Savory muffins

Savory muffins with cream cheese and ham

If you're looking for a simple and delicious recipe that will delight your taste buds, you've come to the right place! Savory muffins with cream cheese and ham are not only a wonderful appetizer but also an excellent choice for breakfast or a snack. This recipe has been unanimously approved by my family, and the little ones, even if they are not yet 7, have expressed their desire to take them to school. It's a clear sign that these savory muffins are truly special!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 45-50 minutes
Number of servings: 12 muffins

Ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- 2 ½ cups of flour (approximately 450 g)
- 150 g cream cheese with dill
- 1 cup of milk (250 ml)
- ½ packet of baking powder
- ½ teaspoon of salt (adjust to taste)
- 200 g chicken ham (or other preferred deli meat)
- Fresh dill (optional, but recommended!)

A bit of history:
Muffins have a rich history, being made in various forms for centuries. They can be sweet or savory, and recipes vary from one culture to another. Savory muffins with cheese and deli meats are a popular choice in many households due to their versatility. They can be served at breakfast, as an appetizer at brunch, or even as a snack between meals.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the ham is finely chopped and the cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing into the batter.

2. Mixing the cheese: In a large bowl, add the cream cheese with dill. Add the egg yolks and mix vigorously until you achieve a smooth mixture. The cream cheese can be substituted with Almette or Philadelphia, depending on your preferences.

3. Incorporating the dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting the flour is a technique that helps achieve an airy texture, so don’t skip it!

4. Adding the milk: Gradually pour the milk into the cheese mixture, stirring constantly. This step is important to avoid lumps.

5. Including the savory ingredients: Add the finely chopped ham and fresh dill (if using). The dill will give a fresh and aromatic flavor to your muffins, so don’t skip it, especially if you’re baking in a loaf pan!

6. Whipping the egg whites: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This is an essential technique for achieving light and airy muffins. Use an electric mixer for quick and efficient results.

7. Incorporating the egg whites: Carefully fold the beaten egg whites into the cheese mixture using a spatula. Gently mix to avoid losing the air from the egg whites.

8. Preparing the pans: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (medium heat). Grease the muffin molds with butter or use baking liners to prevent sticking.

9. Filling the molds: Use a spoon to fill the molds with batter, filling them up to ¾ of their height. Leave room for them to rise!

10. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the muffins for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

11. Cooling: Once baked, let the muffins cool in the tray for 5-10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving and suggestions:
Savory muffins with cream cheese and ham are excellent served warm, but they are just as delicious cold. You can pair them with natural yogurt or a cup of milk for a nutritious breakfast. Additionally, it’s worth trying to serve them with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables for a light and healthy lunch.

Variations:
- Vegetarian: Replace the ham with sautéed vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
- Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or mozzarella, for a different flavor.
- Spices: Add spices like black pepper, paprika, or even herbs de Provence to enhance the flavors.

Useful tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for a uniform batter.
- If you want to prepare muffins for a special occasion, you can add olives or sun-dried tomatoes for a touch of elegance.
- Muffins can be easily frozen, so you can prepare a larger batch and keep them for when you need a quick snack.

Nutritional information:
These savory muffins, depending on the ingredients used, can have approximately 150-200 calories each. They are rich in protein due to the eggs and cheese, while also providing carbohydrates from the flour, making them a good choice to start the day.

Regardless of the occasion, these savory muffins with cream cheese and ham are a fantastic option. With a light texture and delicious taste, they will surely become a family favorite! So, grab the necessary ingredients and enjoy an unforgettable culinary experience!

 Ingredients: Ingredients: 2 eggs, 2 and 1/2 cups of flour (approx. 450 g), 150 g cream cheese with dill, 1 cup of milk (250 ml), 1/2 packet of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 200 g chicken ham (you can use any other cold cut), dill (I forgot to add it in these small molds but I remembered when I made it in the loaf pan, it gives a wonderful taste!). Note: you can replace the cream cheese with Almette or Philadelphia.

 Tags:  muffins ham cream cheese