Name: Cheese & Garlic Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted); 1 cup milk; 1 large egg; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional)

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Imagine biting into a warm, fluffy muffin that surprises you with a burst of savory cheese and the irresistible aroma of garlic—these Cheese & Garlic Muffins are just that kind of magic! Golden on top and tender on the inside, they’re the perfect answer when you want a crowd-pleasing snack, a comforting companion to soup, or a quick, savory breakfast. Whether you’re hosting brunch or just craving something fresh from the oven, these muffins are guaranteed to be a hit with cheese lovers and garlic fans alike.

Cheese & Garlic Muffins Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s keep things simple yet flavorful! Every ingredient here is chosen to bring out the very best in these muffins. From the sharp cheeses to the soft herbs, each component adds its own character—making these hard to resist.

All-purpose flour: Forms the backbone with a sturdy, tender crumb that holds all the cheesy goodness together.
Baking powder: Lifts the muffins, creating a beautiful rise and those classic golden tops.
Salt: Brings out the natural flavors of the cheese and enhances the overall taste.
Garlic powder: Delivers delicious garlic flavor in every bite without the harshness of raw garlic.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle, peppery warmth that complements the cheeses perfectly.
Unsalted butter (melted): Gives the muffins rich flavor and irresistible moistness.
Milk: Loosens up the batter, making it smooth and helping to achieve a tender crumb.
Large egg: Binds everything together while adding a slight richness.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The star ingredient—melts into pockets of gooey deliciousness throughout.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty depth that pairs beautifully with cheddar and garlic.
Chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional): A pop of color and a fresh, herby aroma—perfect if you love a bit of green.

How to Make Cheese & Garlic Muffins

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each cup—this makes cleanup a breeze and ensures your muffins pop right out.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. This simple step helps distribute the leavening evenly, so every muffin rises beautifully. Plus, your kitchen will already start to smell amazing from that garlic powder!

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, and egg until smooth. This little emulsification ensures that your muffins turn out perfectly moist instead of dry or crumbly.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet mixture gently into the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, stir them together until just combined—don’t stress about a few lumps! Overmixing can make muffins tough, and we’re all about tender Cheese & Garlic Muffins here.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Herbs

Fold in the cheddar, Parmesan, and fresh herbs (if using). This is where the magic happens: specks of green and strands of cheese dispersed in every bite. Resist the urge to over-mix; just combine until everything looks even.

Step 6: Fill and Bake

Divide your batter evenly among the muffin cups, aiming to fill each about 3/4 full for perfectly domed muffins. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick comes out clean. The aroma will let you know they’re ready long before your timer goes off!

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This quick rest helps set the crumb and makes the muffins easy to handle—though it’s hard not to sneak a warm one right away.

How to Serve Cheese & Garlic Muffins

Garnishes

For that extra touch of gourmet, sprinkle your Cheese & Garlic Muffins with a little extra shredded cheddar or grated Parmesan right after baking. A few fresh chives or parsley leaves on top also offer a burst of freshness and a pop of color that makes them look bakery-quality.

Side Dishes

Cheese & Garlic Muffins are wonderfully versatile! Pair them with a bowl of tomato soup, a crunchy green salad, or a hearty chili. They also make a fantastic side with scrambled eggs or a cozy breakfast platter when you want something other than toast.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, serve the muffins on a wooden board with small bowls of flavored butters (garlic-chive or sun-dried tomato are favorites). Or split them in half, toast lightly, and fill with slices of ham or roasted veggies for a memorable brunch sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Cheese & Garlic Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you live in a warmer climate, a day on the counter is best, then transfer them to the fridge to stay fresher longer.

Freezing

These muffins freeze beautifully! Once fully cooled, place them in a single layer in a resealable bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to two months—just grab one or two as needed for an instant pick-me-up.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop a muffin in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm in a low oven (300°F/150°C) for about 8 minutes. The cheese will get melty again and the muffin’s crumb will taste freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Bread

Absolutely! Swap in Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a spicier twist. Just keep the total cheese amount about the same for best results.

What if I don’t have garlic powder?

If you’re out of garlic powder, try finely mincing one fresh garlic clove and sautéing it gently in the melted butter for a minute before adding to your wet ingredients. This will infuse the muffins with a warm, mellow garlic kick.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. Check your baking powder to be sure it’s gluten-free as well.

How do I keep Cheese & Garlic Muffins from getting tough?

The key is gentle mixing! Once you add the wet and dry ingredients together, stir only until just combined. Overmixing develops too much gluten and can make muffins dense and rubbery.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely! These muffins are popular and disappear fast, so doubling is a smart move. Just use two muffin pans and rotate them halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.

Final Thoughts

I hope you love these Cheese & Garlic Muffins as much as we do in my kitchen. They offer quick comfort food with a savory twist and are perfect for sharing—if you can resist eating them all yourself! Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they become your favorite go-to recipe for any occasion.

Cheese & Garlic Muffins Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Cheese & Garlic Muffins are a delightful savory treat that pairs perfectly with soups, salads, or enjoyed on their own as a snack. Packed with sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheese, these muffins are bursting with flavor and make for a satisfying snack any time of day.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Wet Ingredients:

1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
1 cup milk
1 large egg

Add-Ins:

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a muffin tin with liners or by greasing lightly.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter, milk, and egg until well combined.
Mix the batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Fold in the cheeses and herbs if using.
Bake: Divide the batter into muffin cups and bake for 18–20 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.