Pin it Savory muffin balls bursting with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and tangy pickles—a perfect snack or appetizer for gatherings.
I first made these for a game night, and they disappeared faster than I could set them out. The combination of smokey bacon, sharp cheddar, and tangy pickles in bite-sized form was an instant hit.
Ingredients
- Wet Ingredients: 2 large eggs, 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, 1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
- Dry Ingredients: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Fillings: 1 cup (115 g) sharp cheddar cheese (shredded), 1/2 cup (75 g) dill pickles (finely chopped), 6 slices bacon (cooked & crumbled, about 1/2 cup), 2 tbsp fresh chives (chopped, optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Pan:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease mini muffin tin or line with mini muffin liners.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and oil until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Blend Batter:
- Add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Add Fillings:
- Fold in cheddar cheese, chopped pickles, crumbled bacon, and chives until evenly distributed.
- Fill & Bake:
- Spoon batter into prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cavity almost to the top. Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.
- Cool & Serve:
- Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Pin it My family loves these as a special treat after a busy week. Kids adore the cheesy, savory taste, and adults appreciate the punchy flavor combination.
Flavor Variations
Try mixing in pickled jalapeños for added heat, or swap cheddar for spicy pepper jack cheese to liven up the crowd-pleasing version.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with your favorite dip, such as ranch dressing or honey mustard, for a delicious snack or alongside soup for a hearty meal.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days, or freeze and reheat in the oven to preserve crispness and flavor.
Pin it These savory muffin balls make entertaining easy and delicious for any occasion. Enjoy warm, and be ready for requests for seconds!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute turkey bacon for regular bacon?
Turkey bacon works well and creates a lighter version, retaining a similar flavor profile in the finished muffin balls.
- → Is it possible to make these vegetarian?
Yes, omit the bacon entirely or use meatless bacon-style crumbles for a vegetarian alternative without compromising the savory taste.
- → How can I add a spicy twist?
Add chopped pickled jalapeños to the filling for extra heat. Adjust quantity based on preference.
- → Can I freeze the muffin balls?
These freeze well; reheat in the oven for best texture and flavor. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
- → What dips pair well with these?
Ranch dressing and honey mustard are delicious options that complement the savory and tangy flavor profile.
- → Should I use fresh or dried chives?
Fresh chives offer a vibrant flavor, but dried chives may be used if that's what you have on hand.