There’s something wonderfully comforting about fresh, warm muffins that are packed with savory goodness, and this Cheese & Garlic Muffins Recipe is one of my all-time favorites to share with friends and family. The perfect combination of sharp cheddar cheese, fragrant garlic, and a tender crumb makes these muffins an irresistible treat whether you’re serving them at breakfast, as a snack, or alongside dinner. They bake up golden and fluffy with just the right touch of savory punch, making every bite a little moment of bliss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but crucial to nailing the perfect balance of texture and flavor in your muffins. Each component brings something special: flour for structure, baking powder and soda for lightness, and cheeses and herbs for depth and color.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives your muffins structure and holds everything together perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Provides lift for a light and fluffy texture.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps with tenderness and browning, activating with the buttermilk.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds subtle garlic warmth, complementing the fresh sautéed garlic.
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Brings bold, melty cheesiness that’s signature to these muffins.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, herbal brightness to the muffins.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Keeps muffins moist with a gentle tang to balance richness.
- 2 large eggs: Provides structure and richness to your muffin batter.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced and sautéed): Infuses the batter with fresh, aromatic garlic flavor that’s simply irresistible.
How to Make Cheese & Garlic Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and prepare your muffin tin
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper liners. This ensures your muffins will pop right out easily without sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Combine the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and garlic powder. This evenly distributes the raising agents and seasoning through the batter, crucial for muffins that rise beautifully and have consistent flavor.
Step 3: Add cheese and herbs
Stir in the shredded cheddar and your choice of fresh chives or parsley if you’re using them. Cheddar gives that rich, cheesy goodness, while herbs provide a pop of color and freshness that makes these muffins lively.
Step 4: Mix wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and the sautéed garlic until smooth. The sautéed garlic is key here because it mellows out the sharpness, becoming buttery and fragrant.
Step 5: Combine wet and dry mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold them together until just combined. Resist the urge to overmix – a few lumps are fine! Overmixing can lead to tough muffins, and we want tender and light ones.
Step 6: Fill muffin cups and bake
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Bake in the oven for 18 to 22 minutes until the tops turn golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let them cool for 5 minutes in the tin before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Cheese & Garlic Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or more freshly chopped chives on top of your warm muffins adds a lovely touch before serving. These little garnishes make the muffins look extra inviting and deepen the cheesy notes.
Side Dishes
These muffins star brilliantly alongside hearty soups or stews, crisp salads, or even a rich pasta dish. Their bold cheddar and garlic flavors complement everything from creamy tomato soup to roasted vegetables beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing these muffins in half and spreading them with herb butter or cream cheese for an elevated snack or appetizer. They’re also fantastic served with a drizzle of honey or alongside a charcuterie board for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them moist and ready to enjoy without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze the muffins by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 3 months, perfect for quick snacks whenever you need.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the muffins in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave for 20–30 seconds. This restores their warm, fresh-baked appeal and melty cheese goodness in no time.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes! Simply add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of regular milk, let it sit for 5 minutes, and you’ll have a great buttermilk substitute that works perfectly in this recipe.
What type of cheese works best in this recipe?
Sharp cheddar cheese is ideal for its bold flavor and melting quality. However, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda for different variations.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Absolutely! Feel free to add rosemary, thyme, or even a pinch of smoked paprika to give your muffins a unique twist. Fresh herbs work best to keep the muffins vibrant and flavorful.
Are these muffins suitable for freezing?
Definitely. Wrap them well and freeze for up to three months. They reheat beautifully and retain their delicious texture and flavor.
How do I avoid the muffins becoming dry?
Be careful not to overmix your batter and avoid overbaking. Remove the muffins from the oven as soon as they’re golden and pass the toothpick test. Storing them properly also helps maintain moisture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a comforting, cheesy treat that’s quick to whip up and sure to impress, this Cheese & Garlic Muffins Recipe has got you covered. It’s a perfect balance of savory, fluffy, and flavorful that brings a delightful twist to your usual baking adventures. I encourage you to try it out and watch how these muffins become a fast favorite in your home too!
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Cheese & Garlic Muffins Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully savory Cheese & Garlic Muffins that combine sharp cheddar cheese, fresh herbs, and sautéed garlic for a flavorful side dish. These moist and cheesy muffins are perfect served warm and are easy to prepare, making them ideal for breakfast, snacks, or alongside your favorite meals.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced and sautéed)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper muffin liners to prevent sticking and aid in easy removal of muffins.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and garlic powder to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Add Cheese and Herbs: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese along with chopped fresh chives or parsley if using, ensuring they’re well incorporated into the dry mixture.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, melted unsalted butter, and sautéed minced garlic until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently mix just until combined, taking care not to overmix to keep the muffins tender and light.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full to ensure proper rising without overflow.
- Bake the Muffins: Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely or serve warm for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- These muffins are best served warm to enjoy their gooey cheese texture and fresh garlic flavor.
- For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top of the batter before baking.
- If buttermilk is unavailable, substitute by mixing 1 cup of plain milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and allow it to sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
