Mediterranean Zucchini Cheddar Muffins Recipe
These Mediterranean-inspired zucchini cheddar muffins are savory, moist, and loaded with flavor. They combine fresh zucchini, sharp cheddar, and classic Mediterranean ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and herbs for a delicious snack, breakfast, or side dish.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12 muffins
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat for a heartier version)
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
2 large eggs
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup milk
1 1/2 cups grated zucchini (squeezed to remove excess moisture)
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (drained and patted dry)
1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives, chopped
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano.
Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the eggs, olive oil, Greek yogurt, and milk until smooth.
Combine: Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Fold in extras: Gently fold in the grated zucchini, cheddar cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and fresh herbs until evenly distributed.
Fill muffin tins: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling them about 3/4 full.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Zucchini Prep:
After grating the zucchini, make sure to squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Too much moisture can make the muffins dense or soggy.
Cheese Options:
While sharp cheddar works well, you can experiment with feta cheese for a more Mediterranean flavor. A blend of cheddar and feta also works nicely.
Add More Veggies:
You can include other Mediterranean vegetables like finely chopped red bell peppers or spinach for added texture and nutrients.
Baking Temperature:
Bake the muffins at 375°F (190°C) for a golden-brown crust and fluffy texture. This temperature ensures they cook evenly and develop a slightly crispy top.
Check for Doneness
Insert a toothpick or skewer in the center of a muffin.