Cheese muffins

Cheese Muffins - An explosion of flavor in every bite

Who can resist a fluffy and aromatic muffin, filled with delicious cheeses? These cheese muffins are a perfect choice for a quick breakfast, a savory snack, or even an appetizer during gatherings with friends. Each bite of muffin is a perfect combination of textures and flavors, and the recipe I will share with you is simple and accessible, even for those who do not have much experience in the kitchen. Let's venture into the world of cooking!

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

Necessary ingredients:
- 4 large eggs
- 5 tablespoons of oil (preferably sunflower or olive)
- 5 tablespoons of natural yogurt (can also be Greek yogurt)
- 60 g grated cheese
- 40 g grated Parmesan
- 100 g cow's telemea (or feta)
- 60 g sheep cheese
- 6-7 tablespoons of flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- a pinch of salt
- a pinch of pepper
- 2-3 tablespoons of chopped fresh dill (optional)

Nutritional information (per muffin, approximately):
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Protein: 6 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g

Preparing the muffins:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the cheeses are at room temperature for easier integration into the mixture. Grate the cheese, Parmesan, telemea, and sheep cheese using a fine grater.

2. Beat the eggs: In a large bowl, beat the eggs together with a pinch of salt, using a whisk or mixer. It is important to achieve a homogeneous foam, which will give the muffins a fluffy texture.

3. Add the oil and yogurt: Once the eggs are well mixed, add the oil and yogurt. Gently mix to combine the ingredients. The oil will make the muffins moister, while the yogurt adds a note of acidity that balances the taste of the cheeses.

4. Incorporating the cheeses: Now is the time to add the grated cheeses to the mixture. Add the cheese, Parmesan, telemea, and sheep cheese. Gently mix to distribute the cheeses evenly, but be careful not to overmix, to keep the muffins fluffy.

5. Sifting the flour: In another bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder, salt, and pepper. This step helps eliminate lumps and ensures a fine texture. Add the flour mixture to the wet composition, mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon until everything is well combined.

6. Adding the dill: Finally, sprinkle a little chopped fresh dill for an extra flavor. Dill pairs perfectly with cheeses and adds a note of freshness.

7. Preparing the muffin tray: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Prepare the muffin molds, either silicone or classic, lightly greasing them with oil or butter. Fill each mold with the prepared mixture, leaving about 1 cm of space at the top.

8. Baking the muffins: Place the muffin molds in a baking tray and put them in the preheated oven. Bake the muffins for 25 minutes or until they turn golden and pass the toothpick test. If the toothpick comes out clean, the muffins are ready!

9. Cooling and serving: Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the molds for 5-10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. These muffins are great served warm, but can also be enjoyed cold, making them ideal for a quick snack or picnic.

Serving suggestions: Cheese muffins are excellent alongside a cup of aromatic tea or coffee. They can be served on a platter with other snacks, such as olives, fresh vegetables, or a yogurt dip. You can also gently reheat them in the oven if you saved them for the next day, to restore their fluffy texture.

Variations and practical tips:
- You can experiment with different types of cheese: brie, gouda, or mozzarella for varied flavors.
- Add your favorite ingredients: olives, bell peppers, or even pieces of ham for a heartier muffin.
- If you want a healthier version, you can replace part of the oil with avocado or banana puree (in the case of sweet versions).
- Don't forget, it is important to check the muffins with a toothpick to ensure they are baked evenly.

Cheese muffins are not only a delicious option but also versatile, able to be adapted to your preferences. They are perfect for sharing with loved ones, making them a great choice for any occasion. So put on your apron and enjoy cooking!