Savory Zucchini Muffins are a delightful twist on traditional muffins. Packed with grated zucchini, herbs, and cheese, these muffins make for a delicious and nutritious snack or side dish. They are perfect for brunch, picnics, or as an accompaniment to soups and salads. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and some tips to ensure your savory zucchini muffins turn out wonderfully flavorful.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium-sized zucchinis)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (spring onions)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini
- Wash and grate the zucchinis using a box grater. Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and squeeze out excess moisture. Set aside.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease the muffin cups.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, grated Parmesan cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped basil or parsley, chopped green onions, minced garlic, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, olive oil, and Greek yogurt (or sour cream) until well combined.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Step 6: Add Grated Zucchini
- Gently fold in the grated zucchini, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 7: Fill Muffin Cups
- Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, fill each muffin cup with the batter until they are about 3/4 full.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the muffins are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
- Allow the muffins to cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10: Enjoy!
- Serve the savory zucchini muffins as a tasty side dish or snack. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Perfect Savory Zucchini Muffins:
- Grate and Drain Zucchini: Grating and draining the zucchini helps remove excess moisture, preventing the muffins from becoming too soggy.
- Mix Sparingly: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix the batter. Mix until just combined to keep the muffins tender.
- Variations: Feel free to customize your muffins by adding ingredients like diced bell peppers, corn kernels, or cooked bacon bits for extra flavor and texture.
- Storage: Store leftover muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
- Serve with Dips: These muffins pair wonderfully with dips like tzatziki, hummus, or a simple yogurt-based dip.
Savory Zucchini Muffins are a delightful way to enjoy the bounty of summer zucchinis. They’re not only delicious but also a clever way to sneak some extra vegetables into your diet. Whether you’re enjoying them as a savory snack or a side dish, their cheesy, herby goodness will keep you coming back for more. So, whip up a batch of these muffins and savor the savory flavors they bring to your table.
