Savory Sausage and Cheese Muffins

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Description:

These Savory Sausage and Cheese Muffins are the perfect savory snack or breakfast treat. Packed with hearty sausage, sharp cheddar cheese, and a hint of herbs, they offer a delicious, comforting alternative to sweet muffins. Whether you’re making them for breakfast on-the-go, a brunch spread, or a quick snack, these muffins are sure to satisfy your cravings. They’re simple to make, full of flavor, and best enjoyed warm, right out of the oven.

Ingredients:

  • For the Muffins:
  • 1 lb (450g) breakfast sausage (or any ground sausage of your choice)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives (optional, for added flavor)

Optional Ingredients:

  • For Extra Flavor:
  • 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for a salty, nutty flavor)
  • A handful of diced bell peppers or spinach for added veggies

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Sausage:
  • In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the sausage is browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat and set the sausage aside to cool slightly.
  1. Prepare the Muffin Batter:
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, thyme, and cayenne pepper (if using).
  • In another bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter until well combined.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  • Gently fold in the cooked sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and green onions (if using). The batter will be thick and slightly lumpy.
  1. Fill the Muffin Tin:
  • Spoon the muffin batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full. You should have enough batter for 12 muffins.
  • If desired, top each muffin with a sprinkle of additional shredded cheese or Parmesan cheese.
  1. Bake the Muffins:
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Remove from the oven and let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  1. Serve:
  • Serve these savory muffins warm, or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. They can also be frozen for up to a month. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Tips for Success:

  • Cook the Sausage First: Be sure to cook the sausage and let it cool slightly before adding it to the batter to avoid overcooking the muffins.
  • Don’t Overmix: Like with most muffin recipes, overmixing can make the muffins dense and tough. Stir the batter until just combined.
  • Add Extra Veggies: If you want to sneak in some extra veggies, try adding finely chopped spinach, bell peppers, or even zucchini to the batter for extra nutrition and flavor.
  • Make Ahead: These muffins are great for meal prep! You can bake them ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer for easy breakfasts or snacks.

Recommendations:

  • Pairing: Serve these muffins with a side of fresh fruit or a small salad for a complete breakfast or brunch.
  • Drink Pairing: A hot cup of coffee or an iced latte pairs perfectly with these savory muffins.
  • For a Spicy Kick: Add a dollop of hot sauce or a few slices of jalapeño inside the batter before baking for extra heat.

Nutrition (per muffin, assuming 12 muffins):

  • Calories: ~250-300 kcal
  • Protein: 10g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 17g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Calcium: 150mg (from cheese and buttermilk)
  • Iron: 2mg (from flour and sausage)

These savory muffins are rich and filling, providing a good amount of protein from the sausage and cheese, along with healthy fats from the butter. They’re a great breakfast or snack option that offers both flavor and energy to start the day. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can reduce the amount of cheese or sausage and replace some of the flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.

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