Wisconsin Cheddar Bacon Chive Muffins
Indulge in a delightful twist on traditional muffins with these Wisconsin Cheddar Bacon Chive Muffins. Brimming with the savory flavors of crispy bacon and fresh chives, and elevated by rich, creamy cheddar cheese, these muffins are perfect for breakfast on the go or as a delicious accompaniment to your favorite soup or salad. This recipe highlights the farm-fresh ingredients and artisanal cheese that Wisconsin is renowned for, making every bite a taste of the Midwest. Whether you're hosting a brunch or packing lunches, these muffins will satisfy any appetite.
12
Servings
200
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
bacon
4 slices (thickly sliced and cooked until crisp)
butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
fresh chives
1/4 cup (minced)
all-purpose flour
2 cups (none)
baking powder
2 teaspoons (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
sugar
2 tablespoons (none)
eggs
2 (beaten)
milk
1 cup (none)
cheddar cheese
1 cup (shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a muffin tin by spraying it with vegetable oil spray or lining it with muffin liners.
2
Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat, let cool, and crumble into small pieces. Set aside.
3
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and stir in the minced chives. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
4
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until fully combined.
5
Add the cooled butter and chive mixture, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese to the egg mixture, stirring until evenly distributed.
6
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Stir the dry ingredients together until thoroughly mixed.
7
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
8
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full. An ice cream scooper works great for portioning.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the muffin tops are lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10
Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
10
Fat
22.5
Carbs
6
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Wisconsin Cheddar Bacon Chive Muffins?
They are a savory twist on traditional muffins featuring crispy bacon, fresh chives, and rich Wisconsin cheddar cheese.
What type of cheese is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for shredded cheddar cheese, preferably a rich and creamy Wisconsin variety for authentic flavor.
How many muffins does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to make 12 muffins.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How should the bacon be prepared for the muffin batter?
The bacon should be thickly sliced, cooked in a skillet until crispy, cooled, and then crumbled into small pieces.
Can I use dried chives instead of fresh chives?
While fresh chives are recommended for the best flavor, you can use dried chives, though you may need to adjust the quantity as dried herbs are more concentrated.
What is the purpose of adding sugar to a savory muffin recipe?
The two tablespoons of sugar help with the browning of the muffin tops and provide a subtle balance to the salty bacon and cheese flavors.
How do I prevent the muffins from sticking to the tin?
You can either spray the muffin tin with vegetable oil spray or use paper muffin liners.
How long do these muffins need to bake?
Bake the muffins for 20 to 25 minutes until the tops are lightly browned.
What is the best way to portion the batter into the tin?
An ice cream scooper works great for filling each muffin cup about two-thirds full.
How many calories are in each Wisconsin Cheddar Bacon Chive Muffin?
Each muffin contains approximately 200 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 10 grams of fat per muffin.
How much protein is in each muffin?
Each muffin provides 6 grams of protein.
What are the total carbohydrates per muffin?
There are 22.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Why should I avoid overmixing the muffin batter?
Overmixing can lead to tough muffins; it is better to leave a few lumps in the batter to ensure a tender texture.
Should the butter and chive mixture be hot when added to the eggs?
No, you should allow the melted butter and chive mixture to cool to room temperature before stirring it into the egg and milk mixture.
Can I serve these muffins with other dishes?
Yes, they are an excellent accompaniment to soups, salads, or served as part of a brunch spread.
How do I know if the muffins are fully cooked?
The muffins are done when a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
How long should the muffins cool in the tin?
Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack.
What category of food does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized as a Quick Bread.
How much flour is needed for this recipe?
You will need 2 cups of all-purpose flour.
What kind of milk should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of milk; you can use whole, 2%, or skim milk depending on your preference.
Are these muffins suitable for breakfast?
Yes, they are perfect for breakfast on the go or a leisurely weekend brunch.
What ingredients provide the 'Wisconsin' flair?
The use of artisanal cheddar cheese and farm-fresh ingredients like milk and eggs highlights Wisconsin's culinary heritage.
Is baking powder used in this recipe?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of baking powder are used as a leavening agent.
Can I store these muffins for later?
Yes, once completely cooled, they can be stored in an airtight container.
What is the preparation for the chives?
The fresh chives should be finely minced before being added to the melted butter.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Can I use a different type of bacon?
While thick-sliced bacon is recommended for its texture, any crispy cooked bacon will work.
What should I do with the butter after melting it?
After melting the butter and adding the chives, remove it from the heat and let it cool before mixing it with the wet ingredients.