There’s something special about the aroma of freshly baked muffins filling your kitchen. While sweet muffins often steal the spotlight, savory cheddar muffins with basil and scallions bring a deliciously cheesy, herb-infused twist that makes them impossible to resist. These golden, fluffy muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish to soups and salads.
Packed with sharp cheddar, fresh scallions, and fragrant basil, these muffins have a rich depth of flavor balanced by a tender, buttery crumb. Whether you’re serving them warm with a pat of butter or alongside a hearty meal, each bite is a delightful combination of cheesy goodness and aromatic herbs. Let’s dive into how you can make these at home!
Why You’ll Love These Savory Cheddar Muffins
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in about 30 minutes
✔ Flavor-Packed – Sharp cheddar, scallions, and basil create a bold taste
✔ Versatile – Great for breakfast, snacks, or side dishes
✔ Soft & Fluffy – A tender texture with a slightly crisp, cheesy top
✔ Make-Ahead Friendly – Perfect for meal prep and freezing
Ingredients for Savory Cheddar Muffins with Basil and Scallions
Here’s everything you need to create the ultimate savory muffins:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 3 cups (15 ounces) | Provides structure |
| Baking powder | 1 tablespoon | Ensures a light, fluffy texture |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon | Adds a subtle savory depth |
| Sea salt | 1 teaspoon | Enhances all the flavors |
| Dried basil | ½ teaspoon | Infuses an herby aroma |
| Black pepper | ⅛ teaspoon | Provides a mild kick |
| Sharp cheddar cheese | 3-4 ounces, grated (1 cup) | Adds rich, tangy cheesiness |
| Scallions | ¼ cup, sliced | Gives a mild onion flavor |
| Whole or 2% milk | 1 ¼ cups | Adds moisture and richness |
| Sour cream | ¾ cup | Contributes to a tender texture |
| Unsalted butter | 3 tablespoons, melted | Adds a buttery finish |
| Large egg | 1 | Helps bind the ingredients |
| Parmesan cheese | 1 ounce, grated (¼ – ⅓ cup) | For a crispy, cheesy topping |
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheddar Muffins
1. Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, sea salt, dried basil, and black pepper.
- Ensuring even distribution of dry ingredients prevents clumping and guarantees consistent flavor.
3. Add Cheese and Scallions
- Stir in the grated sharp cheddar cheese and sliced scallions.
- This step ensures the cheese and scallions are evenly dispersed throughout the batter.
4. Combine the Wet Ingredients
- In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the milk, sour cream, melted butter, and egg until smooth.
- This mixture should be well blended to create a creamy, rich base for the muffins.
5. Form the Batter
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
- Be careful not to overmix—a slightly lumpy batter ensures a light, tender texture.
6. Fill and Top
- Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top for a golden, cheesy crust.
7. Bake to Perfection
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- The muffins are done when they turn golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve
- Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Serve warm with butter or enjoy at room temperature.
Tips for the Best Savory Cheddar Muffins
✅ Use Freshly Grated Cheese – Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.
✅ Room Temperature Ingredients – This ensures better mixing and a uniform batter.
✅ Don’t Overmix the Batter – Overmixing creates dense muffins. A few lumps are okay!
✅ Try Different Herbs – Substitute basil with fresh thyme, chives, or rosemary for a unique twist.
✅ For Extra Cheesy Muffins – Add an extra ¼ cup of cheddar inside the batter.
Mouthwatering Variations
1. Spicy Cheddar Jalapeño Muffins
- Add ½ cup diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes on top for extra heat.
2. Bacon and Cheddar Muffins
- Fold in ½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky flavor.
- Serve with chive butter for an indulgent touch.
3. Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Muffins
- Replace cheddar with ½ cup crumbled feta.
- Stir in ¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean flavor.
4. Gluten-Free Cheddar Muffins
- Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
5. Extra Savory Herb Muffins
- Add ½ teaspoon dried oregano and ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Muffin)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~230 kcal |
| Protein | 7g |
| Carbs | 25g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 1g |
Values may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! While sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, you can also try Gruyère, Gouda, or Monterey Jack.
2. How do I store these muffins?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
3. Can I freeze cheddar muffins?
Absolutely! Wrap the muffins individually and freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.
4. What can I serve with these muffins?
Pair them with soups, salads, scrambled eggs, or enjoy as a snack with butter.
5. Can I make mini muffins instead?
Yes! Use a mini muffin tin and bake for 12-15 minutes instead of 20-25 minutes.
6. How can I make them extra fluffy?
Make sure your baking powder is fresh, and don’t overmix the batter. Using sour cream also helps create a tender texture.
Final Thoughts: Enjoy These Cheesy, Flavorful Muffins Anytime!
These Savory Cheddar Muffins with Basil and Scallions are a must-try for anyone who loves cheesy, herby baked goods. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, as a snack, or a side dish, they’re sure to impress. Plus, with so many ways to customize them, you’ll never get bored!
Try them today, and let your kitchen fill with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cheddar muffins!
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Savory Cheddar Muffins with Basil and Scallions: A Flavorful Delight
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
Description
These Savory Cheddar Muffins with Basil and Scallions are a perfect balance of cheesy, herby, and buttery flavors. Soft on the inside with a crispy Parmesan topping, they make an excellent breakfast, snack, or side dish. Packed with sharp cheddar, fresh scallions, and basil, these muffins are fluffy, flavorful, and easy to make.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (15 ounces)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Add-Ins:
- 3–4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated (about 1 cup)
- ¼ cup sliced scallions
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 ¼ cups whole or 2% milk
- ¾ cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 large egg
Topping:
- 1 ounce Parmesan cheese, roughly grated (¼ – ⅓ cup)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, sea salt, dried basil, and black pepper.
- Incorporate the Cheese and Scallions: Stir in the grated cheddar cheese and sliced scallions to evenly distribute them in the flour mixture.
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, sour cream, melted butter, and egg until smooth.
- Form the Batter: Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins light and fluffy.
- Fill and Top: Spoon the batter into the muffin tin, filling each cup ¾ full. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for a crisp, golden finish.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For Extra Flavor: Add cooked bacon bits or sun-dried tomatoes to the batter.
- Make It Spicy: Add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Storage: Keep muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American