If you’re searching for a savory treat that’s equal parts comfort food and crowd-pleaser, look no further than these Cheese Muffins. Packed with sharp cheddar, a hint of chives, and an irresistibly tender crumb, this recipe transforms the humble muffin into a cheesy delight that’s perfect for breakfast, snacking, or serving alongside your favorite soup. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep time, freshly baked Cheese Muffins can be yours in under thirty minutes—warming your kitchen and filling it with the most wonderful aroma.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in these muffins serves a delicious purpose, contributing to their fluffy texture, cheesy flavor, and golden color. Gather everything below, and you’ll be just steps away from enjoying warm, savory Cheese Muffins straight from the oven.

All-purpose flour: This forms the sturdy base for your muffins, ensuring a tender crumb that doesn’t collapse.
Baking powder: The secret to those beautiful domes, baking powder gives your muffins their signature rise and lightness.
Salt: A little salt enhances the cheese and brings all the savory flavors together.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and complexity that pairs perfectly with the cheddar.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The heart of Cheese Muffins—sharp cheddar melts beautifully and delivers bold, cheesy flavor in every bite.
Whole milk: Adds richness and moisture, helping create that perfect muffin texture.
Large eggs: Eggs bind everything together and help the muffins rise and stay fluffy.
Unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled): Melted butter adds richness and keeps the muffins moist while letting you control the salt level.
Chopped fresh chives or green onions (optional): These bring a fresh, mild oniony note and a pop of green color—use them if you want an extra layer of flavor.

How to Make Cheese Muffins

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Muffin Tin

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each cup with butter or nonstick spray. This ensures your Cheese Muffins pop right out—no sticking, no fuss!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. This step is important because evenly distributing the baking powder and seasonings means every muffin will bake up light, fluffy, and flavorful.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Chives

Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and chives (if you’re using them) right into the dry mixture. Coating the cheese in flour helps it distribute evenly and prevents it from sinking to the bottom during baking, so every bite of these Cheese Muffins is loaded with cheesy goodness.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole milk, eggs, and melted butter until smooth. This creates a rich, creamy mixture that will bring all the dry ingredients together without overworking the batter.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently stir just until everything is moistened—don’t overmix! A few lumps are perfectly fine, and this is the secret to tender, fluffy Cheese Muffins rather than tough ones.

Step 6: Fill and Bake

Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Slide the tin into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for about five minutes before transferring to a wire rack—if you can wait that long!

How to Serve Cheese Muffins

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, sprinkle your freshly baked Cheese Muffins with a few more chopped chives or a dusting of grated cheddar right after they come out of the oven. A light brush of melted butter on top adds irresistible shine and a touch more richness.

Side Dishes

Cheese Muffins are deliciously versatile! Serve them alongside a steaming bowl of tomato soup, a crisp salad, or with scrambled eggs for breakfast. They also make a fantastic addition to a brunch spread or a cozy dinner plate featuring roasted vegetables and proteins.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Cheese Muffins into mini sandwiches by splitting them and adding a slice of ham or turkey. Or, try serving them in a breadbasket at your next gathering, nestled among a variety of homemade rolls. They’re also perfect party fare when baked in mini muffin tins for bite-sized treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep Cheese Muffins fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate them—just be sure to let them come to room temperature or warm them slightly before serving to bring back their best texture.

Freezing

These muffins freeze beautifully! Place completely cooled muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep for up to three months, making them a handy snack or side to pull out whenever you need them.

Reheating

To reheat Cheese Muffins, pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 8 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual muffins for about 20 seconds, but the oven really revives that just-baked flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese in Cheese Muffins?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic, you can experiment with pepper jack for a little heat, or mix in some parmesan for extra savoriness. Just make sure any cheese you use is shredded for easy mixing and even melting.

Why did my muffins turn out dense?

Dense muffins are often the result of overmixing the batter. Stir just until the wet and dry ingredients are combined—some lumps are perfectly normal and will bake out to a tender crumb.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in a 1:1 ratio for the regular flour. Check that your baking powder is gluten-free, too, and you’re set for delicious gluten-free Cheese Muffins.

What can I add for more flavor?

Try a pinch of garlic powder or cayenne pepper in the dry mix for a spicier or more aromatic muffin. You can also fold in crispy bacon bits, sun-dried tomatoes, or fresh herbs to customize them to your taste.

Can I make mini Cheese Muffins?

Definitely! Use a mini muffin tin and reduce the baking time to about 10-12 minutes. They’re perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or a fun bite-sized snack.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about pulling a tray of warm Cheese Muffins from the oven—the golden tops, the melty cheese, and the savory aroma are simply irresistible. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, brunch, or as a cozy side, I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and share it with those you love. Happy baking!

Cheese Muffins Recipe

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4.9 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These cheesy, savory Cheese Muffins are a perfect breakfast or side dish option, featuring sharp cheddar and a hint of fresh chives. Moist, fluffy, and easy to make, they bake quickly and pair wonderfully with soups or as a snack any time of day.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Cheese & Herbs

1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions (optional)

Wet Ingredients

1 cup whole milk
2 large eggs
¼ cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat 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 bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
Add Cheese and Herbs: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and chopped fresh chives (if using), ensuring they are well incorporated into the dry mix.
Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole milk, eggs, and the melted, slightly cooled unsalted butter until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the muffins light and tender.
Fill Muffin Cups: Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room for rising.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until the tops 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 them to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or cayenne pepper to the dry ingredients.
Try substituting part of the cheddar cheese with parmesan or pepper jack for a different twist.
These muffins pair wonderfully with soups or make a satisfying savory breakfast option.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American