These savory breakfast muffins are a delightful and nutritious way to start the day. Packed with wholesome ingredients like oatmeal, cottage cheese, mozzarella, and fresh arugula, they are both filling and delicious. The combination of Italian herbs and garlic adds a rich flavor, making them a favorite with both adults and kids. Perfect for a quick breakfast or a snack, these muffins are sure to become a household favorite!
Preparation, Cook, and Total Times
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 12 muffins
Cuisine
These muffins are inspired by Mediterranean flavors, with Italian herbs, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. They are a savory twist on the traditional muffin, making them perfect for a wholesome breakfast or a snack.
Full List of Ingredients
- 1 cup oatmeal
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp dry garlic
- 1 tsp Italian herbs
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese
- 3 eggs
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 cup arugula, chopped
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- ½ cup small tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ¼ cup additional mozzarella cheese, grated
- Extra Italian herbs for topping
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease or line a muffin tin with muffin liners to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of oatmeal, 1 tsp of salt, 1 tsp of dry garlic, and 1 tsp of Italian herbs. Mix well to combine.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients:
- Add 1 cup of cottage cheese, ½ cup of mozzarella cheese, and 3 eggs to the dry ingredients. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
- Pour in 1 tablespoon of avocado oil and mix again to incorporate.
4. Add the Fresh Vegetables:
- Stir in 1 cup of chopped arugula, 2 finely chopped green onions, and ½ cup of halved small tomatoes. Mix everything together until the vegetables are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
5. Add the Cheese:
- Fold in ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and ¼ cup of additional grated mozzarella cheese. These will add a rich, cheesy flavor to the muffins.
6. Fill the Muffin Tin:
- Scoop the muffin mixture evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full. Sprinkle extra Italian herbs on top of each muffin for added flavor and aroma.
7. Bake:
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve:
- Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutritional Information (Per Muffin)
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Protein: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fat: 9 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugars: 2 g
- Sodium: 330 mg
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
These savory breakfast muffins are inspired by the Mediterranean diet, which focuses on fresh vegetables, herbs, and cheeses. The use of oatmeal as the base adds fiber and texture, making these muffins a healthy choice for a satisfying breakfast. The combination of arugula, green onions, and tomatoes brings freshness and color to the dish, while the cheeses provide a rich, savory depth of flavor.
Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vegetables, protein, and whole grains, these muffins are a great way to start your day on the right foot.
- Family-Friendly: Kids will love the cheesy, savory flavor, and you can sneak in extra veggies without them noticing!
- Quick and Easy: These muffins are simple to make and come together in less than 40 minutes, making them perfect for busy mornings.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap out the arugula for spinach or add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
Health Benefits
- High in Protein: Cottage cheese and eggs provide a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle building and repair.
- Rich in Fiber: Oatmeal and arugula provide fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full longer.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Arugula is rich in vitamin K, while the tomatoes offer vitamin C and antioxidants that support overall health.
- Calcium: The cheese in this recipe adds a good amount of calcium, which is important for bone health.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with Fresh Fruit: Pair these muffins with a side of fresh fruit, like berries or sliced oranges, for a balanced breakfast.
- With Yogurt: Serve with a dollop of plain yogurt for extra creaminess and a dose of probiotics.
- As a Snack: These muffins are great as an afternoon snack, paired with a cup of tea or coffee.
Cooking Tips
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir the batter just until everything is combined to keep the muffins light and fluffy.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh arugula and vegetables will bring the best flavor to these muffins.
- Customize the Cheese: You can experiment with different cheeses, like sharp cheddar, feta, or goat cheese, to change the flavor profile of the muffins.
Variations to Try
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
- Vegan Version: Use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) and non-dairy cheese to make these muffins vegan.
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños to give these muffins a little heat.
Conclusion
These savory breakfast muffins with oatmeal, cheese, and arugula are the perfect way to start your day. They’re packed with wholesome ingredients, easy to make, and delicious. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack, these muffins are sure to become a family favorite. Serve them warm with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of extra herbs for an added touch of flavor!
10 Comprehensive FAQ Section
1. Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these muffins ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven before serving.
2. Can I freeze these muffins?
Yes, you can freeze the muffins for up to 2 months. Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container.
3. Can I substitute the mozzarella cheese?
Yes, you can substitute the mozzarella with cheddar, feta, or any cheese of your choice.
4. Can I use a different oil?
Yes, you can use olive oil or melted coconut oil instead of avocado oil.
5. Can I add meat to these muffins?
Yes, you can add cooked bacon, sausage, or ham to the batter for a meaty version of these muffins.
6. Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour to make these muffins gluten-free. Ensure that the other ingredients (like baking powder and cheese) are gluten-free as well.
7. How do I make these muffins spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or finely chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
8. Can I make these muffins without the cheese?
Yes, you can omit the cheese for a lighter version of these muffins or replace it with a dairy-free cheese for a vegan option.
9. How do I store leftover muffins?
Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Alternatively, store them in the fridge to keep them fresh longer.
10. Can I make these muffins vegan?
Yes, use flax eggs and non-dairy cheese to make these muffins vegan-friendly.