Cheese Muffins

Savory Muffins with Cheese and Olives

Get ready to indulge your taste buds with these cheese and olive muffins, an amazing combination of textures and flavors that will bring joy to your table. These muffins are not only delicious but also very easy to make, perfect for any occasion: from a quick breakfast to a savory snack between meals or even as an appetizer at a party.

In their early days, muffins were considered quite a simple dish, but over time, they have transformed into delicacies appreciated worldwide. Their versatility allows for the addition of a variety of ingredients, from sweet to savory, and cheese and olive muffins are a perfect example of this diversity.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 12 muffins

Ingredients

- 200 g flour
- 200 ml milk
- 2 eggs
- 3 tablespoons oil (preferably olive oil for a more intense flavor)
- ½ packet of baking powder (about 7 g)
- 200 g cheese (choose a quality cheese that melts well)
- 100 g olives (black or green, according to preference)
- salt (to taste)

Necessary Utensils

- Large bowl
- Mixer or whisk
- Grater
- Muffin tin
- Muffin liners
- Wooden spoon or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the cheese is at room temperature so it grates more easily. Also, cut the olives in half or quarters to distribute them evenly in the mixture.

2. Beating the eggs
In a large bowl, add the two eggs and a pinch of salt. Use a mixer or whisk to beat them well until they become frothy and slightly lighter in color. This step is essential for achieving fluffy muffins.

3. Adding the oil and milk
Gradually add the 3 tablespoons of oil and 200 ml of milk, continuing to mix. The oil adds moisture, while the milk contributes to the fluffy texture.

4. Incorporating the dry ingredients
Sift 200 g of flour and ½ packet of baking powder together, then gradually add them to the bowl with the egg mixture. Mix with a spatula or wooden spoon, just until the ingredients are combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent dense muffins.

5. Adding the cheese and olives
Grate 150 g of cheese and add it to the mixture, keeping the remaining 50 g for decoration. Then, add the chopped olives and gently mix so they are evenly distributed.

6. Preparing the muffin tin
Line the muffin tin with muffin liners. If you don’t have liners, you can grease each cavity with a little oil to prevent sticking.

7. Filling the tin
Using a spoon or ladle, pour the mixture into the muffin molds, filling them about 2/3 full. This will allow them to rise without overflowing.

8. Decorating
On each muffin, add a slice of the remaining cheese and a few olives for an appetizing look.

9. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the muffins for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden and pass the toothpick test (insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; if it comes out clean, they are done).

10. Cooling and serving
After taking them out of the oven, let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack. These muffins are delicious both warm and at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions

These cheese and olive muffins are excellent served alongside a fresh salad or as an appetizer at a party. You can accompany them with a garlic yogurt sauce or a spicy tomato sauce for an extra flavor boost.

Possible Variations

Feel free to experiment with other ingredients! You can add:

- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Fresh herbs (thyme, basil, or dill)
- Vegetables (bell peppers or green onions)
- Different types of cheese (feta or mozzarella)

Nutritional Benefits

These cheese muffins are rich in protein due to the eggs and cheese, while the olives provide a healthy amount of monounsaturated fats. They are an excellent choice for a quick energy boost, making them ideal for breakfast or a snack. In total, each muffin contains about 200 calories, depending on the specific ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can replace white flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but the texture may be slightly different.

2. How can I store the muffins?
The muffins can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for a week.

3. Can I freeze the muffins?
Absolutely! The muffins can be frozen in an airtight container. When you want to eat them, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven to restore their fluffy texture.

In conclusion, these cheese and olive muffins are the perfect choice to bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. With a little effort and simple ingredients, you will create an exceptional dish, full of flavor and color. So, start cooking and enjoy every bite!