Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper muffin liners.
- Cook the vegetables: If you prefer, you can lightly sauté the chopped bell peppers, onions, and spinach in a small amount of olive oil over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until softened. This step is optional but helps to enhance the flavors.
Step 2: Make the Muffin Batter
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano or thyme.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and olive oil until well combined.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add ham, cheese, and vegetables: Fold in the diced ham, shredded cheese, bell pepper, onion, spinach, and zucchini (if using). Mix until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 3: Bake the Muffins
- Scoop batter into muffin tin: Evenly divide the batter among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Sprinkle the tops with grated Parmesan cheese, if using.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Serve and Store
- Serve: Enjoy the muffins warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a savory snack.
- Store: Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm them in the microwave for about 30 seconds or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes.
Tips and Tricks
- Customize the fillings: Feel free to swap out the ham for cooked bacon, sausage, or a vegetarian alternative like mushrooms. You can also experiment with different vegetables and cheeses to suit your taste.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute the all-purpose and whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these muffins gluten-free.
- Make it ahead: These muffins are perfect for meal prep. Make a batch on the weekend and enjoy them throughout the week.
- Portion control: These muffins are great for portion control. Each muffin is a complete little meal, making them ideal for packed lunches or snacks.
Conclusion
Savory Vegetable and Ham Muffins are a versatile and delicious way to incorporate more veggies and protein into your diet. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, a quick snack, or packing them for lunch, these muffins are sure to satisfy your hunger and taste buds. Customize them with your favorite ingredients and enjoy this wholesome, tasty treat!
Feel free to adjust the recipe to suit your dietary needs and preferences. Enjoy making and eating these savory vegetable and ham muffins!