When I first tried Jamie Oliver’s cheese muffins, I was surprised by how simple they were to make, yet how delicious they turned out. I had always assumed muffins were either too sweet or too dense. But these-well, they were light, fluffy, and packed with cheesy goodness. It was the kind of comfort food you can whip up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a lazy weekend breakfast or a savory snack.
What struck me most was the balance of ingredients. The cheese melts into the batter, giving each bite that rich, satisfying flavor. And the texture? Perfectly airy, with a slight crumbly finish. Trust me, if you’ve never tried making muffins this way, you’re in for a treat.
Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Muffins Recipe
Now, let’s dive into the recipe that got me hooked. Jamie Oliver’s cheese muffins are easy to make and don’t require any special skills. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, you’ll find these muffins surprisingly simple to put together.
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Makes: About 12 muffins
I love this recipe because it’s so forgiving. You can add more cheese if you’re a cheese lover or throw in some extras like herbs or spices to make them your own.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you need for Jamie’s cheesy masterpiece:
- 250g self-raising flour: This is the base of your muffin. It gives them a nice rise without needing any additional leavening agents.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the muffins stay light and fluffy.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Brings out the flavors and balances the richness of the cheese.
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder: It’s a small touch but adds a subtle, savory kick.
- 50g cold butter: I recommend using unsalted butter. It adds richness and moisture.
- 200g cheese: Choose a mature cheddar for a sharper taste or a mild cheddar if you prefer something subtler.
- 1 egg: Binds everything together and adds moisture.
- 150ml milk: I like using full-fat milk, but you can substitute with plant-based milk if you prefer.
- Fresh herbs (optional): A little fresh thyme or chives can elevate the flavor.
These are the basics. From there, you can get creative!
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Muffins
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or 400°F. Line a muffin tin with paper cases.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the self-raising flour, baking powder, salt, and mustard powder.
- Add the butter: Cut the cold butter into small cubes and rub it into the dry ingredients using your fingertips. The mixture should look like breadcrumbs.
- Add the cheese: Stir in the grated cheese. I always go for a strong cheddar, but a mix of cheeses works well too.
- Whisk the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the egg and milk together.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Don’t overwork the dough-this will keep your muffins soft and light.
- Spoon the batter into muffin cases: Fill each case almost to the top.
- Bake for 20 minutes: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted.
- Cool and enjoy: Let them cool for a few minutes before enjoying them warm.
I remember the first time I made these-when they came out of the oven, the smell of melted cheese was irresistible. I could hardly wait for them to cool down enough to take a bite.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Now, let’s break down the science behind these ingredients:
- Self-raising flour: This flour already contains baking powder, which is why you don’t need extra leavening agents. It’s the secret to the muffins’ light, airy texture.
- Butter: When cold butter is rubbed into the flour, it creates tiny pockets of fat that melt during baking. These pockets help the muffins rise while keeping them soft.
- Cheese: The cheese melts into the batter, adding richness and flavor. The fat content in cheese also contributes to the muffins’ moisture.
- Egg: Acts as a binder, helping the ingredients stick together. It also adds a bit of structure to the muffin.
- Baking powder: Works with the self-raising flour to provide the necessary lift for the muffins.
Each ingredient plays a role, creating that perfect balance between flavor and texture.
Expert Tips
To make your muffins even better, here are a few expert tips:
- Don’t overmix the batter: The more you mix, the denser the muffins will be. Stir until just combined.
- Grate your own cheese: Pre-grated cheese can contain anti-caking agents that might affect the texture. Freshly grated cheese melts better and gives the muffins a smoother finish.
- Use chilled butter: Cold butter is key to getting that flaky, tender texture.
- Try different cheeses: Add a bit of mozzarella for extra gooeyness or a touch of parmesan for a sharper flavor.
- Add herbs or spices: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can be mixed in for an aromatic twist. Paprika can also add a bit of warmth.
Recipe Variations
Jamie’s cheese muffins are so versatile. Here are a few variations to try:
- Bacon and cheese muffins: Add crispy bacon bits to the batter for a savory twist.
- Herb-infused muffins: Mix in fresh herbs like basil, rosemary, or chives for added depth.
- Spicy muffins: Add a bit of chili powder or cayenne for some heat.
- Vegetable muffins: Try adding finely grated zucchini or carrot to the mix for extra texture and flavor.
The beauty of these muffins is that they can be customized to fit whatever flavor mood you’re in.
Final Words
There’s something so satisfying about making a batch of homemade cheese muffins. They’re easy, quick, and always turn out delicious. Plus, you can tweak them to match your tastes-whether that’s more cheese, extra spice, or a fun new twist.
If you’re looking for a simple, no-fuss recipe to impress guests or just enjoy with a cup of tea, this one is a winner. And who knows? You might even end up making them every weekend.
FAQs
What Type Of Cheese Should I Use For Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Muffins?
You can use a strong cheese like mature cheddar for a bold flavor or milder cheeses like mozzarella for a softer taste.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Muffins Ahead Of Time?
Yes! You can bake them in advance and store them in an airtight container for a couple of days or freeze them for longer storage.
How Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Muffins Fluffier?
Make sure not to overmix the batter and sift the flour to keep it light and airy. You could also add a little extra baking powder for lift.