Cauliflower Cheese Muffins Recipe

These Cauliflower Cheese Muffins are a delicious twist on a classic comfort food, bringing together tender cauliflower, creamy cheese, and a satisfying savory bite, all perfectly portioned for snacking or sharing. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb alternative, a fun lunchbox treat, or a make-ahead brunch hero, this recipe never disappoints—it delivers all the toasty, cheesy goodness you’d expect, but with a nutritious veggie boost. You’ll be amazed by how well cauliflower and cheese play together in muffin form!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Cauliflower Cheese Muffins is how approachable the ingredients are—every item has a job to do, and together, they create something truly special. Nothing fancy here, just wholesome staples that each add flavor, texture, or structure.

• Cauliflower: The subtle vegetable base that makes these muffins light, moist, and naturally nutritious—be sure to cut it into small florets for even cooking.
• Cheese (150g, grated): Use a cheese you love—cheddar for sharpness, gruyere for nuttiness, or mozzarella for meltiness—this is where the richness comes from.
• Eggs (3 large): Eggs set everything together, giving the muffins lift and a satisfying, fluffy crumb.
• Almond flour (100g): Adds a tender texture and subtle nutty flavor, while keeping the muffins gluten-free.
• Baking powder (1 tsp): Gives rise and airiness, so your muffins are never dense.
• Salt (to taste): Enhances every flavor note and brings out the savoriness of the cheese.
• Pepper (to taste): Adds gentle warmth and a little complexity.
• Chives (a handful, chopped, optional): Sprinkle in for pops of fresh green color and a mild hint of onion.

How to Make Cauliflower Cheese Muffins

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

The first step to perfect Cauliflower Cheese Muffins is giving your oven a head start. Set it to 180°C (350°F) and let it preheat fully—this ensures your muffins begin baking immediately and rise beautifully. Don’t forget to either grease your muffin tin well or use paper liners for easy release.

Step 2: Prepare the Cauliflower

Start by chopping your cauliflower into small, bite-sized florets—this helps them cook quickly and blend smoothly into the muffin mixture. Boil the florets in salted water for about five minutes, just until they’re fork-tender but not mushy. Drain thoroughly, as excess water can make your muffins soggy, then set aside to cool.

Step 3: Mash the Cauliflower

Once the florets are completely cool, grab a fork or potato masher and break them down to a mash. Aim for a mostly smooth texture, but a few small bits are absolutely fine—they’ll add a rustic feel and a pleasant bite to the finished Cauliflower Cheese Muffins.

Step 4: Mix the Ingredients

In a roomy bowl, combine the mashed cauliflower, grated cheese, eggs, almond flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and chives if using. Stir everything together until well incorporated—make sure there are no dry patches. The mixture will be quite thick, but that’s exactly what you want for tender, moist muffins.

Step 5: Portion the Mixture

Divide the mixture evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. A cookie scoop or two spoons helps get this just right and keeps your hands mess-free. You should get 8–10 Cauliflower Cheese Muffins, depending on your tin size.

Step 6: Bake the Muffins

Slide the filled tin into your preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. You’re looking for the muffins to turn golden on top, the cheese bubbling slightly, and the centers to feel set when pressed gently. Trust your nose—the cheesy, savory aroma will tell you when they’re nearly done!

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the tin from the oven and let the muffins sit for a few minutes. This brief rest makes them easier to remove intact. Gently lift out each muffin and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely—enjoy them warm or at room temperature!

How to Serve Cauliflower Cheese Muffins

Garnishes

For an extra pop of color and flavor, sprinkle your Cauliflower Cheese Muffins with more chopped chives or a little extra grated cheese right before serving. A crack of freshly ground pepper or a touch of smoked paprika also gives them a finishing flair that looks beautiful on a brunch spread.

Side Dishes

Pair these savory muffins with a crisp green salad, a bowl of tomato soup, or even alongside scrambled eggs for a complete, comforting meal. They also shine as a lunchbox addition, keeping things exciting with each cheesy, veggie-packed bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your Cauliflower Cheese Muffins in a rustic basket for a buffet, skewer mini-muffins onto cocktail sticks for party appetizers, or use them as a base for mini Eggs Benedict by topping with a poached egg and a dollop of hollandaise. Their versatility means they fit right in at brunch, picnics, or even as a quick grab-and-go breakfast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cauliflower Cheese Muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. They stay moist and flavorful, making them perfect for meal prep or lunchtime snacking throughout the week.

Freezing

These muffins freeze beautifully! Arrange completely cooled muffins in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their best quality for up to three months—just label and date the batch so you can easily find them for a quick meal or snack.

Reheating

To enjoy Cauliflower Cheese Muffins warm, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 10 minutes, or microwave individually for 30–45 seconds until heated through. This revives their cheese-laced fluffiness without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute frozen cauliflower—just steam or boil it until tender and drain it thoroughly to remove excess moisture before mashing. This shortcut works great, especially when fresh cauliflower isn’t available.

What types of cheese are best for Cauliflower Cheese Muffins?

Try a sharp cheddar for classic flavor, gruyere for a touch of nuttiness, or a mix of cheeses for greater depth. Feel free to get creative—just make sure it’s a cheese that melts well for that irresistible gooey finish.

Are Cauliflower Cheese Muffins gluten-free?

Absolutely! Using almond flour keeps the recipe gluten-free without sacrificing texture or flavor. If you need to accommodate a different dietary need, you can swap in another favorite gluten-free flour.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely—fold in finely chopped spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for even more variety. Just be sure not to overload the batter, so the muffins hold together well.

How do I keep the muffins from sticking to the tin?

Grease your muffin tin generously or use high-quality muffin liners. Allowing the muffins to cool for a few minutes before removing also helps them come out neatly without sticking or breaking.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to try these Cauliflower Cheese Muffins as I am to share them—they’re simple, utterly moreish, and full of cozy, cheesy vibes. Whether you bake a batch for breakfast, snack attacks, or your next brunch get-together, I promise they won’t last long!

Cauliflower Cheese Muffins Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 18 reviews

• Author: Ella
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 muffins 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Cauliflower Cheese Muffins are a delightful and savory twist on traditional muffins, perfect for a tasty snack or a light meal. Packed with cauliflower goodness and cheesy flavor, they are easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cauliflower:

• 1 medium-sized head, chopped

Cheese:

• 150 grams, grated (choose your preferred cheese)

Eggs:

• 3 large eggs

Almond flour:

• 100 grams

Baking powder:

• 1 teaspoon

Salt:

• to taste

Pepper:

• to taste

Chives:

• a handful, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the Oven – Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Prepare a muffin tin by greasing it or using muffin liners.
2. Step 2: Prepare the Cauliflower – Cut the cauliflower into small florets. Boil them in salted water for about 5 minutes until tender, then drain and allow to cool.
3. Step 3: Mash the Cauliflower – Once the cauliflower is cool, mash it using a fork or a potato masher until it reaches a smooth consistency.
4. Step 4: Mix the Ingredients – In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed cauliflower with eggs, cheese, herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
5. Step 5: Portion the Mixture – Scoop the mixture into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full.
6. Step 6: Bake the Muffins – Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and set in the middle.
7. Step 7: Cool and Serve – Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the muffins cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: International

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 muffin
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 280mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Cauliflower Cheese Muffins, Savory Muffins, Healthy Snack