25 May 2025
Cook time 30 min
Prep time 20 min
Ingredients:
1/4 cauliflower
1/4 cup self-raising flour
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1 cup milk (1% fat)
2 eggs
1/2 cup olive oil
1 cup cheddar cheese
1 cup scallions
1 tsp paprika
Cauliflower cheese muffins are a delightful and savory treat, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack. Packed with the goodness of cauliflower and the rich flavor of cheddar cheese, these muffins are both nutritious and delicious. They are easy to make and a great way to sneak some vegetables into your diet.
Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with muffin papers.
2. Prepare Cauliflower:
- Remove the leaves and stem from the cauliflower.
- Chop the cauliflower into small florets.
- Lightly steam or boil the cauliflower florets for about 5 minutes until tender. Alternatively, microwave the florets in a microwave-safe bowl with a little water for 3-4 minutes.
- Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-raising flour, ground nutmeg, and paprika.
- Mix well to distribute the spices evenly throughout the flour.
4. Prepare Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and olive oil until well combined.
5. Combine Ingredients:
- Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the grated cheddar cheese, chopped scallions, and cooked cauliflower florets. Ensure that the cauliflower is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Fill Muffin Tin:
- Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
7. Bake:
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the muffins are puffed and golden brown.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a muffin; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
8. Cool and Serve:
- Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips:
- Pre-cook the cauliflower: Steam or microwave the cauliflower until tender before adding it to the batter for a softer texture in your muffins.
- Use fresh scallions: Fresh scallions will add a nice crunch and a burst of flavor to your muffins.
- Experiment with cheese: Try using a mix of different cheeses like mozzarella or parmesan for a unique flavor profile.
- Add herbs: Consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or chives to enhance the flavor of the muffins.
- Grease the muffin pan: Ensure that you generously grease your muffin pan or use muffin liners to prevent sticking.
Cauliflower cheese muffins are a versatile and tasty treat that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. With their cheesy goodness and subtle hint of spice, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve them warm and enjoy the comforting flavors of this wonderful homemade delight.