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Broccoli and Egg White Muffins


  • Author: Jessica

Ingredients

Scale

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious and healthy Broccoli and Egg White Muffins:

  • 1 ½ cups Liquid Egg Whites – Approximately 12-14 large egg whites. Using liquid egg whites from a carton is convenient, but you can also separate fresh eggs. They provide a lean protein base.
  • 1 ½ cups Broccoli Florets – Finely chopped. Fresh broccoli works best for texture and flavour, but ensure it’s chopped small for even cooking and distribution within the muffins. You can steam it lightly beforehand for a softer texture if preferred.
  • ½ cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Or your favourite cheese like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or feta. Use sharp cheddar for a more pronounced cheesy flavour. Shredding your own often yields better melting.
  • ¼ cup Milk – Any kind works (dairy, almond, soy, oat). This adds a little moisture and tenderness to the muffins.
  • ¼ cup Chopped Onion – Yellow or white onion, finely minced. Adds a foundational savory flavour. You could also substitute with shallots or green onions.
  • 1 clove Garlic – Minced. Adds a pungent depth of flavour that complements the broccoli and cheese. Use fresh garlic for the best taste.
  • ½ teaspoon Salt – Or to taste. Enhances all the other flavours. Adjust based on the saltiness of your cheese.
  • ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper – Freshly ground preferred. Adds a touch of warmth and spice.
  • Cooking Spray or Olive Oil – For greasing the muffin tin. Essential to prevent sticking, especially with egg-based recipes.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bake your perfect batch of Broccoli and Egg White Muffins:

  1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or a light coating of olive oil. Pay special attention to the bottoms and sides of each cup. Using silicone liners is also a great option for easy cleanup and guaranteed non-stick results. This preheating step ensures the muffins start cooking immediately and evenly when placed in the oven.
  2. Prepare the Broccoli: Wash the broccoli florets thoroughly. Chop them into very small, bite-sized pieces – think smaller than a pea. If the pieces are too large, they won’t cook through evenly and might make the muffins structurally unstable. If you prefer softer broccoli, you can lightly steam the chopped florets for 2-3 minutes, then drain and pat them completely dry before adding them to the mixture. Excess moisture can make the muffins watery.
  3. Sauté Aromatics (Optional but Recommended): For enhanced flavour, heat a small amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. This step mellows the raw bite of the onion and garlic, creating a deeper savoury base. If short on time, you can skip this and add them raw, but the flavour profile will be sharper.
  4. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the liquid egg whites, milk, salt, and black pepper until well combined but not overly frothy. You want them mixed, but excessive whisking can incorporate too much air, potentially affecting the texture.
  5. Add Solids: Gently fold in the finely chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, and the sautéed (or raw) onion and garlic mixture into the egg white mixture. Stir until everything is evenly distributed. Avoid overmixing; just combine until the ingredients are dispersed throughout the liquid.
  6. Fill Muffin Cups: Carefully pour or ladle the egg white mixture evenly into the prepared muffin cups. Fill each cup about two-thirds to three-quarters full. Leave some space at the top as the muffins will puff up slightly during baking. Ensure the solid ingredients (broccoli, cheese, onion) are distributed relatively evenly among the cups.
  7. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the muffins are set, puffed up, and lightly golden around the edges. The exact time can vary depending on your oven and the size of your muffin cups. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a muffin; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached (no wet batter). The tops should feel firm to a light touch.
  8. Cool: Once baked, carefully remove the muffin tin from the oven and place it on a wire cooling rack. Let the muffins cool in the tin for at least 5-10 minutes. This allows them to set further and makes them easier to remove without breaking.
  9. Remove and Serve: Run a thin knife or offset spatula around the edge of each muffin to loosen it, then gently lift them out. Serve warm or allow them to cool completely for storage.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: one normal portion
  • Calories: 80
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 8g