If you’re in search of a savory snack that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, look no further than these delicious Feta Spinach and Sweet Red Pepper Muffins. Combining the earthy flavors of fresh spinach, the tangy taste of feta cheese, and the sweetness of red peppers, these muffins offer a delightful alternative to traditional sweet muffins. They’re easy to make, packed with nutritious ingredients, and sure to be a hit with family and friends. Follow this guide to create these mouthwatering muffins that are both unique and incredibly tasty.
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (you can substitute partly with whole wheat flour)
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup low-fat milk
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 ¼ cup thinly sliced fresh spinach
- ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup drained and patted dry jarred Florina peppers or other sweet red peppers
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the cups to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, paprika, and salt. If you prefer, you can use a combination of all-purpose and whole wheat flour to add more fiber and a heartier texture to the muffins.
Combine Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk together the low-fat milk, extra virgin olive oil, and eggs until well blended. The olive oil adds a rich flavor and moist texture to the muffins, while the milk and eggs provide the necessary binding and lift.
Incorporate Spinach, Feta, and Peppers
- Slowly incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry ones, mixing lightly until they are just combined. Avoid excessive stirring to prevent the muffins from becoming dense.
- Take care to avoid excessive mixing, which can result in tough muffins. Fold in the thinly sliced fresh spinach, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped Florina peppers. These ingredients add bursts of flavor and vibrant color to the muffins.
Fill and Bake
- Distribute the batter evenly into the muffin tin, filling each section to about two-thirds to provide space for the muffins to expand during baking. Place the tin in the oven, preheated and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of a muffin comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
- After baking, take the muffins out of the oven and allow them to sit in the tin for about 5 minutes. Following this, move the muffins to a cooling rack to cool off entirely. Serve these muffins either warm or at room temperature, making them a flexible choice for any meal or snack.
Conclusion
These savory Feta Spinach and Sweet Red Pepper Muffins are a delightful twist on traditional muffins, offering a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The combination of fresh spinach, tangy feta, and sweet red peppers creates a unique taste that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re serving them at a brunch, packing them for a picnic, or enjoying them as a quick snack, these muffins are sure to be a hit. Enjoy the wholesome goodness and savory flavors of these easy-to-make muffins, and watch them become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Happy baking!