I’ll never forget the first time I baked Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Muffins. It was a rainy Saturday afternoon, and I was craving something comforting yet simple to make. I’d seen the recipe floating around for a while, but for some reason, I hadn’t gotten around to trying it. That day, I decided it was time to dive in.
The smell of melted cheese and fresh herbs filling my kitchen was heavenly, and the muffins turned out to be exactly what I needed-a savory snack with just the right amount of fluffiness. I’ve made these muffins dozens of times since, tweaking them based on what I have on hand, but the core recipe is always a winner.
In this guide, we’re going to take a deep dive into Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Muffins recipe. I’ll walk you through the ingredients, the steps, and even some of the science behind them. Plus, I’ll share a few pro tips, variations, and tricks I’ve picked up over the years.
Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Muffins Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s approach to cooking is simple: fresh ingredients, little fuss, and big flavors. His Cheese Muffins are a prime example of this. When you think about muffins, you probably picture sweet ones, but these are a savory twist. They’re rich with cheese, herbs, and a slight tanginess from the yogurt.
This recipe is so straightforward. You don’t need any fancy equipment, just a bowl, a whisk, and a muffin tray. But don’t be fooled by its simplicity-these muffins are loaded with flavor and a great way to impress guests or just treat yourself on a cozy day.
Ingredients Needed
When I first made these muffins, I was surprised by how basic the ingredients are. I thought there had to be some sort of secret ingredient. Nope! Just a few key things:
- Flour – All-purpose works perfectly, though you could swap in whole wheat or spelt for a bit more texture.
- Baking Powder – The leavening agent that makes the muffins rise.
- Cheese – I usually go for sharp cheddar, but you can use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella or Gruyère for a more complex flavor.
- Butter – For richness and moisture.
- Milk & Yogurt – These two add creaminess and moisture without making the batter too heavy.
- Eggs – The binding agent that gives structure to the muffins.
- Fresh Herbs – Jamie suggests parsley, but I’ve used rosemary, thyme, and even a little bit of basil depending on what I have around.
- Salt & Pepper – Always season to taste!
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Muffins
Making these muffins is surprisingly easy, but the key is in the mixing technique. You don’t want to overwork the batter, or you’ll end up with dense muffins instead of fluffy ones.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it with butter.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir in the shredded cheese and any dried herbs you’re using.
- Whisk the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, yogurt, and melted butter.
- Combine the Wet and Dry: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ones until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the muffins might become tough.
- Spoon into the Tin: Spoon the batter into your muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full.
- Bake: Bake for around 20-25 minutes, or until the muffins are golden on top and a skewer comes out clean.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
One of the things I find fascinating about baking (and cooking in general) is the science behind it. Each ingredient in Jamie’s Cheese Muffins has a specific job to do.
- Flour: The base of the muffin. It provides structure but can also make the muffins tough if overmixed. The key is gently folding it in.
- Baking Powder: This is the magic behind the rise. It releases carbon dioxide when it reacts with moisture and heat, helping the muffins puff up and become light.
- Cheese: The cheese melts during baking and infuses the muffins with flavor. It also adds fat, which contributes to the muffin’s moisture.
- Butter: A little fat goes a long way. Butter adds richness and helps tenderize the muffins, making them soft and moist.
- Yogurt: The tangy yogurt adds moisture and acidity. It reacts with the baking powder to create a lighter texture.
- Eggs: Eggs provide structure and act as a binder, keeping everything together without making the muffins too dense.
Expert Tips
From my experience, a few small adjustments can elevate this recipe even further. Here’s what I’ve learned over time:
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir until just combined. Overmixing can activate the gluten in the flour, making your muffins dense.
- Use Cold Butter: If you’re making these on the fly, melt the butter. But if you want a more flaky, tender crumb, cut the butter into cubes and rub it into the dry ingredients.
- Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheeses. Hard cheeses like cheddar give a sharp bite, but softer cheeses like brie or camembert create a creamier texture.
- Add Ins: Consider adding extras like cooked bacon bits, sautéed onions, or even a bit of garlic powder to amp up the flavor.
Recipe Variations
Over the years, I’ve played around with different spins on this recipe. Here are a few variations to try:
- Herb and Parmesan Muffins: Replace the cheddar with Parmesan, and add in extra fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a Mediterranean twist.
- Smoked Cheese Muffins: Use smoked cheese like gouda or cheddar for a deeper, smokier flavor.
- Zucchini and Cheese Muffins: Grate a zucchini and squeeze out the excess moisture. Add it to the batter for a savory, veggie-packed muffin.
- Spicy Muffins: Add a bit of chili flakes or diced jalapeños to the batter for a little kick.
Final Words
Making Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Muffins is like a little act of self-care. The simple process of mixing together a few ingredients and waiting for them to bake, filling your kitchen with their delicious aroma, is one of those small joys in life.
Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven with a hot cup of tea or pairing them with soup, these muffins are always a crowd-pleaser.
FAQs
How Do I Make Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Muffins?
To make Jamie Oliver’s cheese muffins, combine self-raising flour, grated cheese, a pinch of salt, milk, and melted butter. Stir in eggs, mix, and bake at 180°C for about 20 minutes until golden.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Cheese For Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Muffins?
Yes! You can use any cheese you prefer, like cheddar, mozzarella, or even a mix of cheeses for different flavors.
How Long Do Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Muffins Last?
They last for about 2 to 3 days at room temperature. You can also freeze them for longer storage.