Loaded with veggies and packed with flavor these savory vegetable muffins with cheese are perfect for breakfast or school lunches. They’re a great way to get extra veggies into your child's diet!
Thanks to Cabot Creamery for sponsoring this post. I only work with companies that I love and believe in. All opinions are my own.
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Savory Muffins with Vegetables
I am a huge fan of sweet muffins, but I also LOVE coming up with delicious ways to enjoy more vegetables with my family.
While I have plenty of veggie-loaded sweet muffins with no added sugar in my repertoire, like these beet muffins and carrot muffins, today I’ve brought you a savory muffin!
And if you're struggling to get your child to eat their vegetables, I hope these muffins will make you do a happy dance inside as you watch your child gobble them up!
You will also love how customizable this recipe is. You can use whatever vegetables you wish! And it's a great way to use up leftovers.
One of the key ingredients is cheese! Skip the pre-shredded cheese and reach for a high-quality block of cheese, like award-winning Cabot Creamery, aka my FAVORITE cheddar cheese for 7+ years!
Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but I think freshly grated cheese simply tastes better. You will most definitely taste the difference in these muffins.
Cheese also makes for a great addition to these 5 minute lunch or dinner snack tray ideas!
Ingredients
I am highlighting just the ones that need further explanation. The complete list is in the recipe card below.
- Vegetables - I like to use broccoli, bell pepper, and carrots but feel free to use different vegetables.
- White whole wheat flour - it has the same nutritional content as whole wheat flour but is milder tasting and paler in color. See FAQ section below for substitutions.
- Milk and yogurt - Use whole milk for best texture. Babies and toddlers also need the extra fat for optimal brain development.
- Cheese - Sharp cheddar cheese will work best!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the vegetables first and set aside to cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all the wet ingredients. Add the vegetables and combine.
- Add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
5. Divide the muffin batter evenly into a 12-cup muffin tray and bake!
6. Allow the muffins to cool for several minutes then transfer to a wire rack
Substitutions
- Gluten-free? Use a 1:1 gluten free flour. Almond flour will not work.
- Dairy-free? Use any plant-based Greek style yogurt and milk (e.g. unsweetened almond milk)
- Egg-free? In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of flaxseed meal (ground flaxseed) and 6 tablespoons of warm water. Allow the mixture to sit for 8-10 minutes until thickened like gel-like consistency.
Tips for Success
- Finely chop the vegetables. I like to use this mini manual food processor.
- Cook the vegetables first so they have a chance to cool. And don't skip this step! It not only eliminates the need for squeezing out the vegetables but also imparts tremendous flavor to the muffins.
- Use a spoon to scoop the flour into the measuring cup rather than scooping the flour out of the container or bag with your measuring cup. Using the latter method, you could end up with a lot more than what you need.
- Use high-quality cheese for best flavor! And grate it yourself as mentioned above.
- If baking for your baby, you can use less cheese to reduce the sodium.
- Do NOT over mix the batter. Stir until everything is just combined. It is supposed to be thick and lumpy.
- Be sure to grease your muffin pan or use muffin liners. I personally love to use this silicone muffin pan as it eliminates the need for both.
Storage
Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Microwave briefly (no more than 30 seconds otherwise will get soggy).
or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to store and freeze muffins.
Frequently Asked Questions
I don't recommend it as the muffins will turn out more dense and also darker in color. The best whole grain substitute is spelt flour or oat flour.
You can also use 1 cup all purpose flour and ¾ cup whole wheat flour. 1:1 gluten free flour is an option too!
I like the combination of broccoli, red bell peppers, and carrots, but truly any veggies will work! Try adding spinach, corn, sweet potatoes, peas, cauliflower, zucchini...and yes, you can use frozen vegetables as well!
Absolutely! These are packed with protein, healthy fat, fiber, and lots of veggies. Moist in texture, your baby will easily be able to pick up a muffin and eat (even without teeth!). You can also bake in a mini muffin tin.
If you are concerned about the sodium content, you can add less cheese.
More Baby and Kid-friendly Muffins
Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating below and let me know how you liked the recipe! Your feedback means so much to me!
Savory Vegetable Muffins
Equipment
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 cup finely chopped broccoli (80g)
- ½ cup finely chopped carrots (65g)
- ½ cup finely chopped red bell pepper (60g)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup plain whole milk Greek yogurt (115g)
- ½ cup milk of choice
- 2 eggs, beaten
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (75g)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups white whole wheat flour (245g)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cook the vegetables first. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in skillet over medium heat. Add vegetables and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add seasonings and stir to incorporate. Set aside to cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all the wet ingredients. Add the vegetables and combine.
- Add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Be careful not to over mix. Use a spatula (instead of a whisk) to gently stir together. The less you stir the mixture, the lighter and fluffier your muffins will be. Note that the batter will be thick.
- Divide batter evenly into a greased, lined or silicone 12-cup muffin pan. Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the inserted toothpick comes out clean. Allow the muffins to cool for 3-5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Take all the cold ingredients out of the refrigerator at least 15 minutes prior to cooking - milk, yogurt, eggs
- Use a spoon to scoop the flour into the measuring cup rather than scooping the flour out of the container or bag with your measuring cup.
- See FAQ section above for best substitute for white whole wheat flour.
- Do NOT over mix the batter. Stir until everything is just combined. It is supposed to be thick and lumpy.
Rose says
My son loves these. Can I substitute nutritional yeast for the cheese? If so, how much should I use?
Thanks!
Min says
Haven't tried but I don't see why not! I would start with 1/4 cup and add more to taste next time
Jenny says
These are amazing! They are savory and flavorful. I did my own mix of vegetables, totaling up to the 2 cups called for, because I didn't have exactly what is on the recipe - carrots, zucchini, red pepper, and spinach. I otherwise followed the recipe as written. My toddler happily ate his half a muffin with his dinner, and I gladly ate mine 😉 They are especially delicious warm with a smear of butter, but I'm eating a cold one right now and it's still super yummy!
Min says
You just reminded me to bake some this week :). Thank you for trying out so many of my recipes and taking the time to leave a review! They are all so encouraging and motivates me to keep on sharing!
Luci says
This is my favorite recipe! I make sure to double the recipe to store so I can eat whenever I want. Honestly these muffins are so tasty and they somehow remind me of the Korean chips (saewooggang) for some reason.
I’ve tried different combinations of veggies and they were all tasty.
Thank you Min for a great recipe!
Min says
You know you are actually not the first person who's told me this haha! I'm so glad you love these muffins as much as we do!!
Kniessl says
These were delicious! Both my 7 month old and I enjoyed it. Definitely a keeper recipe!
Min says
I'm so glad! And a delicious way to get more veggies in, right? 🙂
Chrissy says
Hi Min, can’t wait to try another one of your recipes. Do you think these can hold up to other veggies. I have some leek and mushroom on hand, and Gruyère that’s now sounding quite decadent! Also for when i do use bell peppers, is it necessary to peel them? (My son is 13 months.)
Thank you!
Min says
I think it will work! No need to peel just finely chop ;). Let me know how they turn out! mmmm....gruyere....
Morgan says
Just made these for lunch for my littles. They both loved them, even the picky one ha! I love how easy, healthy and simple your recipes are, thank you!
Min says
YAY!!! That is most definitely my goal!
Hannah says
Is it okay to use 2 cups unbleached all purpose flour
Min says
Yes!
Neha says
Can I use rolled oats to make flour for these muffins?
Min says
The texture will be a bit denser but will work!
Mari says
Would there be a way I can use kefir instead of Greek yogurt? I usually buy the kefir since I use it for the blueberry muffin recipe you made (we enjoy those! Thank you!).
Ele says
These are one of my son's favourite muffins. A good quality or strong tasting cheese will definitely make these muffins taste even better. I use aged cheedar. I love these muffins myself they are so so delicious. Very easy to make aswell and freeze great.
lisa says
Such a great recipe! I have been looking for a healthy, portable snack for my 1 year old and these are perfect!
Min says
Yay!! Enjoy!
Ashley says
I took your sage advice and bought a silicone muffin pan- I’m so thankful to not be scrubbing a muffin pan after making these! The flavor of these is great. I was looking for something besides a fruit/fruit filled muffin to give my 13 month old for snacks- love that these are giving her a savory flavor to enjoy along with yummy veggies. Excellent recipe! 💛
Min says
Yay! I love my muffin pan too!! So happy to hear that you guys are enjoying this recipe 😉
SANHA says
Can can I use whole milk plain yogurt instead? We don't buy Greek yogurt often. We mostly just buy the whole milk plain yogurt for our son from stoneyfield
Min says
Sure!
Elena says
This blog is fantastic.
These recipes are suitable not only for children, but also for adults seeking healthy and new options that are never boring.
Keep up the great work!
🌺
Min says
Your words are so encouraging!! Thank you so much for being here and for your support!