Scrambled Egg Muffins Recipe

Thats Nerdalicious Recipe

Scrambled Egg Muffins: A Delicious Start to Any Day

My grandmother, bless her heart, wasn’t much of a cook, but she had a handful of simple recipes that she executed flawlessly. One of those was a sort of scrambled egg casserole, always present at family brunches. The slightly browned edges, the cheesy aroma, and the simple, comforting flavors just screamed “home.” These scrambled egg muffins are my modern, portable take on her classic, a little bite of nostalgia I can take on the go.

Recipe Overview

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Yields: 12 muffins
  • Serves: 12
  • Dietary Type: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb pork sausage
  • 12 eggs
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Equipment Needed

  • Large skillet
  • Large bowl
  • Whisk
  • 12-cup muffin tin
  • Spoon

Instructions

  1. Start by browning the pork sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Be sure to crumble it well as it cooks. Once the sausage is fully cooked and no longer pink, drain off any excess grease. This is crucial to prevent the muffins from becoming greasy. Set the cooked sausage aside.

  2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking and prevents the eggs from becoming rubbery.

  3. In a large bowl, beat the 12 eggs until they are light and frothy. This incorporates air and helps the muffins become fluffy.

  4. Add the 1/2 cup of chopped onion, 1/2 cup of chopped green pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder to the beaten eggs. Whisk everything together until well combined. The vegetables add a nice flavor and texture contrast to the eggs.

  5. Now, stir in the cooked sausage and 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the egg mixture. Make sure everything is evenly distributed throughout.

  6. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin thoroughly. This is essential to prevent the muffins from sticking. You can use cooking spray, butter, or even line the muffin tin with paper liners.

  7. Spoon approximately 1/3 cup of the egg mixture into each of the prepared muffin cups. Be careful not to overfill the cups, as the muffins will rise slightly during baking.

  8. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The muffins should be golden brown and slightly puffed up.

  9. Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. This will allow the muffins to set slightly and make them easier to remove from the tin.

  10. After a few minutes, carefully remove the scrambled egg muffins from the muffin tin and transfer them to a serving platter or a wire rack to cool slightly.

Expert Tips & Tricks

  • Make-Ahead Prep: You can chop the vegetables and cook the sausage the night before. Store them separately in the refrigerator and add them to the egg mixture just before baking.
  • Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or pepper jack would all be delicious alternatives to cheddar.
  • Vegetable Power: Add more vegetables! Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers are great additions. Just sauté them slightly before adding them to the egg mixture to remove excess moisture.
  • Spice it Up: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture.
  • Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will result in dry, rubbery muffins. Check for doneness after 20 minutes and adjust the baking time as needed.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These scrambled egg muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a quick and easy dinner. Serve them warm with a side of fresh fruit, toast, or a dollop of sour cream or salsa.

Storage:

  • Room Temperature: These muffins should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
  • Refrigerator: Store leftover muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the muffins in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating:

  • Microwave: Reheat individual muffins in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through.
  • Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat the muffins for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
  • Toaster Oven: Reheat the muffins in a toaster oven for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient Amount per Serving % Daily Value
Calories 152.2 kcal N/A
Calories from Fat 102 g 67%
Total Fat 11.3 g 17%
Saturated Fat 4.2 g 21%
Cholesterol 204.6 mg 68%
Sodium 317.9 mg 13%
Total Carbohydrate 1.4 g 0%
Dietary Fiber 0.2 g 0%
Sugars 0.6 g 2%
Protein 10.4 g 20%

Variations & Substitutions

  • Vegetarian Option: Omit the sausage and add more vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the cheddar cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative. You can also use unsweetened almond milk in place of some of the eggs to lighten the muffins.
  • Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture for a spicy kick.
  • Italian Version: Use Italian sausage, mozzarella cheese, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
  • Mexican Version: Use chorizo sausage, pepper jack cheese, and top with salsa after baking.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use egg whites instead of whole eggs?
A: Yes, you can use egg whites for a lower-fat option. However, the muffins may be slightly less fluffy. Use 18 egg whites in place of the 12 whole eggs.

Q: Can I freeze these muffins?
A: Absolutely! They freeze very well. Let them cool completely before freezing in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container.

Q: How do I prevent the muffins from sticking to the muffin tin?
A: Grease the muffin tin thoroughly with cooking spray, butter, or line it with paper liners.

Q: Can I add different vegetables?
A: Yes, feel free to experiment with your favorite vegetables. Just sauté them slightly before adding them to the egg mixture to remove excess moisture.

Q: How do I know when the muffins are done?
A: Insert a knife into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean, the muffins are done. They should also be golden brown and slightly puffed up.

Final Thoughts

These scrambled egg muffins are a versatile and delicious way to start your day or enjoy a quick and easy meal. They are customizable to your liking and perfect for meal prepping. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner cook, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a batch of these delightful muffins! Don’t hesitate to share your own variations and feedback – I’d love to hear how you make them your own! Perhaps enjoy them with a side of crispy bacon and a strong cup of coffee for the perfect weekend brunch.

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