Loaded with Cheese, Olives, Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Roasted Peppers
These Mediterranean Savory Muffins are soft, slightly crusty, and packed with bold Mediterranean flavors—think tangy feta, sharp olives, roasted peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich cheese base.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a grab-and-go snack, these muffins offer a taste of the Med in every bite—and they’re ready in under an hour!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- 🧀 Cheesy Goodness: Cheddar and feta deliver both melt and crumble.
- 🍅 Sun-Dried Tomato Pop: Adds depth, saltiness, and color to every muffin.
- 🫒 Olives & Roasted Peppers: Brings a savory, salty-sweet balance.
- ⏱️ Quick Mix & Bake: No kneading, no rising time—just stir, scoop, and bake!
- 🎉 Great for Sharing: Ideal at potlucks, school lunches, or family dinners.
Ingredients (Makes 12 muffins):
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda (or substitute with extra baking powder if needed)
- ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup (250ml) milk (dairy or plant-based like almond or oat milk)
- ¼ cup (60g) sour cream or plain yogurt (for richness and tenderness)
- ¼ cup (60ml) vegetable oil (or olive oil for stronger Mediterranean flavor)
- 1 clove garlic , minced (or ½ tsp garlic powder for milder taste)
Add-Ins:
- 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella, Gouda, or vegan cheese)
- ¾ cup (75g) crumbled feta cheese
- ½ cup green olive slices (pitted – add more if you love briny bites)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomato strips (oil-packed or rehydrated dried ones work well)
- ½ cup roasted red peppers , drained and chopped (jarred or homemade)
- ½ cup green onions , sliced (adds freshness and mild onion flavor)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Grease Tin
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) or 160°C fan (320°F) .
Generously grease a 12-cup standard muffin tin with butter or oil spray.
Set aside while mixing ingredients.
Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In one bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
This ensures even rise and distribution of leavening agents.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk:
- Egg
- Milk
- Sour cream or yogurt
- Oil
- Minced garlic
Mix until smooth and fully combined.
Step 4: Mix Wet into Dry
Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients.
Stir gently just 8 times —this light mixing helps keep the muffins tender and moist.
Tip: Don’t overmix—it’s the secret to soft, bakery-style texture!
Step 5: Fold in Mediterranean Add-Ins
Gently fold in:
- Cheddar cheese
- Feta
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Roasted peppers
- Green onions
- Olives
Use no more than 7 big stirs to combine everything without overworking the batter.
Step 6: Scoop & Fill the Muffin Tin
Using a spoon or ice cream scooper , divide the thick batter evenly among the greased muffin cups.
Fill each cup slightly mounded —they will rise and puff during baking.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25 minutes , or until the tops are golden brown and firm to the touch.
They should spring back when lightly pressed and smell rich and warm.
Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes , then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Step 8: Serve Warm & Flavorful
Enjoy warm for best flavor experience.
Pair with:
- A dollop of hummus or tzatziki
- A side salad or Greek yogurt dip
- Or on their own—they’re that good!
Each bite brings together:
- Silky cheese swirls
- Tangy feta crumbles
- Sweet-salty sun-dried tomatoes
- And that classic Mediterranean charm
Tips for Success:
- 🥣 Don’t Overmix: Keeps the texture soft and prevents toughness.
- 🧈 Room-Temp Egg & Dairy: Ensures smoother blending and better rise.
- 🌱 Make It Vegan: Use plant-based cheese, flax egg, and non-dairy yogurt/milk.
- 🧄 Garlic Boost: Add a bit of garlic powder or roasted garlic paste for extra zing.
- ❄️ Freezer-Friendly: Cool completely and freeze in a single layer—reheat in toaster oven.
Serving Suggestions:
- Perfect for breakfast, lunch boxes, or afternoon tea.
- Great with coffee, herbal tea, or a glass of white wine.
- Ideal as part of a mezze platter or picnic spread.
Nutritional Information (per muffin, makes 12 servings – approximate):
(With regular cheese and oil – per muffin)
- Calories: ~220 kcal
- Protein: ~7g
- Carbohydrates: ~15g
- Fat: ~14g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Sugar: ~3g
These Mediterranean Savory Muffins prove that muffins aren’t just for sweet too! With their cheesy core, vibrant toppings, and soft crumb—they’re a must-bake for lovers of Mediterranean cuisine.
