Zucchini Cheese Muffins

These zucchini cheese muffins are a delightful fusion of savory flavors with the moist texture of zucchini and the rich creaminess of cheese. Perfect for a quick snack or a delicious side dish, these muffins are both nutritious and satisfying. The zucchini provides a subtle sweetness and moisture that keeps the muffins light and tender. The Italian herbs add an aromatic twist, enhancing the overall taste profile. Olive pieces baked into the muffins offer little bursts of briny flavor, perfectly complementing the cheesy goodness. Versatile and easy to make, they can be enjoyed at breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Whether you serve them alongside a warm bowl of soup or enjoy them as a standalone snack, these muffins are sure to be a hit. Ideal for enhancing any meal or as a wonderful appetizer at gatherings. Light, tasty, and packed with flavor, they are a great addition to any recipe collection.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 250 g zucchini
• 200 g flour
• 60 g cheese
• 80 ml oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1.5 tsp baking powder
• Olives (for topping)

Spices:

• Italian seasoning

Preparation Time

Total time: 40 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) to ensure it's ready for baking.
2. If you're using a young zucchini with a soft skin and small seeds, simply wash it thoroughly. For larger, tougher zucchini, peel the skin and remove larger seeds to ensure a smooth texture.
3. Ensure you have 250 g of zucchini prepared after cleaning and peeling, if necessary.
4. Cut the zucchini into smaller pieces to facilitate blending.
5. Place the zucchini pieces in a blender along with 80 ml of oil and 1/2 tsp of salt.
6. Blend the mixture until it reaches a smooth and even consistency.
7. Transfer the blended zucchini mix to a large mixing bowl.
8. Add Italian spices to the bowl for extra flavor.
9. Grate the cheese and add it to the bowl, mixing it in thoroughly with the zucchini mixture.
10. Gradually add the flour and 1.5 tsp baking powder to the mix, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
11. Ensure the mixture is well combined, forming a thick batter.
12. Prepare your muffin tin by lightly greasing it or using paper liners.
13. Pour the batter into the muffin molds, filling each about two-thirds full.
14. Place an olive in the center of each muffin, gently pressing it in.
15. Arrange the muffin tray in the preheated oven.
16. Bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
17. After baking, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
18. These muffins can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
19. They are perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a substitute for bread in meals.
20. Bon appétit! Enjoy these delicious zucchini cheese muffins.

Tips

• **Use a mix of cheeses** for a richer flavor, such as mozzarella and cheddar.
• To make them healthier, you can substitute part of the flour with whole wheat flour.
• Feel free to add other ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes or chopped nuts for variety.
• **Ensure even mixing** of ingredients to avoid dense muffins.

Nutrition

Calories per serving: Approximately 150 kcal

• Protein: 4g
• Fats: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 12g

Variations

• For a vegan version, replace cheese with a vegan cheese alternative and use almond flour.
• For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these muffins with a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad.
• Pair them with a hearty soup for a complete meal.

Best Places

• Le Pain Quotidien - A charming spot for fresh bakery items. Location: 2815 M St NW, Washington, DC, USA.
• The Muffin Man Tea Shop - Known for its delightful muffins and teas. Location: 12 Wrights Ln, Kensington, London, UK.
• Muffin Break - Famous for a variety of freshly baked muffins. Location: Swanston St, Melbourne, Australia.
• Little Cupcake Bakeshop - Offers a wide array of cupcakes and muffins. Location: 30 Prince St, New York, NY, USA.
• Konditori - A Scandinavian-inspired bakery with delicious treats. Location: 11 Wall St, New York, NY, USA.
• Buddy’s Muffins - Known for its unique muffin flavors. Location: 57 High St, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
• Tatte Bakery & Cafe - Offers artisan breads and pastries. Location: 70 Charles St, Boston, MA, USA.
• The Muffin Bakery - Cozy location with a variety of baked goods. Location: 34 Rue Caumartin, Paris, France.
• Café Muffin - Offers a fusion of local and international muffins. Location: 23 Rue de la Montagne, Montreal, Canada.
• Bakery & Mill - Environmentally friendly bakery with a variety of options. Location: 19 Kalverstraat, Amsterdam, Netherlands.