Every once in a while, I bake a batch of savory whole wheat muffins studded with whatever vegetables I happen to have in my refrigerator that day. We have them with our evening tea and eat them at breakfast. As I write this, I also realize that I’ve never shared the recipe with you. My bad.
But don’t worry. I have the more indulgent version of those savory muffins. These cuties are have sharp cheddar cheese and spicy jalapeno peppers in them. Jalapeno and cheddar cheese is a classic combo, more commonly incorporated into corn muffins or corn bread. But I prefer the fluffy, slightly chewy texture of regular muffins and that’s what I decided to make this time.
If you think sweet muffins are amazing, just wait till you bake a batch of cheese muffins. It smells even amazing because of the cheese, and the jalapenos add an interesting touch. You will be hooked!
The Pioneer Woman is one of the best resources when it comes to recipes with a southern flair, and sure enough, she had a recipe for cheese muffins here. But that recipe had way too much cheese for my liking. I simply cut down on the amount of cheese used and added a couple of chopped jalapenos in the batter. Once the batter was filled in the pan, I topped each muffin cup with a round slice of jalapeno, which is a simple but delightful touch. It looks pretty and the baked jalapeno tastes heavenly when you bite into it.
This is a simple, straight-forward recipe like all muffin recipes usually are. You begin with the basic ingredients, wet and dry, and a bag of shredded cheese and some fresh jalapenos.
Mix them all together, fill up a baking pan and bake till golden.
The muffins are so fluffy and keep well for several days in the refrigerator.They are an excellent stand-in for the days when you suddenly crave a cheesy sandwich, but are too tired or lazy (or both) to actually make one. A couple of these muffins will take care of that!
JALAPENO CHEDDAR MUFFINS
You will need: (Makes 12 muffins)
- All purpose flour – 1 1/2 cups
- Sugar – 2 tsp
- Baking powder – 1 tbsp
- Salt – 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper powder – a pinch
- Shredded cheddar cheese – 1 1/2 cups (can use upto 3 cups)
- Egg – 1, large
- Yogurt – 1/2 cup
- Milk – 1/2 cup
- Vegetable oil – 1/4 cup (or use melted butter)
- Jalapenos – 3, large
How to:
- Pre-heat the oven to 375 deg.F and line a cupcake or muffin pan with liners. Set aside.
- Combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Add the cheese, reserving a couple of tablespoons to sprinkle on top of the muffins. Give a quick stir to mix it all up.
- Whisk together the wet ingredients in a small bowl and add to the dry ingredients. Mix till just combined.
- Remove the seeds and ribs of 2 jalapenos. Chop them finely and add to the batter. Mix to combine.
- Divide the muffin batter evenly in the cups. Sprinkle lightly with the reserved cheddar cheese on top. Slice a jalapeno into thin rounds and top each muffin cup with a slice of jalapeno.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or till muffins are puffed up and golden brown in color.
- Remove from oven and cool in pan for 5 minutes. Remove and cool on a wire rack. Serve muffins warm or at room temperature.
Notes:
- The liners may stick to the muffins if they are a bit warm, but come off cleanly once cooled.
- You can sprinkle a bit of red chili flakes or paprika powder in the batter if you like an extra spicy muffin. That would make an excellent side for a meal of soups and salads.
- You can use your favorite cheese in place of cheddar, but jalapenos and cheddar cheese make an amazing combo.
And there you have it. Golden, cheesy muffins with a spicy kick. You will especially love this if you are a fan of jalapenos.
Have you tried savory muffins? What is your favorite kind? Do share.
If you like what you see, please follow my blog via Email (button on the right), Facebook,Pinterest, Bloglovin’, Instagram and Twitter.
I am linking this up at these awesome blogs.
- A Blossoming Life
- Skip To My Lou
- Between Naps on the Porch
- Home Stories A To Z
- A Stroll Thru Life
- Cedar Hill Ranch
- Coastal Charm
- Elizabeth & Co
- Savvy Southern Style
- The NY Melrose Family
- The Turquoise Home
- Living Well Spending Less
- The Shabby Nest
- French Country Cottage
- My Romantic Home
- The Charm of Home
- Crafts a la Mode
- The Novice Gardener
- DIY Show Off
- Nifty Thrifty Things
- By Stephanie Lynn
Therese says
Does it matter what kind of yogurt? I just have plain Greek
Anjana @ At The Corner Of Happy And Harried says
You can use any plain yogurt, Greek or otherwise
lulu says
These will be on my table tonight. All I need is the jalapeño.
Jhuls says
These muffins are so savoury and delicious. How beautiful are those sliced jalapenos on top. 🙂
Anjana @ At The Corner Of Happy & Harried says
Thank you, Jhuls!
lapetitecasserole says
I found a jalapeño in my organic basket last week… I’m not that used to cook with it, so thanks a lot for sharing this recipe with us at FF…. these muffin cannot be wrong with cheddar!
Anjana @ At The Corner Of Happy & Harried says
Cheese muffins are always a winner, jalapeno just makes it better!
chilliandmint says
I am not a sweet muffin fab but these savoury beauties look like they are in a league of their own. Great post. Torie
Anjana @ At The Corner Of Happy & Harried says
Thank you, Torie. I love muffins in any form and these savory ones turned out really well 🙂
Sinfully Tempting says
I just showed these to the hubby, he can’t wait to try them. I know they will not last long in my house! 🙂
Anjana @ At The Corner Of Happy & Harried says
Thank you. I hope you guys try it!
sarahjmir says
delicious and pretty – I am going sub these out for cornbread next time I make chilli!
Anjana @ At The Corner Of Happy & Harried says
Ooh…everyone keeps mentioning chili. I really must make some and bake these muffins again!
kristen @ good habits and guilty pleasures says
I’ve recently gotten into Jalapenos and I have to admit, I really like them! I’m always trying to find new ways to use them and this looks delicious! Might add this to my rotation on chili night 🙂
Anjana @ At The Corner Of Happy & Harried says
Thank you, Kristen. This would be fab with chili!
Pallavi Goyal says
Hello Anjana Ma’am. Good Morning. These muffins look so savoury n delicious! Totally a different take on the sweet ones we usually make. I so want to bake them but the problem is that its hard to get the jalpenos at the stores in my city. Though cheese is easily available. Can you please suggest me something else that can be used in place of jalpenos in this recipe? Thanks. 🙂
Anjana @ At The Corner Of Happy & Harried says
Thank you so much for reaching out, Pallavi.
There are a couple of things you can do. You can omit the jalapenos entirely and make cheese muffins. You can add a pinch of red chili flakes for interest as well.
Jalapenos are crunchy with a slightly sweet flesh and spicy seeds and ribs. You cannot use regular Indian chilies because the muffins would be too spicy to eat. I am thinking you can try using the large Shimla mirch (the one used to make snacks). Add it after removing the seeds and ribs and chopping the flesh. I have never baked with it, it is something that just occurred to me. So let me know if you try it.
eclecticoddsnsods says
Oooh those sounds deliciously dangerous x
Anjana @ At The Corner Of Happy & Harried says
You are absolutely right about that 😉
eclecticoddsnsods says
lol x