Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious and versatile mini egg muffins:
- Large Eggs (10): The star of the show, providing protein and structure. Use fresh, good-quality large eggs for the best flavour and texture.
- Milk (1/4 cup): Adds moisture and creaminess to the eggs. Whole milk, low-fat, or even unsweetened almond or soy milk work well.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavour of the eggs and vegetables. Adjust to your taste preference.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle touch of warmth and spice. Freshly ground black pepper offers the best flavour.
- Baby Spinach (1 cup, finely chopped): Packed with nutrients and wilts down nicely when baked. Ensure it’s chopped finely for even distribution.
- Red Bell Pepper (1/2 cup, finely diced): Provides sweetness, vibrant colour, and a good dose of Vitamin C. Dice it small so it cooks through evenly.
- Green Onions (1/4 cup, thinly sliced): Offer a mild onion flavour that complements the eggs and veggies. Use both the white and green parts.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1/2 cup): Adds savoury flavour and a lovely gooey texture. Mild, medium, or sharp cheddar all work beautifully. You can substitute with other meltable cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend.
- Optional: Cooked Bacon or Ham (1/4 cup, crumbled or diced): For added protein and a smoky, savoury flavour boost. Ensure it’s pre-cooked and chopped small.
- Cooking Spray or Olive Oil: Essential for greasing the mini muffin tin to prevent sticking.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to bake a perfect batch of Mini Egg Muffins with Veggies:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Thoroughly grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin with cooking spray or lightly brush each cup with olive oil. Don’t skip this step, as eggs are notorious for sticking!
- Whisk the Eggs: In a large bowl, crack the 10 large eggs. Add the 1/4 cup of milk, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Whisk everything together vigorously until the yolks and whites are fully combined and the mixture is slightly frothy. A good whisking incorporates air, leading to fluffier muffins. Using a bowl with a spout can make pouring easier later.
- Prepare the Veggies (and optional meat): Ensure all your vegetables (1 cup spinach, 1/2 cup red bell pepper, 1/4 cup green onions) are finely chopped or diced. This is crucial for mini muffins, as larger pieces might not cook through evenly and can overwhelm the small cups. If using optional bacon or ham, make sure it’s cooked and crumbled or diced small.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the finely chopped spinach, diced red bell pepper, sliced green onions, and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (and optional cooked meat, if using) directly into the whisked egg mixture. Gently stir everything together until the additions are evenly distributed throughout the eggs. Don’t overmix at this stage.
- Fill the Muffin Cups: Carefully pour or ladle the egg mixture into the prepared mini muffin cups. Fill each cup about three-quarters full. Avoid overfilling, as the eggs will puff up slightly during baking and could spill over. If you have leftover mixture, you can bake it in a separate small ramekin or save it for scrambled eggs.
- Bake: Place the mini muffin tin into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes. The exact time will depend on your oven. The muffins are done when they are set, puffed up, and slightly golden around the edges. A toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin should come out clean.
- Cool Slightly: Once baked, carefully remove the muffin tin from the oven. Let the mini egg muffins cool in the tin for about 5-10 minutes. They will deflate slightly as they cool – this is normal.
- Remove and Serve: Gently run a thin knife or a small offset spatula around the edge of each muffin to loosen it, then lift it out. Serve warm or allow them to cool completely for storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 55
- Protein: 4g