If you love the comforting aroma of fresh-baked goods mingling with sharp cheese and fragrant herbs, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Cheese & Herb Muffins with Whipped Bovril Butter Recipe. Imagine tender, golden muffins studded with rich cheddar and parmesan, flecked with herbs, carrying a subtle warmth from cayenne, all paired perfectly with a luxuriously whipped Bovril-infused butter. It’s a cozy, delicious treat that feels like a warm hug in every bite and makes for a truly memorable twist on your usual muffin routine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet thoughtfully selected to deliver maximum flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role, from the nutty mix of flours creating a tender crumb to the sharp cheeses that melt beautifully throughout the batter.
- 250g flour (a mix of whole wheat and cake flour): Provides structure while offering a slightly wholesome texture.
- 2 tsp baking powder: The magic that makes these muffins rise light and fluffy.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances all the flavors and enhances the cheesy notes.
- A pinch of cayenne pepper: Adds just a hint of warmth to keep things interesting.
- 1 tsp dried mixed herbs: Brings an aromatic herbaceous punch that lifts the muffin.
- 100g grated cheddar cheese: Sharp and creamy, it melts into gooey pockets of delight.
- 30g grated parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, nutty depth to complement the cheddar.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together for that perfect muffin texture.
- 210ml milk: Keeps the batter moist and tender.
- 60ml oil or melted butter: Adds richness and a soft crumb.
- 100g softened butter: For the whipped Bovril butter, making the perfect spread.
- 1 tsp Bovril: Infuses the butter with a deep, savoury umami hit.
How to Make Cheese & Herb Muffins with Whipped Bovril Butter Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Get things started by setting your oven to 180°C (350°F). Preheating is crucial to ensure your muffins bake evenly, forming a beautiful golden crust while staying tender inside.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine your flour blend, baking powder, salt, and cayenne pepper, followed by the dried mixed herbs and both cheeses. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures your herbs and cheeses are beautifully dispersed throughout each muffin.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the egg until smooth, then add the milk and oil or melted butter. This mixture adds moisture and fat, crucial for the tender, rich crumb you’re aiming for.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Ingredients Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Resist the urge to overmix, as a lighter touch preserves the fluffiness of your muffins.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Divide your batter evenly among muffin cups and place them in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. When they’re puffed and golden, and a toothpick inserted comes out clean, they’re ready to go.
Step 6: Whip the Bovril Butter
While the muffins bake, tackle the whipped Bovril butter. Beat the softened butter together with the Bovril until smooth, fluffy, and ready to spread a layer of deep, savoury indulgence atop your warm muffins.
Step 7: Serve and Savor
Once the muffins are out of the oven and slightly cooled, spread them generously with the whipped Bovril butter and enjoy every bite of this irresistible treat.
How to Serve Cheese & Herb Muffins with Whipped Bovril Butter Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped chives or a light dusting of extra parmesan on top of the whipped Bovril butter to add a pretty, fresh finish and punch up the cheesy, herby flavors even more.
Side Dishes
These muffins pair brilliantly with a bowl of steaming tomato soup or alongside a fresh mixed salad to balance savory richness with fresh crispness. They’re also fantastic on their own as a snack or breakfast pick-me-up!
Creative Ways to Present
Why not serve them warm in a rustic wooden basket lined with a cozy cloth napkin for a charming brunch spread? Or slice them open, add a layer of your favorite chutney inside, and wrap in parchment paper for a delightful picnic treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This will maintain their soft texture and prevent them from drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze these muffins once completely cooled by wrapping each one individually in plastic wrap and storing in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay delicious for up to three months.
Reheating
To bring your muffins back to life, warm them gently in a toaster oven or microwave for about 20-30 seconds, then slather with freshly whipped Bovril butter to recreate that irresistible, just-baked charm.
FAQs
Can I substitute the Bovril in the butter?
While Bovril adds a unique savoury depth, you can swap it for Marmite or a small amount of concentrated beef stock paste if needed, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.
What if I want a vegetarian version?
Choose a vegetarian Bovril or use a herb-infused butter to keep the muffins just as delicious without compromising on flavor.
Can I use different cheeses?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with gouda, gruyère, or a strong blue cheese for a different twist, just be mindful of saltiness and melting qualities.
How do I ensure my muffins turn out fluffy and not dense?
Make sure to mix your batter just until the ingredients are combined; overmixing develops gluten that can make muffins dense.
Is it possible to make these muffins gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum, you can create a similar texture though results may vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Cheese & Herb Muffins with Whipped Bovril Butter Recipe is truly a game changer for anyone seeking a cozy, flavorful treat that feels both classic and delightfully unique. I promise once you taste that buttery, umami butter melting into cheesy, tender muffins, it will quickly become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Give it a try and enjoy the warm, savory comfort it brings to your table.
Print
Cheese & Herb Muffins with Whipped Bovril Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Delight in these savory Cheese & Herb Muffins, perfectly tender and packed with flavorful cheddar and parmesan cheeses, enhanced with mixed herbs and a hint of cayenne for a subtle kick. Served warm with a luscious whipped Bovril butter, these muffins make a comforting snack or a delicious accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 250g flour (a mix of whole wheat and cake flour)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- A pinch of cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp dried mixed herbs
- 100g grated cheddar cheese
- 30g grated parmesan cheese
Wet Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 210ml milk
- 60ml oil or melted butter
Whipped Bovril Butter
- 100g softened butter
- 1 tsp Bovril
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure it’s ready when the batter is prepared.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, combine the flour (a mix of whole wheat and cake flour), baking powder, salt, cayenne pepper, dried mixed herbs, grated cheddar cheese, and grated parmesan cheese. Stir well to distribute all dry components evenly.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the large egg, then add the milk and oil (or melted butter), mixing until well combined.
- Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and gently mix together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the muffins light and fluffy.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Make butter: While the muffins bake, beat the softened butter with Bovril in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Serve warm with a generous spread of the whipped Bovril butter for an extra burst of savory flavor.
Notes
- Using a combination of whole wheat and cake flour provides a balance of texture and nutrition.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid dense muffins.
- Bovril butter adds a rich, umami depth but can be substituted with plain butter if preferred.
- These muffins are best enjoyed fresh and warm for optimal flavor and texture.
- Can be frozen after baking; reheat before serving.
