We have nothing against fluffy fruit-filled muffins that double as dessert. But when you need a protein-packed morning meal, a dinner side, or an hors d’oeuvre, you need a muffin that’s less sweet and more serious. Here’s our salute to savory characters that can handle the heavy lifting at mealtime.
1. Spinach Artichoke Corn Muffins: Honestly, whatever you use to scoop up spinach-artichoke dip is secondary (and not even a close second) to the awesomeness of the dip itself. So we decided to skip the middleman and bake all that goodness directly into these bite-sized mini muffins. (via Brit + Co.)
2. Jalapeño Cheddar Cheese Muffins: Unapologetically loaded with cheese and a spicy bite, these kick lightweight muffins to the curb. (via Joy the Baker)
3. Egg Muffins: Customize this brilliant breakfast based on what’s in your fridge, and you’ll basically have omelets you can eat on the go. (via Brit + Co.)
4. Muffins with Prosciutto and Chives: Don’t have time to bother with a bowl and spoon? Start your morning with cottage cheese (as well as prosciutto, chives, and Parmesan) in muffin form! (via The Kitchn)
5. Caprese Corn Muffin Sandwiches: This mashup of two classics – corn muffins and caprese salads – is the new star of brunch. (via Brit + Co.)
6. Savory Ham, Feta, and Basil Muffins: In case it wasn’t clear, these muffins are made with ham, feta, and fresh basil. They also contain tiny peas (surprise!) and are topped with toasted pumpkin seeds. (via The Café Sucré Farine)
7. Savoury British Muffins: Yep. It’s got feta and toasted pumpkin seeds again but then adds butternut squash and chilis to the equation. Bonus: It’s vegetarian. (via The Food I Eat)
8. Butter Garlic Shrimp and Cilantro Muffins: Shrimp? In a muffin? It sounds crazy, but why the heck not? Let’s go big shrimping with those carbs. (via Baker Street)
9. Savory Bacon Cheddar Muffins: It’s a muffin with bacon. That is all. (via The Stay at Home Chef)
10. Stuffin’ Muffin: This Thanksgiving-inspired vegan side gives you a taste of fall no matter what the weather’s like outside. (via Brit + Co.)
11. Whole Grain Zucchini Cheddar Muffins: Whole-wheat flour, veggies, and, yes, a little bit of cheese… we’re still calling it healthy. (via The Well Floured Kitchen)
12. Black Eyed Pea Corn Muffins: A recipe full of black-eyed peas? Let’s get it started. (via Brit + Co.)
13. Garlic and Sun-dried Tomato Corn Muffins: Sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of flavor to any recipe they’re in. This one starts with corn-muffin mix, meaning it’s super easy. (via Seeded at the Table)
14. Broccoli Cheddar and Sausage Egg Muffin Pull-A-Parts: Shortcut! Use refrigerator biscuits, and these little butter muffins will come out of the oven with that perfect pull-a-part texture. (via Picky Palate)
15. Soaked Quinoa Muffins: This wheat-free recipe is a great way to keep that snacking on the right side of healthy. (via Healthy Roots, Happy Soul)
16. Whole Wheat Sourdough English Muffins: Finally, a muffin that doesn’t require a muffin pan. Toasted English muffins are great with a little butter or with your fave sandwich fillings for breakfast or lunch. (via Bakeology by Lisa)
What are your fave savory flavors? Let us know in the comments!