Here’s a delicious recipe for Goat Cheese & Lardon Muffins! These savory muffins are a great breakfast or snack option, combining the rich creaminess of goat cheese with the savory crunch of lardons (small bits of bacon).
Ingredients:
- For the muffins:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional, but adds great flavor)
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup olive oil or melted butter
- 1 cup crumbled goat cheese
- ½ cup cooked and drained lardons (about 3-4 oz of bacon or pancetta, chopped and cooked until crispy)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
1. Prepare the lardons:
- In a skillet, cook the lardons (or chopped bacon) over medium heat until crispy. Drain excess fat on a paper towel and set aside.
2. Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly.
3. Mix the dry ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix well to combine.
4. Mix the wet ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and olive oil (or melted butter).
5. Combine:
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—it’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy.
6. Add the cheese and lardons:
- Gently fold in the crumbled goat cheese and cooked lardons. Be sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Fill the muffin tin:
- Spoon the batter into the muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
8. Bake:
- Bake the muffins for about 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool and serve:
- Let the muffins cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired before serving.
These savory goat cheese and lardon muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a savory snack! They are light but full of rich, satisfying flavors. Enjoy!