RecipeMuffinAmerican CuisineSous-Chef45 Min Prep

Savory Broccoli & Cheese Muffins: From-Scratch Masterclass

Ah, the humble savory muffin.

So often relegated to the bakery case as an afterthought, a lonely sentinel next to the towering croissants and artful danishes.

But *we* know better, don't we? At Paisley Coffeehouse & Eatery, we've elevated the savory muffin to an art form.

Our Broccoli & Cheese muffin isn't just a quick breakfast; it's a warm, comforting hug, a burst of cheesy, vegetal goodness that starts your day with a smile.

Forget those dry, crumbly excuses for muffins you find elsewhere.

We're talking about a moist, tender crumb, studded with vibrant green broccoli florets and pockets of molten cheddar.

The aroma alone, a symphony of toasted cheese and freshly baked bread, is enough to make even the most ardent sweet-tooth reconsider.

This isn't a 'dump and stir' kind of recipe.

We're building flavor from the ground up, starting with our signature muffin base, infusing it with the subtle bitterness of broccoli, and then, of course, the sharp, tangy delight of cheddar.

Think of it as a miniature quiche, without all the fuss of a crust. The secret? It's all in the technique.

Perfectly steamed broccoli that retains its vibrant color and a touch of bite.

A well-balanced batter that's not too sweet, not too savory, but *just right*. And cheddar?

We use a blend of aged and sharp, because life's too short for bland cheese. Today, we're sharing our secrets.

Our method. Our passion. We'll walk you through every step, from proofing the yeast to the final golden-brown bake.

So, preheat your oven, sharpen your knives, and let's embark on a savory adventure.

Trust us, once you've tasted a truly great homemade broccoli and cheese muffin, you'll never look at a bakery case the same way again.

We always say, a good muffin can change the world...or at least your morning.

SweetSaltySourBitterUmami

Taste Profile

Ingredients

11 items
12Servings

Total Time

30m

12

Steamed Broccoli

15 min
Ingredients
  • 2 cup Broccoli Florets
  • 2 cup Water
  • 0.25 tsp Salt
Instructions
  1. 1

    Bring the water and salt to a boil in a saucepan with a steamer basket. The salt helps to enhance the broccoli's natural flavor. We always say, season every component!

  2. 2

    Place the broccoli florets in the steamer basket and cover. Steam for 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is bright green and slightly tender-crisp. Keep an eye on it; we want it cooked but not mushy. We're looking for that perfect al dente texture, just like pasta!

  3. 3

    Remove the broccoli from the steamer basket and immediately transfer it to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve its vibrant green color. Drain well before adding it to the muffin batter.

Main Recipe

01

Prepare the Muffin Tin

Alright, let's get started! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with butter or line it with paper liners. We prefer butterthat slight caramelization on the edges? *chef's kiss*. It adds a subtle nutty depth.

02

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure to really aerate the flour, we want a light and fluffy muffin, not a brick!

03

Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter. The buttermilk is key here, it adds that signature tang and keeps the muffins incredibly moist.

04

Combine Wet and Dry

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold until *just* combined. Remember our cardinal rule: NO overmixing! A few streaks of flour are okay; they'll disappear during baking. Its like a zen garden, you want to disturb it as little as possible.

05

Add Broccoli and Cheese

Gently fold in the steamed broccoli, cheddar cheese, and chives. Distribute evenly throughout the batter, we don't want anyone getting a muffin with no cheese!

06

Fill Muffin Tin

Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full. Don't overfill, or you'll end up with muffin tops that overflow onto the pan. Unless you WANT that, then go wild! We're not judging.

07

Bake

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The muffins should be golden brown and springy to the touch. That golden brown color is your friend; it means delicious Maillard reaction is happening, which equals flavor!

08

Cool and Serve

Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm and enjoy! The first bite is always the best, that moment when the cheese stretches and the broccoli gives way to the soft muffin crumb... pure bliss.

Try These Variations

Spicy Jalapeño Cheddar

Add a kick with diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese.

  • Add 2 tbsp diced jalapeños to the batter.
  • Substitute half of the cheddar cheese with pepper jack cheese.

Ham & Swiss

A classic combination, perfect for a heartier muffin.

  • Add 1/2 cup diced ham to the batter.
  • Substitute cheddar cheese with swiss cheese.
From the Kitchen

Chef's Notes

Wisdom

1Don't overmix the batter! Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough muffin. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.

2Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter and better rise.

3A toothpick inserted into the center of the muffin should come out clean when they're done.

Pitfalls

1Overbaking: Overbaked muffins are dry and crumbly. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking.

2Using cold butter: Cold butter will make it difficult to cream with the sugar, resulting in a lumpy batter.

Equipment Needed

Muffin tinMixing bowlsSteamer basketWhiskRubber spatula

Origin Story

Savory muffins gained popularity in the late 20th century as a versatile and convenient option for breakfast and snacks. They offer a delightful alternative to sweet muffins, incorporating a wide array of savory ingredients.

Did you know?

Did you know the term 'muffin' is believed to have originated from the Old French word 'moufflet,' meaning soft bread?

Perfect Pairings

  • Tomato Soup
  • Side Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
  • Cup of coffee or tea
  • Fresh fruit salad

Inspired by Westdale

This recipe captures the essence of Paisley Coffeehouse & Eatery in Hamilton. Authenticity isn't just about ingredients; it's about place.

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