need for yeast or rise time. With just a few basic ingredients and under an hour of preparation, you’ll have warm, golden muffins ready to serve. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side with soups, stews, and salads, these cheese muffins will quickly become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love Quick Cheese Muffins

Quick to make – no yeast or proofing required
Cheesy and flavorful – made with sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and green onions
Versatile – serve them as a snack, side dish, or in lunchboxes
Beginner-friendly – uses pantry staples and simple techniques
Perfect texture – soft inside with a lightly golden crust

Ingredients

To make these easy cheese muffins, you will need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (for a hint of spice)
• ¼ cup cold butter
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 green onion, finely chopped
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a muffin tray.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cayenne pepper.
3. Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in cheddar, Parmesan, and green onion.
4. In another bowl, whisk eggs until foamy. Add milk and sugar, mixing well.
5. Combine wet ingredients with dry ingredients, stirring until just moistened. Do not overmix to avoid dense muffins.
6. Spoon batter into prepared muffin tray and bake for 16–18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Cool slightly before serving warm.

Serving and Storage Tips

Quick Cheese Muffins taste best when served warm, straight from the oven, with the cheese still melty. They make a delicious addition to breakfast alongside scrambled eggs, as a side dish for soups and chili, or even as a snack with butter or cream cheese. For storage, keep muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F until warm. To freeze, let the muffins cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.

Variations

1. Herb Cheese Muffins – Add 1 teaspoon of dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or Italian seasoning to the dry ingredients for an aromatic twist.
2. Bacon Cheddar Muffins – Stir in ½ cup of crumbled cooked bacon for a smoky, savory flavor.
3. Jalapeño Cheddar Muffins – Mix in ¼ cup of chopped fresh or pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick.
4. Garlic Parmesan Muffins – Add ½ teaspoon of garlic powder and an extra tablespoon of Parmesan for bold garlic-cheese flavor.
5. Ham and Cheese Muffins – Fold in ½ cup of diced ham to make these a hearty breakfast option.
6. Spinach and Feta Muffins – Replace cheddar with feta and stir in ½ cup of chopped spinach for a Mediterranean touch.
7. Mozzarella Pizza Muffins – Substitute mozzarella for cheddar and add 2 tablespoons of mini pepperoni pieces for a pizza-inspired version.
8. Whole Wheat Cheese Muffins – Swap half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier, more wholesome muffin.
9. Extra Cheesy Muffins – Add an additional ½ cup of cheddar for cheese lovers.
10. Mini Cheese Muffins – Use a mini muffin pan and bake for 10–12 minutes to make bite-sized party snacks.

FAQs

1. Can I make these muffins ahead of time? Yes, bake and store them in an airtight container. Reheat before serving.
2. Can I skip the sugar in this recipe? Yes, but the sugar helps balance the savory flavors. You can reduce it if you prefer.
3. Can I use oil instead of butter? Butter gives a richer flavor, but vegetable oil can work as a substitute.
4. How do I make these muffins fluffier? Be careful not to overmix the batter and ensure your baking powder is fresh.
5. Can I add more vegetables? Yes, bell peppers, zucchini, or grated carrots work well. Just be sure to pat them dry before mixing in.
6. Can I use self-rising flour? Yes, just skip the baking powder and reduce the salt.
7. How can I make them extra cheesy on top? Sprinkle more shredded cheese over the batter before baking.
8. What can I serve with these muffins? They pair well with soups, chili, stews, salads, or as a breakfast side.
9. Can I double this recipe? Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to make 24 muffins.
10. Can I make these in a loaf pan instead of a muffin tin? Yes, bake in a greased loaf pan for 35–40 minutes at 375°F.

Quick Cheese Muffins are a simple, flavorful, and versatile recipe perfect for any time of day. With a combination of sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and green onion, these muffins are cheesy, moist, and satisfying. Whether served as a snack, side dish, or breakfast treat, they’re sure to please. Keep this recipe on hand for busy mornings, family gatherings, or when you need a quick, homemade bread alternative.

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