I recently had a work challenge to make some kind of recipe that incorporated bacon.  With my love for baking, I decided to try baking my first savory Cheddar Muffin and include Bacon Bits into the mix.  I found a Cheddar Muffin recipe on Chatelaine website, but tweaked a couple things in the recipe to enhance the eating experience.  I wanted to add a bit more of a kick to the muffins so I included some paprika and wanted to make the recipe easier to bake so I used bacon bits instead of cooking bacon from scratch.  I also topped off the muffins with a dollop of sour cream and some sliced green onions to improve the presentation and compliment the slight paprika/pepper kick!  I found this recipe was simple/fun to prepare and it easily produced 12 large muffins.  The presentation and taste was by far one of my favourite things I’ve baked so far!

After these came out of the oven, one of my friends ate 4 of them in one sitting – yes they are THAT yummy!!! :)

Recipe (makes 12 large muffins)

1 Pkg bacon bits
1 cup shredded old cheddar cheese  (I added 1 1/2 cups, but 1 cup is enough!)
3 cups all purpose flour 2 tbsp granulated sugar
4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup sliced green onions (will need more if you want to use as toppings on finished muffin)
1/2 cup sour cream (will need more if you want to use as toppings on finished muffin)
2 eggs

PREHEAT: oven to 375°F (190°C)

GRATE CHEESE: (also keep some grated cheese & bacon bits aside to top each muffin before baking)

COMBINE: In large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, pepper, paprika and salt ; stir in as many bacon bits and 1 cup of shredded old cheddar.

WHISK: together milk, oil, onions, sour cream and eggs; pour over dry ingredients. Stir together just until moistened.

SPOON: into greased or paper-lined muffin cups; sprinkle bacon bits and grated cheddar on top.

BAKE: for 20 to 25 minutes or until tops are firm to the touch and muffins are golden.

TOPPINGS: add on a dollop of sour cream and sliced green onions to the top of the muffins for added savoury flavour and presentation!

*If the muffins are stored for future eats – make sure to rewarm before serving.

#RecipeTags:
#cheddar
#baconbits
#savourymuffins