Nigella Savoury Muffins Recipe

Nigella Savoury Muffins are a delicious and versatile option for breakfast, a snack, or a light meal. Packed with cheese, vegetables, and herbs, these muffins are a perfect blend of flavor and convenience. Easy to make and ideal for meal prep, they can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Whether you’re looking for a grab-and-go breakfast or a savory treat to pair with a soup or salad, these muffins will hit the spot.

What are Nigella Savoury Muffins?

Nigella’s Savoury Muffins are fluffy, cheese-filled muffins loaded with fresh vegetables and herbs. Unlike sweet muffins, these muffins are savory and can be customized with your favorite ingredients, such as cheese, spinach, or even bacon. They’re a great way to sneak in veggies and are ideal for anyone who enjoys savory over sweet.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch and store it for a quick breakfast or snack during the week.
• Customizable: You can easily swap in your favorite veggies, herbs, and cheeses.
• Great for On-The-Go: Perfect for lunchboxes or as a quick, portable meal.
• Fluffy and Light: Despite being packed with ingredients, the muffins remain light and fluffy.
• Versatile: Serve these muffins for breakfast, lunch, or as a side dish.

Ingredients Needed to Make Nigella Savoury Muffins

• Plain flour: 250g (9 oz), to form the base of the muffins.
• Baking powder: 2 teaspoons, to help the muffins rise.
• Milk: 200ml (7 fl oz), to make the batter smooth.
• Eggs: 2 large, for structure and binding.
• Butter: 75g (2.6 oz), melted, for richness and flavor.
• Cheddar cheese: 150g (5 oz), grated, for savory flavor.
• Spinach: 100g (3.5 oz), wilted and chopped, for added nutrition.
• Spring onions: 2-3, finely chopped, for a mild onion flavor.
• Dried or fresh herbs: 1 tablespoon (such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary), for added flavor.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning.

Optional Add-ins

• Chopped cooked bacon: For a more indulgent muffin.
• Feta cheese: For a tangier flavor.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: For extra depth and sweetness.

Equipment

• Muffin tin: A 12-hole muffin tin.
• Muffin cases: To line the muffin tin.
• Mixing bowl: For preparing the batter.
• Whisk or spatula: To mix the ingredients.
• Ice cream scoop (optional): This is for evenly distributing the batter.

Instructions to Make Nigella Savoury Muffins

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/400°F/gas mark 6. Line a 12-hole muffin tin with muffin cases or lightly grease the muffin tin if not using cases.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, sift together the plain flour and baking powder. Add a pinch of salt and pepper for seasoning.

3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and melted butter until smooth.

4. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense muffins.

5. Fold in the Fillings

Gently fold in the grated cheese, spinach, spring onions, and your chosen herbs until evenly distributed throughout the batter. If adding other ingredients like bacon or sun-dried tomatoes, fold them in at this stage as well.

6. Fill the Muffin Cases

Use a spoon or ice cream scoop to divide the batter evenly among the muffin cases, filling each about two-thirds full.

7. Bake the Muffins

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Cool and Serve

Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.

What Goes Well With Nigella Savoury Muffins

• Soup: These muffins pair perfectly with a bowl of soup for a light meal.
• Salad: Serve with a fresh salad for a balanced lunch.
• Butter: Enjoy warm muffins with a bit of butter for extra indulgence.
• Yogurt dip: A herbed yogurt dip complements the savory flavors of the muffins.
• Sliced avocado: For a healthy and creamy side.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Nigella Savoury Muffins

• Don’t overmix: Stir the batter until just combined to avoid tough muffins.
• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the batter mix smoothly and ensures an even rise.
• Add a cheese topping: Sprinkle extra grated cheese on top of each muffin before baking for a golden, cheesy crust.
• Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs will add more vibrant flavors compared to dried ones.

Easy Variations of Nigella Savoury Muffins

• Cheese and bacon muffins: Add cooked, chopped bacon for a more indulgent treat.
• Herb and feta muffins: Replace cheddar with feta and add more herbs for a Mediterranean twist.
• Vegetarian muffins: Keep the muffins vegetarian by using vegetables like roasted red peppers, courgettes, or olives.
• Gluten-free muffins: Substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the muffins gluten-free.

Best Practices to Store Nigella Savoury Muffins

• Room temperature: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: If you need to store them longer, refrigerate the muffins for up to 5 days. Reheat them slightly before serving for the best texture.
• Freezing: Savoury muffins freeze well. Wrap each muffin individually in cling film and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.

Best Practices to Reheat Nigella Savoury Muffins

• Oven: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-10 minutes to revive the texture.
• Microwave: Warm individual muffins in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.

How Can I Make Nigella Savoury Muffins Healthier?

• Use whole wheat flour: Substitute half the plain flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
• Reduce butter: Swap some of the butter for a lighter alternative like olive oil or yogurt.
• Add more vegetables: Incorporate finely chopped veggies like carrots or courgettes for extra nutrients.
• Use reduced-fat cheese: Opt for a lower-fat cheese to reduce the calorie content.

Nutrition Value (per muffin)

• Calories: 200 kcal
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 1g

FAQs

Can I freeze Nigella’s savoury muffins?

Yes, savoury muffins can be frozen. Once fully cooled, wrap each muffin individually in cling film or place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven before serving.

How do I prevent savoury muffins from becoming dry?

To prevent savoury muffins from drying out, avoid overmixing the batter. Stir the ingredients just until combined. Also, be sure to bake them for the recommended time and check for doneness by inserting a skewer into the center—if it comes out clean, the muffins are ready.

Can I make savoury muffins without cheese?

Yes, you can make savoury muffins without cheese. Simply replace the cheese with other ingredients like chopped vegetables, herbs, or sun-dried tomatoes. You can also use dairy-free cheese for a plant-based option.

What are the best vegetables to add to savoury muffins?

The best vegetables for savoury muffins are spinach, spring onions, grated carrots, courgettes, and roasted peppers. These add moisture and flavor without overpowering the other ingredients. You can also experiment with other seasonal veggies.

Final Words

Nigella Savoury Muffins are a tasty and convenient option for any time of day. With their light, fluffy texture and customizable fillings, these muffins are perfect for meal prepping, picnics, or as a side dish to your favorite soup or salad. Simple to make and endlessly adaptable, they’re sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!

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