Ham and Cheese Muffins Recipe

I absolutely love this Ham and Cheese Muffins Recipe because it’s just such a cozy, satisfying little treat. Whether you’re rushing out the door in the morning or need a quick snack for the afternoon, these muffins hit the spot every time. They’re packed with savory ham and melty cheddar cheese, plus a hint of fresh scallions that really brighten things up.
What makes this Ham and Cheese Muffins Recipe so special is how easy it is to whip up but still feels homemade and comforting. I often make a batch on the weekend to have handy during the week, and trust me, they disappear fast! If you’re looking for a savory muffin that’s anything but boring, you’ll want to give this one a try.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients here come together to create the perfect balance of fluffy muffin texture with gooey cheese and savory ham in every bite. Using fresh scallions adds a mild oniony kick without overpowering the other flavors—definitely don’t skip that part!
- Eggs: They help bind everything together and add richness.
- Unsalted butter: Melted for moisture and a buttery flavor that works perfectly in muffins.
- Milk: Keeps the batter moist and tender—whole or 2% works great.
- Granulated sugar: Just a little to balance the savory elements and help with browning.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the muffins to give structure.
- Baking powder: Your key to fluffy, light muffins—don’t use expired powder!
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, especially the cheese and ham.
- Cooked ham, chopped: Choose quality ham, preferably without added glaze or heavy seasoning.
- Cheddar cheese, shredded: Sharp or medium cheddar gives that melty cheesy goodness.
- Scallions, finely chopped: Adds fresh flavor and a slight crunch.
Variations
I love switching things up depending on my mood or what’s in the fridge. You can easily make this Ham and Cheese Muffins Recipe your own with a few tweaks—feel free to play around with your favorite ingredients!
- Variation: Swap out the ham for cooked bacon or diced turkey for a different protein twist—I’ve done this when guests come over and everyone always asks for seconds.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeños if you like a little heat; it wakes up the savory flavors beautifully.
- Vegetarian: Skip the ham and add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a vegetarian version that still feels hearty.
- Different cheese: Try Swiss or mozzarella for a milder, creamier taste. I’ve found that sharper cheeses hold up best to baking.
How to Make Ham and Cheese Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Mix Your Wet Ingredients
Start by lightly beating the eggs in a large bowl. Then, stir in your melted butter and milk until everything is combined and smooth. This part is quick but important because it ensures your wet ingredients blend seamlessly into the dry later on—no lumps or uneven pockets.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. The baking powder is your leavening agent, so double-check it’s fresh to keep your muffins nice and fluffy. This step helps evenly distribute everything before you add the cheese and ham, so they won’t sink to the bottom.
Step 3: Fold in Ham, Cheese, and Scallions
Gently mix the chopped ham, shredded cheddar, and scallions into your dry ingredients. Then combine the dry mixture with the wet ingredients, stirring just until everything is moistened. Be careful not to overmix here—too much stirring can make the muffins dense instead of light and fluffy.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well. Spoon the batter evenly into the cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-22 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Don’t open the oven too early or your muffins might collapse.
How to Serve Ham and Cheese Muffins Recipe

Garnishes
I like to sprinkle a little extra chopped scallions or a tiny pinch of smoked paprika on top after baking—it adds a nice pop of color and a subtle smoky flavor. Sometimes a smear of butter or a dab of Dijon mustard alongside them really brings the flavors alive when they’re still warm.
Side Dishes
Ham and Cheese Muffins are fantastic on their own, but I often serve them with a simple green salad or some fresh fruit to balance out the savory richness. They’re also great alongside scrambled eggs or a bowl of tomato soup for a cozy lunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch spread, I’ve laid these muffins out on a wooden board surrounded by small bowls of spreads like cream cheese, honey mustard, and chutney. It’s a fun, casual way to let guests customize their bites. I’ve even wrapped a few with a slice of cucumber or tomato for cute little finger sandwiches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually keep leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. After that, they start to lose their soft texture. If you want to keep them longer, definitely pop them in the fridge but bring to room temperature before enjoying.
Freezing
Freezing these ham and cheese muffins works like a charm. I wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag for up to three months. When I want one, I just thaw it overnight in the fridge or zap it in the microwave for about 30 seconds, and it tastes almost like fresh.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop the muffin in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. This brings back the crispy edges and melty cheese without drying them out. If you’re in a hurry, 20-30 seconds in the microwave works too, but the texture won’t be quite as nice.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen ham for this Ham and Cheese Muffins Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw the ham completely and pat it dry to avoid extra moisture, which can make your muffins soggy. Diced frozen ham can be a great time saver when you’re in a pinch.
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Can I substitute cheddar cheese with another type?
Absolutely, you can use Swiss, mozzarella, or even gouda. Keep in mind that sharper cheeses usually give more flavor, so it depends on whether you want something milder or stronger. I always recommend shredding the cheese fresh for best melting results.
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How do I keep the muffins from becoming dry?
Don’t overmix the batter and watch your baking time carefully—overbaking dries muffins out quickly. Also, using melted butter and milk helps keep the texture moist and tender.
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Can I make this Ham and Cheese Muffins Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking mix designed for muffins works nicely. Just check the baking powder is gluten-free too!
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What’s the best way to serve these muffins warm?
Warming them in a toaster oven or regular oven for about 5 minutes revives that freshly baked feeling. Add a little butter or a spread of your favorite mustard, and enjoy!
Final Thoughts
This Ham and Cheese Muffins Recipe has been a go-to in my kitchen whenever I want a quick, no-fuss savory treat that feels special. I love how versatile it is—you can change it up for breakfast, lunch, or snack time, and it always delivers flavor and comfort. I hope you give it a try and find it as delightful as I do; it might just become one of your favorites too!
PrintHam and Cheese Muffins Recipe
These Ham and Cheese Muffins are savory, fluffy, and packed with flavorful ingredients like cooked ham, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh scallions. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack, these easy-to-make muffins combine a tender crumb with rich cheese and a hint of smoky ham, making them a satisfying treat for any time of day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup (113 gr) unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) milk
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 cups (250 gr) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Fillings
- 1 cup (100 gr) chopped cooked ham
- 1 cup (100 gr) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup (15 gr) finely chopped scallions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a muffin tin by greasing it or lining it with muffin liners.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the lightly beaten eggs, melted unsalted butter, milk, and granulated sugar. Whisk together until smooth and well blended.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of the leavening agent.
- Incorporate dry into wet: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the muffins tender.
- Add the fillings: Gently fold in the chopped cooked ham, shredded cheddar cheese, and finely chopped scallions evenly through the batter.
- Fill the muffin tin: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely or serve warm.
Notes
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to prevent tough muffins; mix just until ingredients are combined.
- You can substitute cheddar with other cheese varieties like mozzarella or Swiss for different flavors.
- Ham should be fully cooked and chopped into small pieces to distribute evenly throughout the muffins.
- These muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Reheat muffins in the microwave for 15-20 seconds for a warm, melty treat.
Keywords: ham cheese muffins, savory muffins, breakfast muffins, easy muffin recipe, cheddar cheese muffins