If you’re on the hunt for a breakfast that’s both hearty and easy to make ahead, I’ve got just the thing for you—my Egg Muffins with Ham and Cheese Recipe. These little bites are packed with flavor, super versatile, and perfect for busy mornings when you want something satisfying without the fuss. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare a batch on the weekend and enjoy no-fuss breakfasts all week long.
- Flavor-Packed Bites: The combination of ham, cheddar, and fresh veggies packs a savory punch in every muffin.
- Customizable and Flexible: Easy to swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Kid-Friendly and Portable: Perfect for lunchboxes or a quick snack on the go.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Egg Muffins with Ham and Cheese Recipe balances creamy eggs with salty ham and sharp cheddar, plus a fresh crunch from bell peppers and green onions. Each ingredient plays its part to create a satisfying texture and rich flavor, so you want to choose good quality whenever you can.
- Eggs: They’re the base of everything—fresh, large eggs give you fluffiness and structure.
- Half and Half: Adds creaminess without weighing down the muffins like heavy cream might.
- Cooked Ham: Use diced leftovers or freshly bought deli ham for that savory, salty goodness.
- Red Bell Pepper: Provides a sweet crunch and bright color—make sure to finely chop so it sneaks in nicely.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and gives a rich, tangy flavor that complements the ham perfectly.
- Green Onions: Thinly slice to add light onion flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Fresh Parsley: Brings a subtle herbal freshness to brighten the muffins.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to tie all your flavors together—adjust to your taste!
Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
Make It Your Way
I love tweaking this Egg Muffins with Ham and Cheese Recipe depending on what I have in my fridge. It’s such a flexible platform that you can really make it yours by mixing up the veggies, cheeses, or proteins. Don’t be shy to get creative—part of the fun is experimenting!
- Vegetarian Variation: Swap the ham for sautéed mushrooms or spinach—trust me, swapping in my favorite sautéed kale gave these a whole new vibe I loved.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño for a friendly heat wave in every bite.
- Dairy-Free Twist: Try a dairy-free cheese alternative and replace half and half with your favorite nut milk creamer.
- Herbs Galore: Fresh basil or chives can be fantastic substitutes or additions to parsley.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Egg Muffins with Ham and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F. This is the sweet spot for setting these muffins just right without drying them out. While the oven warms, dice your cooked ham and red bell peppers, finely chop your green onions and parsley. I always line up my ingredients so things go smoothly when I mix.
Step 2: Whisk Eggs and Half and Half
Crack the eggs into a big bowl and add the half and half. Using a fork, pierce each yolk before giving everything a good whisk until just combined—don’t overmix! This little trick keeps the muffins light and fluffy.
Step 3: Mix in the Flavorful Fillings
Add in the ham, red pepper, cheddar cheese, green onions, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir gently with the fork so everything is evenly distributed but you don’t lose that fluffy texture from the eggs. Make sure you scoop from the bottom when filling your measuring cup—that’s where the tastiest goodies settle.
Step 4: Fill the Muffin Pan and Bake
Spray your muffin tin really well with non-stick spray—I can’t stress this enough to avoid sticky muffins. Use a 1/3 cup measuring cup to fill each cup nearly to the top. Bake for about 19 to 23 minutes until just set—watch for the edges to pull away slightly and the top no longer jiggle. It’s tempting to overbake, but don’t! They’ll firm up more as they cool.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy (or Store!)
Let the muffins cool in the pan for five minutes before removing. If you’re eating right away, enjoy while warm. If not, cool completely on a wire rack before refrigerating or freezing. This step keeps them from getting soggy—something I learned after my first batch!
Pro Tips for Making Egg Muffins with Ham and Cheese Recipe
- Don’t Overfill: Filling the muffin cups too full causes spillover and uneven cooking—stick to about ⅓ cup for perfect muffins.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Eggs and dairy at room temp mix better and help the muffins cook evenly and fluff up nicely.
- Muffin Pan Matters: If your pan isn’t non-stick, using muffin liners or extra spray is a must to keep muffins intact.
- Watch Baking Time Closely: Start checking at 19 minutes to ensure you don’t overbake; the muffins should be just set, not rubbery.
How to Serve Egg Muffins with Ham and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping these muffins with a little extra chopped parsley or green onion right before serving to brighten things up. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce also kicks things up in a minor but delightful way.
Side Dishes
Pair these egg muffins with a fresh fruit salad or some roasted breakfast potatoes to round out your meal. They also go wonderfully with a crisp side salad if you’re serving them for brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, I’ve arranged these egg muffins on a tiered stand with little bowls of sauces and garnishes nearby. It makes for a pretty display and lets everyone customize their bites—always a hit!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, I pop leftover egg muffins in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to four days. I find they keep their texture best when reheated gently.
Freezing
Freezing is a game-changer with this recipe. I usually freeze the muffins individually on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They keep well for about two months—perfect for a meal prep win!
Reheating
To reheat, I pop them in the microwave for about 30-40 seconds or warm them in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes. Microwaving retains moisture but the oven gives a nicer texture if you have time.
FAQs
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Can I make Egg Muffins with Ham and Cheese Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! These muffins are fantastic for meal prep. You can bake them in advance, then store in the fridge for several days or freeze for longer storage. Just reheat before serving and enjoy a quick, protein-packed breakfast.
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What’s the best way to prevent egg muffins from sticking?
Use a good non-stick cooking spray on your muffin tin or consider silicone muffin liners. Also, letting the muffins cool a little before removing helps them release easily without breaking.
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Can I substitute other meats or make this vegetarian?
Definitely! Diced cooked bacon, sausage, or turkey can work great. For a vegetarian option, swap ham for sautéed veggies like mushrooms or spinach to keep the flavor and texture exciting.
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How do I know when the egg muffins are done baking?
The muffins are done when the edges start to pull away slightly from the pan and the tops are set without jiggle. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs—not wet batter.
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Can I use whole milk instead of half and half?
Yes, whole milk works if that’s what you have. The muffins might be a touch less creamy but the difference is subtle enough that no one will notice.
Final Thoughts
This Egg Muffins with Ham and Cheese Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it feels like a little bit of comfort and convenience all wrapped into one. There’s something joyful about grabbing a warm, homemade muffin packed with deliciousness on a hectic morning. I hope you find this recipe as satisfying and handy as I do—go ahead, give it a try and make your mornings just a bit easier (and tastier!).
PrintEgg Muffins with Ham and Cheese Recipe
These Breakfast Egg Muffins are a delicious and convenient way to start your day. Packed with ham, red bell pepper, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh herbs, they are fluffy and flavorful. Perfect for meal prep, these muffins bake quickly in the oven and can be enjoyed warm or stored for later.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Egg Mixture
- 10 large eggs
- 1/3 cup half and half
- 1/4 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Mix-Ins
- 1 cup (heaping) small diced cooked ham
- 3/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
- 2/3 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (thinly sliced white portion)
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking the egg muffins evenly.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: Crack the eggs into a large mixing bowl, add the half and half. Use a fork to pierce the yolks and whisk the mixture until just combined, creating a uniform base.
- Add Mix-Ins: Incorporate the diced cooked ham, chopped red bell pepper, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper into the egg mixture. Stir gently 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 the muffins from sticking.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Using a 1/3 cup measuring cup, scoop the egg mixture from near the bottom of the bowl (to include some mix-ins) and fill each muffin cup almost to the top.
- Bake: Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake the egg muffins until they are just set, which will take about 19 to 23 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for approximately 5 minutes. Then either serve warm or transfer them to a wire rack to cool for about 30 minutes before storing.
- Storage: Once cooled, these egg muffins can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for convenient grab-and-go breakfasts throughout the week.
Notes
- To prevent overcooking, check the muffins at the 19-minute mark to see if they are set.
- Feel free to substitute ham with cooked bacon or sausage for variation.
- Vegetables like spinach or mushrooms can be added or swapped according to preference.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more robust flavor, or substitute with a milder cheese if preferred.
- The muffins freeze well; just reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
- To ensure even cooking, avoid overfilling muffin cups.
