Red Pepper Zucchini Muffins

These Healthy Red Pepper Zucchini Muffins are a savory and nutritious snack that packs a punch of flavor. Made with fresh zucchini, red bell pepper, and cheese, they are perfect for a light breakfast or a quick on-the-go snack. These muffins are easy to prepare and provide a delicious way to incorporate vegetables into your diet without sacrificing taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These muffins are a great way to sneak in some veggies while enjoying a flavorful and satisfying treat. The combination of grated zucchini and red pepper gives the muffins a moist texture and a burst of freshness, while the cheese adds a savory richness. The slight crunch from the red pepper and the light fluffiness of the muffins make them incredibly enjoyable. Plus, they are a healthy, low-calorie option—at just 150 calories per muffin—making them a perfect choice for a balanced snack or a light breakfast.

Ingredients

• 1 zucchini, grated

• ¼ red pepper, chopped

• 200g (1 cup) grated cheese

• 2 eggs

• 4g (1 tsp) salt

• 4g (1 tsp) pepper

• 125g (1 cup) all-purpose flour

• 5g (1 tsp) baking powder

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Grate the zucchini into a bowl. Squeeze out any excess moisture from the zucchini using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, and pepper.

3. Add the grated zucchini to the egg mixture along with the chopped red pepper, grated cheese, baking powder, and all-purpose flour.

4. Gently fold everything together until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

5. Divide the batter evenly between muffin cups lined with paper liners.

6. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Let the muffins cool slightly before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 muffins

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Cheese options: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or feta will give your muffins a different flavor profile.

• Add herbs: For an extra burst of flavor, try adding herbs like oregano, thyme, or parsley to the batter.

• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a spicy version of these savory muffins.

• Gluten-free: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these muffins gluten-free.

• Vegan: Use flax eggs or a similar egg substitute and dairy-free cheese to make these muffins vegan.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm them in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-10 minutes. You can also freeze these muffins for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container. Let them thaw at room temperature or reheat them directly from the freezer.

FAQs

1. Can I use other vegetables in these muffins?

Yes, you can easily add or substitute other vegetables like grated carrots, spinach, or even finely chopped mushrooms for more variety.

2. Can I make these muffins ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make these muffins ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage.

3. Do I need to squeeze out the moisture from the zucchini?

Yes, squeezing out the excess moisture from the zucchini will help the muffins bake properly and avoid them becoming too soggy.

4. Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat flour, almond flour, or a gluten-free flour blend for a healthier or gluten-free version.

5. Can I add nuts to these muffins?

Yes, you can add chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds for an extra crunch and flavor.

6. Can I reduce the amount of cheese?

Yes, you can reduce the amount of cheese or substitute it with a lower-fat cheese option to suit your dietary needs.

7. Can I use frozen zucchini?

Yes, you can use frozen zucchini, but make sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess water before using it in the recipe.

8. Can I substitute the red pepper with another vegetable?

Yes, you can substitute the red pepper with green pepper, diced tomatoes, or even finely chopped broccoli or kale for added nutrients.

9. How can I make these muffins spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a diced jalapeño to the mixture to give these muffins a spicy kick.

10. How do I know when the muffins are done baking?

The muffins are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the toothpick comes out with batter, give them a few more minutes of baking time.

Conclusion

These Healthy Red Pepper Zucchini Muffins are a savory, nutritious treat that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a light lunch. With the combination of zucchini, red pepper, and cheese, each muffin is packed with flavor and moisture, while still being a healthier option compared to traditional muffins. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or as part of your meal prep, these muffins are a delicious way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet without compromising on taste!

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