Mediterranean Mozzarella & Spinach Mini Muffins
These Mediterranean Mozzarella & Spinach Mini Muffins are soft, cheesy, and full of savory flavor. They combine the earthy taste of spinach, the mild richness of mozzarella, and the subtle sweetness of tomatoes in every bite. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or party platters, they’re light yet satisfying and travel well for lunchboxes or picnics. Made with olive oil instead of butter, they capture the heart-healthy essence of Mediterranean cooking while staying moist and tender.
Total Time:
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 18–20 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Ingredients
¾ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 egg
½ cup milk
¼ cup olive oil
½ cup chopped spinach (fresh or thawed frozen, well-drained)
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup diced tomato (fresh or sun-dried)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preheat the oven:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup mini muffin tin or line it with paper liners.
Mix dry ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Prepare wet mixture:
In a separate bowl, beat the egg, milk, and olive oil until smooth.
Combine:
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix.
Add mix-ins:
Fold in the chopped spinach, mozzarella cheese, and diced tomatoes. The batter should be thick but scoopable.
Fill the muffin tin:
Spoon the batter evenly into the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
Bake:
Place in the oven and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the muffins are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and serve:
Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips
Don’t overmix:
Mix the batter just until the ingredients come together. Overmixing makes the muffins dense instead of fluffy.
Drain spinach well:
If using frozen spinach, squeeze out as much liquid as possible to prevent sogginess.
Use quality olive oil:
A good extra-virgin olive oil adds a subtle richness that complements the Mediterranean flavors.
Cheese options:
Shredded mozzarella melts smoothly, but adding a bit of feta or Parmesan boosts flavor depth.
Keep an eye on baking time:
Mini muffins bake fast. Check them at the 18-minute mark to avoid drying out.
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5. Reheat briefly in the oven or air fryer.
Variations
Mediterranean Trio:
Add a tablespoon of chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes for extra tang.
Cheesy Upgrade:
Mix mozzarella with crumbled feta for a salty contrast.
Spicy Kick:
Add a pinch of chili flakes or a small chopped jalapeño for mild heat.
Herb Boost:
Stir in dried oregano, basil, or thyme for more Mediterranean aroma.
Whole-Grain Version:
Replace half the flour with whole-wheat flour or oat flour for extra fiber and a nutty flavor.
Mini Loaf Option:
Pour the batter into a small loaf pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–28 minutes. Slice and serve warm.
Q&A Section
Q1: Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Bake them, let cool, and store in an airtight container. Reheat before serving for a fresh-from-the-oven texture.
Q2: Can I freeze them?
Absolutely. Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10 minutes.
Q3: Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes. Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Q4: Can I use different cheeses?
Definitely. Try cheddar, provolone, or goat cheese for a flavor twist.
Q5: How do I make them fluffier?
Make sure your baking powder is fresh and don’t overmix the batter—those two details make all the difference.
Nutrition Breakdown
(Approximate per mini muffin – makes 12)
Calories: 95
Protein: 3.5g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fat: 6g
Fiber: 0.5g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 120mg
Values vary slightly depending on cheese type and olive oil brand.
Conclusion
These Mediterranean Mozzarella & Spinach Mini Muffins are bite-sized bursts of flavor that blend wholesome ingredients with the bright, savory spirit of Mediterranean cooking. They’re easy to make, versatile enough for any meal, and delicious warm or cold. Whether served as a snack, side, or light breakfast, they’re a healthy, flavorful way to bring a little Mediterranean comfort to your table.