Save to Pinterest Spinach and feta breakfast muffins are my reliable answer for busy mornings or group brunches. Packed with fresh greens and tangy cheese, these muffins are satisfying on their own or alongside a cup of coffee. They are simple to whip up and freeze beautifully, making them a staple for meal prep enthusiasts.
My family first tried these muffins on a camping trip where oven space was tight and everyone raved. Now I make a double batch on Sunday nights for quick weekday breakfasts.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: gives a sturdy base so muffins rise well and stay tender. Always choose unbleached for better flavor
- Baking powder: provides essential lift for a light crumb. Use fresh baking powder for best results
- Salt: sharpens the savory notes and brings out all the flavors
- Cooked spinach: adds color and big nutrition. Squeeze it dry for muffins that do not get soggy
- Crumbled feta: brings tangy richness. Try to buy a block and crumble it yourself for freshest taste
- Eggs: bind everything together and add moisture. Farm fresh makes the muffins fluffier
- Milk: smooths the batter and keeps it moist. Whole milk works best for richness
- Olive oil: adds healthy fat and a subtle herbal note. Extra-virgin olive oil makes a difference here
- Chopped fresh dill: brightens every bite with an herby punch. Snip from your garden if you can
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and let it heat fully. This ensures the muffins rise quickly and evenly
- Prepare Muffin Tin:
- Lightly grease a muffin tin or use parchment liners. A well-prepped tin guarantees easy release and perfect muffin edges
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- Combine your all-purpose flour baking powder and salt in a large bowl. Whisk thoroughly so the leavener and salt distribute evenly
- Whisk Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl beat the eggs milk and olive oil together until completely combined and slightly frothy. This helps introduce air for extra tenderness
- Combine Spinach and Feta:
- Add the squeezed dry cooked spinach crumbled feta and fresh dill to the wet mixture. Stir gently so spinach is well separated and cheese distributes
- Make the Batter:
- Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Gently fold together with a spatula just until no dry flour remains. Do not overmix or the muffins will be tough
- Fill Muffin Tin:
- Divide the batter evenly among your prepared muffin cups filling each about three quarters full. A large scoop makes portioning fast and tidy
- Bake:
- Place in the center of the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Muffins are ready when the tops are golden and a toothpick comes out clean
- Cool and Serve:
- Let muffins cool in the tin for five minutes then transfer to a wire rack. Eat warm or let cool completely and store for later
Save to Pinterest My favorite part of this recipe is using fresh spring dill from my garden I remember the first warm morning in May when my daughter helped pick dill sprigs tiny toes in the dew and both our hands perfumed with herbs While we stirred them into the batter she asked if we could make these for her birthday every year
Storage Tips
Store cooled muffins in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. For even longer storage wrap individually and freeze for up to three months. Reheat straight from the freezer in the microwave or toaster oven until just warmed through. These taste freshest if enjoyed within a week of baking.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap feta for goat cheese or even ricotta for a milder flavor. Frozen spinach works well year round as long as you squeeze out all excess liquid. If dill is not in season try fresh parsley or basil for a different aromatic note. Use whole wheat flour for a nutty taste and heftier nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm muffins with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of olive oil for brunch. These pair well with tomato salad especially when summer tomatoes are at their peak. For a bigger breakfast serve with scrambled eggs and smoked salmon on the side. They travel easily so make great road trip snacks too.
Cultural and Historical Context
Feta cheese and fresh herbs are classic ingredients in Greek cuisine and these muffins echo the flavors of spanakopita without the need for filo pastry. Savory breakfast breads are found across the Mediterranean often baked to use up leftover greens and cheese. This recipe works as a modern portable version of those ancient traditions.
Seasonal Adaptations
Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of tangy flavor in fall Use baby kale or chard in place of spinach during summer and late fall Swap dill with chives in early spring for a milder herbal accent
Success Stories
When my friend’s twins started preschool she made these muffins weekly for quick breakfasts and their lunchboxes always came home empty. Another reader shared that her teenage son began baking them for his own meal prep and got hooked on cooking.
Freezer Meal Conversion
These muffins are an absolute win for freezer meal planners. Bake a double batch let them cool completely then wrap tightly in foil and freeze. To reheat microwave a muffin for about a minute or pop in a low oven until hot and steamy. They taste just as good as fresh and save time on the busiest mornings.
Save to Pinterest Once you get the hang of these muffins you can make them entirely your own. Each season brings new herbs and possible vegetable combinations and there is a special satisfaction in seeing a basket of homemade muffins on the breakfast table especially when shared with good company.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, thawed frozen spinach works well. Be sure to squeeze out excess moisture for best texture.
- → What herbs pair best with feta muffins?
Dill is classic, but parsley, chives, or oregano also complement the savory flavors beautifully.
- → How do I store leftover muffins?
Keep muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- → Can I add other ingredients for variety?
Absolutely! Sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or roasted peppers add depth and variety to the savory muffins.
- → Are these muffins suitable for freezing?
Yes, cool the muffins thoroughly before freezing. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick meal.
- → What is the best way to serve these muffins?
Enjoy them warm or at room temperature, paired with fresh fruit, salad, or your favorite hot beverage.