Ham and Cheese Muffins

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’re going to fall head over heels for these Ham and Cheese Muffins for so many reasons. First off, they’re incredibly simple to make. Even if you’re a novice in the kitchen, you’ll whip up a batch of these savory delights with ease.

Secondly, they are the ultimate in versatile convenience. Imagine waking up, grabbing a warm, homemade muffin, and heading out the door. These Ham and Cheese Muffins make that dream a reality, providing a wholesome and satisfying start to your day without any fuss.

Furthermore, they are a fantastic way to use up those lingering bits of cheese and smoked turkey breast in your fridge. You get a delightful combination of flavors and textures in every bite: the fluffy, tender muffin base, the salty kick from the smoked turkey, and the irresistible melty goodness of cheddar cheese. These aren’t just breakfast muffins; they serve beautifully as a quick snack, a light lunch, or even an accompaniment to a bowl of soup.

Everyone always asks for the recipe for these flavorful Ham and Cheese Muffins—they truly are that good. They prove that savory muffins can be just as exciting, if not more so, than their sweet counterparts.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating these delectable Ham and Cheese Muffins requires a few basic pantry staples and fresh ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the readily available components. You’ll find everything you need to whip up a batch of these savory muffins right at your local grocery store. For this recipe, I opt for smoked turkey breast, which gives a fantastic flavor profile that complements the cheese beautifully.

Substitutions & Variations

One of the best things about these Ham and Cheese Muffins is how adaptable they are. You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your taste, dietary needs, or whatever you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make these savory muffins truly your own!

* Meat Alternatives: While my recipe uses smoked turkey breast for a lovely, savory depth, you can absolutely try other cooked meats. Cooked chicken breast, crumbled beef sausage, or even finely diced pastrami can work wonders. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option for these Ham and Cheese Muffins, simply omit the meat entirely or substitute it with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.

* Cheese Choices: Cheddar is a classic for a reason, melting beautifully and offering a sharp, familiar taste. However, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Gruyere will lend a nutty, sophisticated flavor, while Monterey Jack offers a milder, creamier melt.

A blend of mozzarella and provolone could also be fantastic. For a touch of spice, add a pinch of pepper jack!
* Flour Power: While all-purpose flour works perfectly, you can experiment with half whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.

Just remember that whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid, so you might need to add an extra tablespoon or two of milk to achieve the right batter consistency for your Ham and Cheese Muffins.
* Add-Ins Galore: Elevate your Ham and Cheese Muffins with extra vegetables. Finely diced bell peppers, sautéed onions, corn kernels, or a handful of fresh herbs like chives or parsley would be delightful additions.

Just be sure to dice them small so they distribute evenly and cook through within the muffin. For an extra kick, a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce in the batter can add a nice warmth.
* Sweet and Savory: For a slightly different twist on Ham and Cheese Muffins, consider adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the wet ingredients. This enhances the savory notes and pairs wonderfully with the turkey and cheese.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making these delightful Ham and Cheese Muffins is straightforward and enjoyable. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of warm, savory muffins ready in no time. Precision matters, but don’t stress—it’s mostly about mixing and baking!

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Then, line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it thoroughly.

This step ensures your Ham and Cheese Muffins won’t stick and will release easily.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, salt, and black pepper.

Make sure these dry ingredients are well combined to ensure even leavening throughout your muffins.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, lightly beat the two large eggs.

Then, whisk in the milk and the melted butter until everything is smoothly incorporated. This liquid mixture forms the foundation of your moist Ham and Cheese Muffins.
4.

Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix just until the flour mixture is moistened. A few lumps are perfectly fine!

Overmixing will lead to tough muffins, and we want tender, fluffy Ham and Cheese Muffins.
5. Fold in the Savory Goodness: Gently fold in the diced smoked turkey breast, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions (if using).

Distribute these delicious additions evenly throughout the batter.
6. Fill Muffin Tin: Divide the batter evenly among the 12 prepared muffin cups.

An ice cream scoop works great for this, ensuring consistent sizes for your Ham and Cheese Muffins. Fill each cup about two-thirds full.
7.

Bake: Place the muffin tin into your preheated oven. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The tops should spring back when lightly touched.

8. Cool: Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Then, transfer the Ham and Cheese Muffins to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bottoms from getting soggy.

Pro Tips for Success

Achieving the perfect batch of Ham and Cheese Muffins is simple when you know a few tricks of the trade. These tips will help you bake consistently delicious, tender, and flavorful savory muffins every time.

* Do Not Overmix: This is perhaps the most crucial rule for any muffin recipe. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in dense, tough muffins. Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined; a few small lumps are perfectly acceptable and even desirable for a tender crumb.

This ensures your Ham and Cheese Muffins stay light and fluffy.
* Room Temperature Ingredients: Eggs and milk at room temperature incorporate more smoothly into the batter. This creates a more uniform emulsion, leading to a better texture in your finished Ham and Cheese Muffins.

* Measure Flour Correctly: Use the “spoon and level” method. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup, then level it off with a straight edge (like the back of a knife). Scooping directly from the bag can compact the flour, leading to too much flour and a dry, dense muffin.

* High Heat Start (Optional): Some bakers like to start muffins at a higher temperature (e.g., 425°F/220°C) for the first 5 minutes, then reduce it to the specified temperature for the remainder of the baking time. This initial burst of heat helps the muffins rise quickly, creating those desirable domed tops on your Ham and Cheese Muffins.
* Evenly Distributed Mix-Ins: When folding in the smoked turkey and cheese, make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

This ensures every bite of your Ham and Cheese Muffins has a great balance of flavors.
* Don’t Overfill Muffin Cups: Fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full. Overfilling can cause the muffins to spill over the sides, creating a messy bake and potentially unevenly cooked muffins.

* Use Good Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your Ham and Cheese Muffins heavily relies on the quality of your smoked turkey and cheese. Choose flavorful, fresh ingredients for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Tips

These Ham and Cheese Muffins are so delicious, they rarely last long! However, if you do find yourself with leftovers, proper storage and reheating will ensure they remain just as tasty as when they first came out of the oven. You’ll want to preserve that perfect texture and flavor for as long as possible.

* Room Temperature Storage: Once completely cooled, store your Ham and Cheese Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. Make sure they are completely cool before storing to prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.
* Refrigerator Storage: For longer freshness, store the cooled Ham and Cheese Muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

This is particularly good if your kitchen is warm.
* Freezing for Later: These savory muffins freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour until solid.

Then, transfer the frozen Ham and Cheese Muffins to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Freezing them individually first prevents them from sticking together.

* Reheating from Refrigerated: To reheat refrigerated Ham and Cheese Muffins, pop them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.

* Reheating from Frozen: When reheating from frozen, you can microwave them for 45-60 seconds, or for a crispier exterior, reheat them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. The oven method works best for restoring that freshly baked taste and texture to your frozen Ham and Cheese Muffins.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Ham and Cheese Muffins are incredibly versatile and can fit into almost any mealtime, from a quick breakfast to a light dinner. Their savory profile makes them an excellent companion to a variety of dishes. You’ll find they pair wonderfully with both sweet and savory sides.

* Breakfast & Brunch: For a complete breakfast, serve these savory muffins alongside a fresh fruit salad or a bowl of creamy Greek yogurt. A hot cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of fresh orange juice makes a perfect beverage pairing. They are also fantastic with scrambled eggs or a simple fried egg for a more substantial meal.

Imagine the perfect brunch spread with these delightful Ham and Cheese Muffins as the star!
* Lunch: These muffins make a fantastic light lunch on their own, perhaps with a side of crisp green salad tossed with a vinaigrette. They’re also great packed in a lunchbox with some raw veggies like carrot sticks or cucumber slices.

A cup of tomato soup or a creamy broccoli cheddar soup would also be a superb match for the savory goodness of these Ham and Cheese Muffins.
* Snacks: Need a quick pick-me-up? A single Ham and Cheese Muffin is a satisfying and flavorful snack that will tide you over until your next meal.

* Dinner Side: While usually a breakfast item, these savory muffins can surprisingly complement certain dinner dishes. Think alongside a light chicken dish, a simple roast, or even a hearty chili. Their bready texture and savory flavor work well as a dinner roll alternative.

FAQs

These Ham and Cheese Muffins are straightforward to make, but a few common questions often pop up. Here are some answers to ensure your baking experience is smooth and successful.

Can I make these Ham and Cheese Muffins gluten-free?

Yes, you can absolutely make gluten-free Ham and Cheese Muffins! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Most blends contain xanthan gum, so you won’t need to add it separately. The rest of the ingredients and instructions will remain the same, giving you delicious gluten-free savory muffins.

What kind of cheese is best for Ham and Cheese Muffins?

Cheddar cheese is my go-to for these Ham and Cheese Muffins because it melts beautifully and offers a robust, tangy flavor that complements the smoked turkey well. However, you can experiment with other semi-hard cheeses like Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a sharp provolone. A mix of cheeses can also create a more complex flavor profile for your savory muffins.

Can I add vegetables to these savory muffins?

Absolutely! Adding vegetables is a fantastic way to boost the flavor and nutrition of your Ham and Cheese Muffins. Finely diced bell peppers, sautéed onions, spinach (make sure to squeeze out excess water), or corn kernels are all excellent additions. Aim for about 1/2 cup of finely diced vegetables so they don’t overload the muffin and cook thoroughly.

Why are my Ham and Cheese Muffins dry or tough?

The most common reasons for dry or tough Ham and Cheese Muffins are overmixing the batter or using too much flour. When mixing, stop as soon as the dry ingredients are just moistened; lumps are fine. Also, ensure you measure your flour correctly using the “spoon and level” method to avoid adding excess flour, which can lead to a dense, dry texture.

Can I prepare the batter in advance?

It’s generally best to bake Ham and Cheese Muffins right after mixing the batter. Letting the batter sit for too long can cause the baking powder to lose its potency, resulting in muffins that don’t rise as well. However, you can prep your dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately and dice your smoked turkey and cheese in advance. Then, combine everything just before baking.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Enjoying these delicious Ham and Cheese Muffins also means being mindful of their nutritional value. This information provides an estimate per serving, assuming 12 muffins per batch. Please note that these values can vary based on specific brands and exact measurements used. These savory muffins provide a good source of protein and some carbohydrates, making them a satisfying meal or snack.

Ham and Cheese Muffins

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• Author: Jordan
• Total Time: 40 mins
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free option available

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Description

These Ham and Cheese Muffins are a savory revelation, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or lunch. Featuring a fluffy texture and gooey cheese, they’re quick to make and customizable with various ingredients.

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Ingredients

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2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup smoked turkey breast, diced
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons green onions, thinly sliced (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a muffin ti
2. In one bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients
3. In another bowl, lightly beat the eggs and whisk in the milk and melted butter
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing until just moistened
5. Gently fold in the turkey, cheese, and green onions
6. Divide the batter into the muffin tin and bake for 18-22 minutes until golde

Notes

For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.

• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 18-22 mins
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 muffin
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg