Caramelised onion muffins

Caramelised onion muffins blend sweet, golden onions with fresh thyme, creating a savoury treat perfect for breakfast or snacks. This easy recipe involves caramelising onions before mixing them into a simple batter for baking.

22 Jan 2026
Cook time 20 min
Prep time 30 min

Ingredients:

1/3 cup butter
2 onions
1 tbsp fresh thyme
2 cups self-raising flour
1.25 cups milk (1% fat)
1 egg
1 tsp salt
Caramelised onion muffins

Caramelised onion muffins are a savory and flavorful twist on traditional muffins, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack. These muffins combine sweet, caramelized onions with the earthy aroma of fresh thyme, providing a deliciously unique taste experience. Follow this recipe to make these delightful treats at home.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the tin.
2. Caramelize the Onions:
- Peel and thinly slice the onions.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become golden brown and caramelized. This will take about 20-25 minutes. If the onions start to stick, lower the heat and add a splash of water.
- Stir in the fresh thyme leaves and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and let the onion mixture cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the self-raising flour and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the egg and then whisk in the milk until well combined.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix; it's okay if the batter is a bit lumpy.
4. Combine and Fill:
- Gently fold the caramelized onion mixture into the batter until evenly distributed.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
5. Bake:
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean and the tops are golden brown.
6. Cool:
- Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Serve:
- Enjoy the caramelized onion muffins warm or at room temperature. They make a great savory snack or side dish!

With their golden-brown tops and tender, savory interiors, these caramelised onion muffins are sure to become a household favorite. Serve them warm with a pat of butter, or enjoy them on their own. Whether for a special occasion or a regular day, these muffins will add a gourmet touch to your table.

Caramelised onion muffins FAQ:

How do I know when the caramelized onion muffins are done baking?

The muffins are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the tops are golden brown. This typically takes about 20-25 minutes at 375°F (190°C).

Can I substitute the self-raising flour in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute self-raising flour with all-purpose flour and add 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt for each cup of flour used.

What is the best way to store leftover caramelized onion muffins?

Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

What can I use instead of fresh thyme in the recipe?

Dried thyme can be used as a substitute; use about one-third of the amount of fresh thyme. Alternatively, other herbs like rosemary or parsley may work, depending on your flavor preference.

How do I avoid overmixing the batter?

To avoid overmixing, gently stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. It's okay if the batter is a bit lumpy; this will help create a lighter texture.

Tips:

- Ensure the onions are thoroughly caramelized.: Cooking the onions slowly over medium-low heat allows them to develop a deep, rich flavor. This process can take about 20-25 minutes.

- Use fresh thyme for the best flavor.: Fresh thyme adds a vibrant, aromatic quality that dried thyme cannot quite match.

- Don't overmix the batter.: Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can result in dense muffins.

- Preheat the oven.: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 180°C (350°F) before baking to achieve the perfect rise and texture.

- Use good quality butter and milk.: High-quality ingredients can significantly impact the flavor and texture of your muffins.

Nutrition per serving

12 Servings
Calories 160kcal
Protein 4.63g
Carbohydrates 22g
Fiber 1.27g
Sugar 2.42g
Fat 6g

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