Cheddar muffins are small cakes made with cheddar cheese, flour, baking powder, eggs, milk, and oil. Other ingredients such as sugar, butter, spices, and salt are also commonly included in the muffins. Unlike most sweetly flavored or fruity muffins, cheddar muffins are usually eaten with savory foods like stew, soup, or casserole. In addition, the savory cakes are typically eaten as a dinner accompaniment, rather than as a dessert or breakfast food.
Other than shredded cheddar cheese, cheddar muffins usually consist of flour and other ingredients that are needed for baked goods, such as milk and eggs. Sugar can also be added to yield a slightly sweeter version of the muffin; however, many recipes include salt, butter, or spices instead. Diced bacon, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne can also be added for flavor. For spicier versions of the muffin, hot peppers or hot sauce can be included, as well.
After all of the ingredients are mixed together in a bowl, they are poured into oil-coated muffin tins and baked for 20 to 30 minutes or until the muffins have reached a light golden color. For cheesier muffins, shredded cheese can be added on top of the uncooked muffins before baking. After baking, the small cakes usually need to cool for at least 5 to 10 minutes before being served.
While cheddar muffins can be eaten by themselves as a snack, they are usually eaten with hot dinner foods, such as soup, vegetable or beef stew, casserole, or chili. They can be eaten alone or with melted butter or sauce, and many prefer to dip the muffins into soup or stew while eating them. Many individuals also enjoy eating the muffins with salad, pasta, baked beans, or porridge.
Although they are a commonly eaten during dinner, cheddar muffins can also be paired with breakfast foods such as eggs, bacon, sausage, and hash browns. They also work well as a substitute for biscuits, toast, or English muffins. They are usually more flavorful and rich than plain toast or biscuits, as well.
Cheddar muffins are a good source of calcium and carbohydrates, but they usually contain considerable fat. Depending on the ingredients used, they may also contain a significant amount of salt. Adding bacon, butter, extra salt, or more cheese to the muffins will typically make them more unhealthy. Those who are concerned about weight or caloric intake should monitor their quantities as these muffins tend to be high in calories.
