Cheddar and Scallion Savoury Muffins

Today’s bake has the look and texture of a muffin with the taste of a savoury scone. If, like me, you adore the heavenly flavour of cheese and onion, you’ll love these savoury muffins made with grated mature cheddar cheese and fresh chopped scallions (spring onions). They contain much less sugar than sweet muffins, and are suitable for vegetarians.

What’s not to like?

Servings

Makes 12 savoury muffins.

Timings

10 mins to prepare, 25 mins to bake at 160C.

You Will Need

255g plain flour
3 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3 tbsp caster sugar
60g mature cheddar cheese, grated, plus extra for topping
3 scallions, finely chopped.
1 egg
240ml milk
90ml vegetable oil

Method

Turn the oven on to 160C. Prepare a muffin tin or mould.
Sieve the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar into one bowl, and stir to mix. Add in the cheddar and scallions, stirring again to ensure the scallions are coated in the flour.
In a second bowl, combine the egg, milk and veg oil.
When the oven is up to temp, pour the contents of the second bowl into the first. Stir until fully combined, then spoon the mixture evenly into the tray or mould.
Place in the heated oven. After about 15 mins, take from the oven and sprinkle the grated cheese topping over each muffin. Place back in the oven for a further 10 mins, until risen and the cheese topping is lightly browned.
Place on a wire rack to cool, then enjoy!

Customise it!

Mature cheddar works well as it is strong tasting, but you can experiment with other cheeses if you wish. You could also include some nuts or seeds in the sprinkled topping.

I’ve been quietly pleased with how good these taste, and the fact they can be easily transported for picnics and as snacks on the go. This means I will probably be trying further variations on savoury muffins – I reckon on giving chilli a go, and possibly a vegemite option in honour of my recent Australian travels. Watch this space!

Music this week comes from the recent match-up between Manchester legends Liam Gallagher (Oasis) and John Squire (Stone Roses). I had downloaded their album and listened to it on my travels back from Australia. This is probably my favourite track, with the kind of 60’s British pop-influenced chorus you might expect from these two: Mars to Liverpool.