Quick & Tasty Broccoli Cheddar Muffins Recipe for Busy Bakers

Broccoli cheddar muffins bring a savory twist to traditional breakfast fare, refineing an ordinary morning into a delightful culinary experience.

These hearty handheld treats combine nutritious green florets with rich, melted cheese in a perfectly balanced bite.

Unexpected ingredients merge to create a compact, satisfying meal that appeals to both health-conscious eaters and comfort food lovers.

Soft, golden exteriors give way to a tender, cheesy interior that bursts with robust flavors and wholesome goodness.

Packed with protein and vitamins, these muffins offer a smart alternative to bland breakfast options.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly they can prepare this crowd-pleasing recipe that works equally well for breakfast, brunch, or a quick snack.

You’ll find these muffins are simple to assemble and guaranteed to become a family favorite.

What Makes Broccoli Cheddar Muffins Great Any Time

• Boost Nutritional Power: These broccoli cheddar muffins pack a serious veggie punch with fiber-rich broccoli and protein-loaded cheese, making them a smart choice for health-conscious eaters who want delicious nutrition.
• Quick Comfort Baking: Perfect for busy mornings or last-minute snacks, these muffins can be whipped up in under 30 minutes, delivering warm, cheesy goodness without complex kitchen skills.
• Versatile Meal Companion: Enjoy these muffins as a hearty breakfast, satisfying lunch side, or afternoon snack – they're adaptable and crowd-pleasing for kids and adults alike with their irresistible cheesy flavor and soft, tender texture.
• Simple One-Bowl Wonder: Minimal kitchen equipment and straightforward mixing technique make these muffins beginner-friendly, allowing even novice bakers to create a restaurant-quality treat with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Broccoli Cheddar Muffins Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• All-Purpose Flour: Basic structure and texture for the muffins, providing a light and fluffy base.
• Whole Wheat Flour: Adds nutty flavor and extra nutrition with whole grain goodness.

• Broccoli: Provides fresh green color, nutritional boost, and signature vegetable flavor.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, rich flavor that adds creamy texture and tangy depth to muffins.
• Butter: Enhances moisture, richness, and creates tender muffin crumb.
• Milk: Helps bind ingredients and creates smooth batter consistency.

Binding and Leavening Ingredients:

• Eggs: Crucial for binding ingredients and providing structure to muffins.

• Baking Powder: Helps muffins rise and creates light, airy texture.
• Baking Soda: Supports rising and helps balance acidic ingredients.

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances other ingredients.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle background warmth and complexity.
• Garlic Powder: Provides gentle savory undertone to muffin flavor.

Broccoli Cheddar Muffins Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grab a muffin tin and lightly grease each cup with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

• Eggs
• Milk
• Melted butter

Step 4: Chop Vegetables

Finely dice fresh broccoli into small pieces. Grate cheddar cheese.

Step 5: Create Muffin Batter

• Chopped broccoli
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Step 6: Fill Muffin Tin

Spoon batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.

Step 7: Bake Muffins

Place muffin tin in preheated oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Remove from oven. Let muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for Baking Broccoli Cheddar Muffins

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select crisp, vibrant broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese for maximum flavor and texture in your muffins.
• Avoid Overmixing Batter: Gently fold ingredients together until just combined to keep muffins tender and prevent tough, dense results.
• Perfectly Chop Broccoli: Cut broccoli into small, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution and consistent cooking throughout the muffins.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Grate cheese at room temperature for smoother melting and more even flavor integration in the muffin batter.
• Moisture Control: Don't overbake the muffins; check with a toothpick at the minimum baking time to maintain a moist, soft interior.

Reheating and Storing Broccoli Cheddar Muffins

• Refrigeration: Store leftover muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent them from drying out.
• Reheating: Warm muffins in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Place the muffins on a baking sheet to help restore their crispy edges and prevent sogginess.
• Freezing: Freeze cooled muffins in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving to enjoy their fresh-baked taste and texture.

Pair These With Broccoli Cheddar Muffins

• Craft a Creamy Comfort Companion: Pair these savory broccoli cheddar muffins with a smooth tomato basil soup that complements their cheesy, hearty texture. The soup's velvety warmth balances the muffins' dense richness.
• Refresh with Crisp Citrus: Serve alongside a zesty lemon-cucumber sparkling water to cut through the muffins' richness. The bright, clean flavors provide a refreshing counterpoint to the dense, cheesy bite.
• Create a Green Salad Balance: Accompany the muffins with a light arugula salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. The peppery greens and tangy dressing will contrast beautifully with the muffins' creamy, substantial profile.
• Enhance with Protein Partner: Add a side of grilled chicken or sliced turkey to transform these muffins into a complete, satisfying meal. The lean protein complements the muffins' cheesy, vegetable-packed character.

Flavor Variations for Broccoli Cheddar Muffins

• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Add diced jalapeños and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the muffin batter for a zesty, hot flavor profile that elevates the classic broccoli cheddar combination.
• Mediterranean Herb Blend: Incorporate dried oregano, thyme, and a touch of sun-dried tomatoes to give the muffins a Mediterranean-inspired taste with a fragrant herbal essence.
• Bacon Crunch Edition: Mix crispy bacon bits into the batter and sprinkle extra bacon on top before baking, creating a savory muffin with added smoky crunch and depth of flavor.
• Whole Wheat Wellness: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to boost nutritional value and provide a nuttier, heartier texture to the muffins.

Broccoli Cheddar Muffins Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cheesy broccoli muffins bring comfort and nutrition to your breakfast or snack time. Packed with wholesome ingredients and sharp cheddar, these savory treats offer a delightful balance of flavors that will satisfy your hunger and delight your taste buds.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Cheeses:

• ½ cup (120 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup (120 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese

Seasonings and Dressing:

• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup (240 ml) Caesar dressing (creamy variety recommended)

Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating it to 375°F (190°C) and lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Create the Caesar coating by thoroughly combining Caesar dressing, grated Parmesan cheese, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder in a medium mixing bowl until ingredients are well incorporated.
3. Arrange chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are evenly spaced and not overlapping.
4. Pour the prepared Caesar mixture over the chicken breasts, using a spatula or brush to ensure each piece is completely and evenly coated with the flavorful marinade.
5. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook and absorb the rich Caesar flavors.
6. After the initial baking period, carefully remove the dish and generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over each chicken breast, covering them completely.
7. Return the dish to the oven and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, watching until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling layer and the chicken is fully cooked through.
8. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
9. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and added freshness before serving hot.

Notes

• Customize the muffins by adding crispy bacon bits or diced ham for extra protein and flavor.
• Store leftover muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating gently to maintain moisture.
• Use freshly grated cheddar cheese for the best melting texture and richer taste compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Chop broccoli into small, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution and consistent cooking throughout the muffins.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free baking mix.
• Serve warm as a delightful breakfast, quick snack, or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360 cal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 125 mg