Italian Muffins
These savory Italian muffins combine cheese, herbs, and onions for a flavorful snack or breakfast that pairs well with salads or soups. Perfect for entertaining or quick bites.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup cornmeal ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups flour ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 cup cubed Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 cup yogurt or sour cream ⓘ
- 1/2 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. Ricotta cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix the dry ingredients: cornmeal, flour, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: eggs, yogurt or sour cream, vegetable oil, and milk.
- Combine the dry and wet ingredients until just moistened.
- Fold in the chopped onion and cubed mozzarella cheese.
- Fill greased muffin cups two-thirds full with the batter.
- Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before removing from muffin tin and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra kick, consider adding some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives to the batter. You can substitute the ricotta cheese with cottage cheese for a lighter version. If you're out of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano works well too. Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the muffins light and fluffy, similar to the airy texture found in Italian stuffed pasta shells.
Serving Suggestions
These Italian muffins are perfect as a brunch dish or a savory snack. Serve them warm alongside a fresh salad or pair them with a bowl of tomato soup for a comforting meal. They also make a great accompaniment to Italian recipes like macaroni and cheese (Italian style) or can be enjoyed with a spread of pesto.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, simply pop them in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm them in a toaster oven until heated through, ensuring they remain soft.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Muffins contains roughly 250 calories, with 5g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is a good source of calcium (14% of the Daily Value), iron (13% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 678mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a gentle stir before baking. Alternatively, you can bake the muffins ahead of time and reheat them as needed to enjoy fresh flavors.
What can I substitute for the Mozzarella cheese?
If you don't have Mozzarella, you can use any mild cheese like provolone or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the cheese melts well to maintain the muffin's texture.
Are these muffins suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! These muffins freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or microwave for a quick warm-up.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).