There’s just something downright comforting about waking up to a batch of warm, fluffy breakfast egg muffins loaded with melty cheddar and savory ham. This Cheddar Ham Egg Muffins Recipe hits the spot every time, blending simple ingredients into a handy, protein-packed morning treat you’ll want to make again and again.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I have to tell you, these Cheddar Ham Egg Muffins are one of my go-to make-ahead breakfasts. They’re not just delicious but practical, perfect for busy mornings or even snagging a quick snack on the run. Plus, the combination of sharp cheddar and ham is so satisfying that everyone in my family asks for seconds!
- Super Convenient: These muffins bake in under 25 minutes and reheat beautifully, making busy mornings easier.
- Customizable Ingredients: Easily swap or add veggies, cheeses, and meats to suit your taste or what’s in your fridge.
- Protein-Packed: Each muffin is loaded with eggs, cheese, and ham to fuel your day and keep you full longer.
- Kid-Friendly: Mild flavors and fun muffin shapes make them a win with little ones and adults alike.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in the Cheddar Ham Egg Muffins Recipe plays a key role in texture and flavor — from creamy eggs to sharp cheddar and just the right hint of fresh herbs. Grab the best quality ham and cheese you can find; it makes a night-and-day difference.
- Eggs: The star of the show, eggs bind everything together and give these muffins that classic fluffy structure.
- Half and Half: Adding just a bit of creaminess makes the eggs tender without being too rich.
- Cooked Ham: Provides a savory, meaty punch that pairs perfectly with cheese.
- Red Bell Pepper: Crunchy and sweet, it adds freshness and color.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Gives a bold, melty cheese flavor that brings everything to life.
- Green Onions: The white slices add a gentle onion bite without overpowering.
- Fresh Parsley: A little herbaceous zing that brightens the overall taste.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances all the flavors.
Make It Your Way
Personally, I love mixing things up with this recipe depending on what I have on hand. It’s so easy to switch out ingredients — this flexibility keeps it fresh and fun every time.
- Variation: I once swapped ham for cooked chorizo and it gave the muffins a smoky kick that we all loved!
- Vegetarian Option: Replace ham with sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a veggie-packed breakfast.
- Cheese Swap: Swiss or feta can be great alternatives if you're craving something different.
- Herbs & Veggies: Try cilantro, basil, or even chives to personalize the flavor profile.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheddar Ham Egg Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Whisking the Eggs Like a Pro
Start by cracking your eggs into a large bowl. Add the half and half, then use a fork to gently pierce the yolks before whisking everything until just combined. You want the mixture to be smooth but not frothy. This step ensures your muffins bake up tender and evenly.
Step 2: Stir in the Good Stuff
Next, fold in your diced ham, bell pepper, cheddar cheese, green onions, parsley, salt, and pepper. I recommend stirring gently with your fork to keep some texture—those little bursts of ham and pepper add such great flavor contrast.
Step 3: Get Your Muffin Tin Ready
Spray a 12-cup muffin pan well with non-stick cooking spray to avoid any sticking later. Then, scoop about ⅓ cup of the egg mixture into each cup, filling nearly to the top. Be sure to scoop near the bottom of your bowl to get some nice mix-ins in every muffin.
Step 4: Bake and Watch Closely
Pop the pan into your oven preheated to 375°F. Bake for 19 to 23 minutes, keeping an eye near the end. You want the muffins just barely set so they stay moist but are fully cooked. A toothpick inserted should come out clean or with only a few crumbs.
Step 5: Let Them Rest Before Enjoying
Once baked, let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes to help them firm up. You can serve right away or cool them longer on a wire rack before storing. Cooling fully makes them easier to handle if you’re planning to refrigerate or freeze.
Top Tip
I’ve made these egg muffins dozens of times and learned that treating your muffin tin well and not overbaking are the keys to perfect results every time. Here are my best pointers from the kitchen:
- Non-Stick Spray Magic: Don't skimp on the spray — it ensures your muffins pop right out without crumbling. I even give the cups a quick wipe after spraying if they seem too slick.
- Watch the Bake Time: Mine always bake a bit quicker or slower depending on my oven, so start checking a few minutes before the timer’s up to avoid dry edges.
- Scoop from the Bottom: When portioning, scoop near the bottom of the bowl to ensure each muffin has a good balance of ham and veggies, not just eggs.
- Cool Before Removing: Let muffins sit in the pan for a few minutes before popping them out to keep their shape intact — rushing this step can cause breakage.
How to Serve Cheddar Ham Egg Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling a little extra chopped fresh parsley or thinly sliced green onions over the top just before serving. It adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that complements the richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair these muffins with fresh fruit like berries or a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a balanced breakfast or brunch. Sometimes, I’ll throw in some crispy breakfast potatoes for a hearty weekend treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I line a serving platter with baby greens and arrange the muffins on top like little morning cupcakes. Adding colorful fruit skewers alongside makes the spread look festive and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover muffins in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They stay moist and delicious, making breakfast prep super quick during the week.
Freezing
These muffins freeze beautifully! I wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They keep well for up to 2 months — just grab a few for a no-fuss morning meal.
Reheating
To reheat, I usually pop them in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on your microwave’s power. You can also warm them in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes if you want a crisper edge.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! These muffins are fantastic for meal prep — just bake them, cool completely, then refrigerate or freeze. Reheat as needed for a ready-to-eat breakfast throughout the week.
Yes! Sharp cheddar is classic here, but feel free to experiment with feta, Swiss, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a little spice.
No worries — cooked sausage, bacon, or a vegetarian option like sautéed mushrooms and spinach all make great substitutes to keep things tasty and filling.
Definitely! I recommend wrapping each muffin tightly before freezing to prevent freezer burn. They defrost quickly and reheat well for an easy breakfast anytime.
Final Thoughts
Making this Cheddar Ham Egg Muffins Recipe has genuinely been a game changer in my morning routine — it’s quick, easy, and endlessly adaptable. I encourage you to try it for yourself; once you have this recipe in your arsenal, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it for busy weekday mornings or relaxed weekend brunches alike.
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Cheddar Ham Egg Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
These Breakfast Egg Muffins are a delicious and versatile protein-packed morning treat made with eggs, diced ham, bell peppers, cheddar cheese, and fresh herbs baked to perfection in a muffin pan. Perfect for a quick grab-and-go breakfast or meal prep, they are easy to customize with your favorite mix-ins.
Ingredients
Egg Mixture
- 10 large eggs
- ⅓ cup half and half
- ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Mix-Ins
- 1 cup (heaping) small diced cooked ham
- ¾ cup finely chopped red bell pepper
- ⅔ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup chopped green onions (thinly sliced white portion)
- 2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the egg muffins.
- Mix eggs and half and half: Crack the eggs into a large mixing bowl, add the half and half, then use a fork to pierce the yolks and whisk until the mixture is just combined and smooth.
- Add mix-ins: Stir in the diced cooked ham, finely chopped red bell pepper, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper with the fork to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Prepare muffin pan: Spray a 12-cup muffin pan thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Fill muffin cups: Using a ⅓ cup measuring cup, scoop the egg mixture from near the bottom of the bowl to include the mix-ins and fill each muffin cup nearly to the top.
- Bake muffins: Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake until the egg muffins are just barely set, about 23 minutes.
- Cool and serve: Let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before serving, or remove them to a wire rack to cool completely for about 30 minutes before storing in the fridge or freezer.
Notes
- You can customize the muffins by adding up to 3 cups of other mix-ins like cooked sausage, chorizo, cooked bacon, feta or Swiss cheese, cilantro, basil, dill, chives, poblano or Hatch peppers, diced tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or spinach.
- Spraying the muffin pan well ensures easy release of muffins after baking.
- Allowing the muffins to cool slightly before serving helps them hold their shape better.
- These muffins can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for longer storage, making them ideal for meal prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 185 mg
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