Spring Brunch Savory Breakfast Muffins

Name: Spring Brunch Savory Breakfast Muffins
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 muffins
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup milk; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 cup grated zucchini; 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes; 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Highlighted under: Holiday Table Creations

I love starting my spring weekends with these Savory Breakfast Muffins. They are perfect for brunch gatherings, offering a delightful blend of flavors with every bite. The fresh herbs and seasonal vegetables transform ordinary muffins into something extraordinary. Plus, they're easy to whip up, making them an ideal choice for those lazy Sunday mornings when you want to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to make them part of your regular brunch rotation!

Created by

Autumn Pierce

Last updated on 2026-02-23T21:20:48.112Z

During one of our recent brunches, I wanted to try something different, so I decided to experiment with muffin recipes. I found that the secret to a moist and flavorful muffin lies in incorporating a mix of fresh vegetables and herbs. Using seasonal ingredients not only enhances the flavor but also makes them visually appealing. My friends couldn’t resist going for seconds!

I also discovered that allowing the batter to rest briefly before baking results in a better texture. The flavors meld together beautifully, and the muffins rise perfectly, giving them a lovely dome shape. These muffins are now a staple in our home, especially when spring rolls around!

Why You'll Love These Muffins
Bursting with fresh flavors from seasonal veggies and herbs
Perfectly moist with a lovely texture that’s not too dense
Great as a make-ahead option for easy brunch entertaining

The Importance of Fresh Ingredients

Using fresh, high-quality vegetables and herbs is key to the success of these savory muffins. Ingredients like zucchini not only add moisture but also a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall flavor. When selecting zucchini, look for firm, dark green skin without blemishes. Sun-dried tomatoes bring a burst of acidity and richness, so opt for those packed in oil for added depth in taste. Fresh basil should smell aromatic and vibrant; it can significantly elevate the dish’s freshness.

When incorporating these fresh ingredients, be attentive to their moisture content. Excess moisture from the zucchini may lead to muffins that are too wet, causing them to fall flat. To mitigate this, you can grate the zucchini, sprinkle it with a bit of salt, let it sit for about 10 minutes, and then squeeze out the excess liquid before mixing it into the batter.

Techniques for Muffin Perfection

Achieving that ideal muffin texture requires a gentle hand during the mixing process. Overmixing can result in tough muffins due to the gluten development in the flour. When combining wet and dry ingredients, stir until just combined, even if you notice a few floury bits. This minimal mixing allows the muffins to rise beautifully without losing their tender crumb. Watching for a golden-brown color on the tops and edges is also a solid indicator that they are done.

For even baking, make sure to fill each muffin cup evenly. Ideally, the batter should fill about two-thirds of each cup to allow room for rising. If you desire an extra golden tops, consider rotating the muffin tin halfway through baking. This technique helps with even heat distribution, especially in ovens that may have hot spots.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make these delightful muffins:

Muffin Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 cup grated zucchini
1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Be sure to prep your vegetables in advance to save time!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your savory muffins:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the milk, vegetable oil, and eggs until smooth.

Combine Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Fold in Add-ins

Gently fold in the zucchini, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and Parmesan cheese until evenly distributed.

Fill Muffin Tin

Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your muffins warm, or store them in an airtight container for later!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider mixing in some crumbled feta cheese or chopped olives.

Make-Ahead Tips

These muffins are fantastic make-ahead options and can easily fit into your busy schedule. Prepare the batter the night before and store it in the refrigerator prior to baking. This not only saves time but allows the flavors to meld even better, resulting in an enhanced taste. Alternatively, you can bake a batch and freeze them. They can be frozen for up to three months. Just ensure they are cooled completely before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag.

When you're ready to enjoy the refrigerated batter, preheat your oven and simply spoon the cold mixture into your muffin tin. For frozen muffins, you can reheat them directly from the freezer — just add an additional 5-10 minutes to the bake time. Keeping them moist while reheating is crucial, so consider wrapping them in foil.

Serving Suggestions

These savory muffins shine on their own but can be paired with a variety of spreads and accompaniments. A dollop of herb-infused cream cheese or a drizzle of balsamic glaze can elevate their flavor profile at brunch gatherings. Serve them alongside a fresh garden salad or a light soup for a more substantial meal that’s still refreshing.

For a flavorful twist, you could modify the toppings by adding crumbled feta or goat cheese, which complements the tomatoes beautifully. Additionally, customizing the muffin mix with your favorite seasonal vegetables, like spinach or sweet bell peppers, can provide new taste perspectives and keep your brunch offerings exciting.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, whole wheat flour can be used, but keep in mind that it may lead to denser muffins.

→ How do I store the muffins?

Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for a week.

→ Can I freeze the muffins?

Absolutely! These muffins freeze well. Just allow them to cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or even carrots.