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.

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

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!

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Muffins:

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

For the Garlic Topping:

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

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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.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 muffin
Calories: 240kcal
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 210mg
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 55mg