Hearty Broccoli Cheddar Muffins Recipe

Savory Broccoli Cheddar Muffins Recipe: A Fun Breakfast Twist

These savory broccoli cheddar muffins pack a flavor punch that’ll make your taste buds dance with delight.

Combining tender broccoli florets with sharp cheddar cheese creates a mouthwatering combination that’s hard to resist.

The golden-brown edges promise a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft, fluffy interior.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of hearty vegetables and rich, melted cheese.

Packed with nutrients and bursting with robust flavor, these muffins work brilliantly as a quick breakfast or satisfying snack.

Whether you’re looking for a grab-and-go morning meal or a delectable side dish, these muffins won’t disappoint.

Get ready to fall in love with this irresistible culinary creation that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Muffins

  • Breakfast Boost: Start your morning with these savory muffins alongside a fresh fruit smoothie or scrambled eggs for a protein-packed breakfast.
  • Lunch Companion: Pack these muffins in a lunchbox with a crisp green salad or as a side to homemade tomato soup for a satisfying midday meal.
  • Snack Attack: Enjoy these muffins as a quick afternoon snack, perfect for kids and adults craving a cheesy, nutritious bite between meals.
  • Party Pleaser: Serve these muffins as an appetizer at brunches or potlucks, cutting them into smaller pieces for easy sharing and irresistible nibbling.

Keeping Broccoli Cheddar Muffins Fresh

  • Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover muffins in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent them from drying out.
  • Freeze for Later: These broccoli cheddar muffins freeze beautifully. Place cooled muffins in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 months when properly sealed.
  • Reheat with Care: Bring refrigerated or frozen muffins back to life by warming them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. For a crispier texture, use a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
  • Prep in Advance: Mix dry ingredients the night before and store in a sealed container. When ready to bake, simply combine with wet ingredients for quick and easy morning muffins that taste freshly made.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 420 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Broccoli Cheddar Muffins

For Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and tender crumb for muffins, choose unbleached for best texture.
  • Baking Powder: Helps muffins rise and become light, ensure it's fresh for maximum lift.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness, use fine sea salt for even distribution.
For Vegetable Components:
  • Broccoli, Cheddar Cheese: Broccoli adds nutrition and vibrant color, select fresh green florets with tight clusters. Cheddar cheese brings sharp, tangy flavor and creamy melting quality, opt for sharp varieties for more intense taste.
For Moisture and Binding:
  • Eggs: Binds ingredients and creates fluffy texture, choose large farm-fresh eggs at room temperature.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and softness, whole milk provides richer taste compared to low-fat alternatives.
  • Butter: Contributes rich flavor and tender crumb, use unsalted for better control of salt levels.

Tools Needed to Bake Broccoli Cheddar Muffins

  • Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining Caesar coating ingredients.
  • Measuring Spoons: Essential for accurately portioning spices and seasonings.
  • Cheese Grater: Needed to shred fresh mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  • Baking Dish: Used to cook and serve the chicken.
  • Cutting Board: For chopping fresh parsley and preparing ingredients.
  • Sharp Knife: Helps with precise ingredient preparation.
  • Cheese Sprinkler or Spoon: Convenient for evenly spreading cheese over chicken.

Baking Instructions for Broccoli Cheddar Muffins

  • Oven Warmup

Get your oven ready by setting the temperature to a toasty 375°F. Prepare a baking dish with a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.

  • Flavor Blend

Combine the zesty Caesar dressing with grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of black pepper, and a hint of garlic powder in a mixing bowl. This magical mixture will transform plain chicken into something spectacular.

  • Chicken Preparation

Nestle the chicken breasts into the prepared baking dish. Pour the flavor-packed Caesar mixture over each piece, making sure every inch gets a delicious coating.

  • First Cooking Phase

Send the chicken into the hot oven for a 30-minute adventure, allowing the flavors to mingle and the meat to start cooking perfectly.

  • Cheesy Crown

After the initial cooking, crown the chicken with a generous blanket of shredded mozzarella. This will create a golden, melty masterpiece.

  • Final Sizzle

Return the chicken to the oven for a final 10-15 minute dance, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese turns into a bubbling, golden delight.

  • Finishing Touch

Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and extra freshness before serving your culinary creation.

Muffin Tips & More Tips for Broccoli Cheddar

  • Swap broccoli with other veggies like cauliflower, spinach, or zucchini for exciting flavor variations and nutritional boosts.
  • Experiment with different cheese types such as sharp cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack to create unique taste profiles and personalize your muffins.
  • Prepare muffin batter in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking, perfect for busy mornings or meal prep.
  • Add cooked diced bacon, ham, or crumbled sausage to the batter for extra protein and a savory twist that elevates the muffins' flavor and texture.
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Hearty Broccoli Cheddar Muffins Recipe

Hearty Broccoli Cheddar Muffins Recipe


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4.8 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Savory broccoli cheddar muffins combine hearty vegetables with rich cheese for a satisfying breakfast or snack. Cheesy, nutritious morsels will delight palates and provide a quick, wholesome option when hunger strikes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • ½ cup (120 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup (120 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 cup (240 ml) Caesar dressing (creamy variety recommended)
  • 2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent chicken from sticking.
  2. Prepare Marinade: Whisk Caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and garlic powder in a mixing bowl until smoothly blended.
  3. Coat Chicken: Position chicken breasts in the prepared dish, then lavishly cover each piece with the Caesar mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  4. Initial Baking: Slide the dish into the preheated oven and roast for 30 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the robust Caesar flavors and cook thoroughly.
  5. Cheese Topping: Carefully remove the dish, then generously crown each chicken breast with mozzarella cheese, creating a molten, golden blanket.
  6. Final Baking: Return the dish to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, monitoring until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden crust and the chicken reaches perfect doneness.
  7. Rest and Garnish: Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes to redistribute juices, then scatter fresh parsley on top for a vibrant finish before serving.

Broccoli Cheddar Muffins

  1. Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a muffin tin with cooking spray or butter.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blend flour, baking powder, salt, and dried herbs, creating a uniform base.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: Whisk eggs, milk, melted butter, and olive oil in a separate bowl until fully incorporated and smooth.
  4. Prepare Vegetables: Finely chop broccoli and dice onions, then gently fold these into the wet mixture along with shredded cheddar cheese.
  5. Create Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  6. Fill and Bake: Distribute the batter evenly among muffin cups, then bake for 18-22 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  7. Cool and Serve: Allow muffins to rest in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before enjoying.

Notes

  • Cheese Selection Strategy: Use freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan for optimal melting and flavor intensity compared to pre-shredded varieties.
  • Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F internally, ensuring safe and perfectly cooked protein without dryness.
  • Marinade Mastery: Allow Caesar mixture to coat chicken thoroughly for 10-15 minutes before baking to enhance deeper flavor penetration and tenderness.
  • Resting Rule: Let chicken rest after baking to redistribute internal juices, preventing dry meat and maintaining maximum moisture and succulence.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera

Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor

Expertise

  • Classic French Cuisine
  • Artisanal Bread Baking
  • Plant-Based Culinary Innovation
  • Recipe & Menu Development
  • Interactive Online Instruction

Education

The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)

  • Program: Classic Culinary Arts
  • Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.

Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking. 

Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.

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