Easy Garlic Cheddar Cheese Muffins Recipe

Name: Easy Garlic Cheddar Cheese Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 tablespoon granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt; 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup whole milk; 1 large egg; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1/8 teaspoon onion powder; 1/8 teaspoon dried parsley

These Garlic Cheddar Cheese Muffins are the ultimate savory treat that will transform your dinner table in just 30 minutes! Packed with sharp cheddar cheese and topped with a mouthwatering garlic butter glaze, these tender, fluffy muffins strike the perfect balance between homemade comfort and gourmet flavor. They’re incredibly simple to make yet impressive enough to serve to guests—perfect for busy weeknights when you need something special alongside your favorite soup or stew.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Hassle-Free: From start to finish in just 30 minutes—perfect for those evenings when you want something homemade but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Incredibly Versatile: These muffins pair beautifully with practically everything—soups, salads, chili, or simply enjoyed on their own as a satisfying snack.
Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of sharp cheddar and garlic butter makes these irresistible to everyone. I’ve never met someone who didn’t ask for seconds!
Freezer-Friendly: Make a double batch and freeze half for later—you’ll thank yourself when you’re craving something homemade but short on time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All-purpose flour: The foundation of our muffins, providing structure while keeping them tender.
Granulated sugar: Just a touch to balance the savory flavors—don’t skip it!
Baking powder: The leavening agent that gives these muffins their beautiful rise.
Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the richness of the cheese.
Sharp cheddar cheese: The star of the show! Sharp cheddar provides the most flavor, but feel free to experiment.
Whole milk: Creates moistness and richness in the muffin crumb.
Egg: Acts as a binder and adds structure to the muffins.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness to both the batter and that incredible garlic topping.
Garlic powder: Provides that unmistakable garlic flavor without the harshness of fresh garlic.
Onion powder: Works with the garlic for a more complex savory profile.
Dried parsley: Adds a pop of color and subtle herbal note to the buttery topping.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Don’t be afraid to make these muffins your own! Here are some delicious ways to customize:

Cheese Variations: Swap the cheddar for pepper jack for a spicy kick, use smoked gouda for a deeper flavor, or try a mix of cheeses like cheddar and parmesan.
Add-ins: Fold in cooked crumbled bacon, diced ham, or jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.
Herb Infusions: Add fresh chopped herbs like chives, rosemary, or thyme to the batter for a garden-fresh twist.
Whole Wheat Option: Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for added nutrition and a slightly nuttier flavor.

How to Make Garlic Cheddar Cheese Muffins

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Thoroughly spray a muffin tin with baking spray and use a pastry brush to ensure an even coating—this prevents sticking and makes for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This aerates the mixture and ensures even distribution of the leavening agent.

Step 3: Add Cheese

Stir the shredded cheddar into the dry ingredients until evenly distributed. Coating the cheese in flour helps prevent it from sinking to the bottom of the muffins during baking.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and melted butter until smooth and well incorporated.

Step 5: Create the Batter

Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. The key is to mix only until there are no dry spots—overmixing will result in tough muffins.

Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups

Distribute the batter evenly among the muffin cups. They should be about ¾ full to allow room for rising.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Prepare Garlic Butter Topping

While the muffins bake, mix together the melted butter, garlic powder, salt, onion powder, and dried parsley.

Step 9: Apply the Finishing Touch

Brush the hot muffins generously with the garlic butter mixture immediately after removing them from the oven. Don’t be shy—use all of it for maximum flavor!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, make sure your milk and egg are at room temperature before mixing.
Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter just until ingredients are combined—overmixing activates the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough muffins.
Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting. For the best flavor and texture, grate your own.
Even Filling: Use an ice cream scoop to distribute the batter evenly between muffin cups for consistent baking.
Check Early: Ovens vary, so start checking for doneness around the 18-minute mark to avoid overbaking.

How to Serve

These muffins truly shine when served warm, with the garlic butter still fragrant and the cheese slightly gooey. Here are some perfect pairings:

Main Course Companion

Serve alongside hearty soups like tomato bisque or beef stew—the muffins are perfect for soaking up every last bit of broth.

Breakfast Addition

Pair with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a satisfying weekend breakfast that breaks the sweet muffin tradition.

Appetizer Star

Mini versions make excellent appetizers—just reduce the baking time to about 15 minutes for bite-sized treats.

Holiday Table Must-Have

These muffins make a wonderful alternative to dinner rolls at your holiday table, especially alongside roasted meats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store completely cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. The garlic butter topping helps keep them moist longer than typical muffins.

Freezing

These muffins freeze beautifully! Place cooled muffins in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag or container and store for up to 3 months.

Reheating

For the best texture when reheating, wrap muffins in foil and warm in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes, or microwave individual muffins for 20-30 seconds. For an extra touch of freshness, add a tiny bit more melted garlic butter after reheating.

FAQs

Can I make these muffins ahead of time for a dinner party?

Absolutely! You can either bake them earlier in the day and reheat briefly before serving, or prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it. If using refrigerated batter, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking, and you might need to add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

My family doesn’t like sharp cheddar. Can I use a different cheese?

Definitely! These muffins work beautifully with medium cheddar, colby jack, or even mozzarella if you prefer a milder flavor. For something different, try a combination of cheeses—half cheddar and half gruyère creates an amazing depth of flavor.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious. Add an extra egg to help with binding if your first attempt seems crumbly.

How can I tell when the muffins are perfectly done?

The muffins should be golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs (but no wet batter). Another test is to gently press the top—it should spring back rather than leave an indentation.

Final Thoughts

These Garlic Cheddar Cheese Muffins have become my go-to recipe whenever I need something quick, impressive, and universally loved. There’s something magical about the combination of sharp cheddar and garlic butter that elevates an ordinary meal to something special. The best part? They’re so simple that you’ll find yourself making them regularly, not just for special occasions. Whether paired with a weeknight soup or gracing your holiday table, these muffins bring warmth and comfort to any meal. I hope they become a beloved staple in your kitchen too!

Easy Garlic Cheddar Cheese Muffins Recipe

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Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins 1x
Category: Side-dishes
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

These Easy Garlic Cheddar Cheese Muffins are perfectly golden, cheesy, and packed with a buttery garlic topping. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these muffins make a delightful snack or side dish for any meal. They’re quick to prepare, loaded with sharp cheddar cheese, and bursting with savory flavor. A crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion!

Instructions

Prepare the Oven & Muffin Tin:
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray a muffin tin with baking spray and use a pastry brush to evenly coat the entire tin. Set it aside.
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and sea salt. This ensures an even distribution of the leavening for fluffy muffins.
Add the Cheese:
Stir the shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the flour mixture. Tossing the cheese with the dry ingredients prevents it from sinking to the bottom during baking.
Whisk the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter until fully combined.
Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture over the dry mixture. Stir everything together gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Fill the Muffin Tin:
Evenly divide the batter among the muffin tin sections. Fill each section to about three-quarters full.
Bake the Muffins:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Make the Garlic Topping:
While the muffins are baking, mix the melted butter, garlic powder, fine sea salt, onion powder, and dried parsley in a small bowl until well combined.
Brush on the Garlic Butter:
Once the muffins come out of the oven, immediately brush them generously with the garlic butter mixture while they are still hot. Use all of the butter for maximum flavor!
Serve Warm:
Remove the muffins from the tin and serve them warm. Enjoy the cheesy, buttery goodness!

Notes

Doubling this recipe is highly encouraged—these muffins will disappear quickly!
Experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere or Pepper Jack for a unique twist.
Add mix-ins like diced ham, crispy bacon, or jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.
These muffins freeze well—store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat before serving for best results.