I have a hard time describing the anxiety and frustration I feel when I have a million things to do but still need to get something substantial, and relatively healthful, into my kids’ tummies. With a family full of busy schedules, I’ve resorted to pre-preparing an arsenal of foods that are easy to pull out of the freezer and reheat.
Ham and Cheese Muffins are not only delicious and perfect for little hands to hold, but they’re a great way for kids to get their protein and carbohydrates all in one, along with a good dose of fiber from the whole-wheat flour. Make a batch of these on a Sunday afternoon and freeze them for later. On those days when you and your kids are racing around, you’ll be so relieved to have these muffins handy.
Cooking spray
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup whole-wheat flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
¼ cup vegetable or canola oil
2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
1¼ cups buttermilk (see Tip)
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 cup finely chopped cooked ham
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray two muffin pans with cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole-wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt and stir to combine.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, oil, and maple syrup until combined.
4. Add the buttermilk to the egg mixture and whisk.
5. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
6. Fold in the cheese and ham.
7. Fill the muffin cups ⅔ full and bake for 18 to 20 minutes (15 minutes if using mini muffin cups).
8. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
TO FREEZE: Place the cooked muffins in ziplock bags, label with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat to warm through.
TIP: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make it by combining 1¼ cups of milk less 1 tablespoon and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Allow to sit for 5 minutes, then add it to the recipe.
KIM: The Ham and Cheese Muffins were so easy to make, and my toddler loved them. They’re an easy way to sneak some protein in his diet, since he doesn’t generally like meat!
FLOWER: Much to my dismay, my little man is going through a picky phase, and if it’s not carby or cheesy, he isn’t interested. Thank you for a new way to introduce a protein in a cheesy carby package! He devours these muffins, and I’m satisfied knowing he’s getting the body-building protein he needs!
JESS: The Ham and Cheese Muffins are perfect—supereasy to make and delicious. I made them in a mini-muffin tin and the size was just right for my ten-month-old. He loved every bite!
BROOKE: My little man loves the Ham and Cheese Muffins. I make them in mini-muffin tins and he stuffs the whole thing in his mouth, he loves them! So glad there is a healthy snack he can munch on when he is hungry. I freeze the leftovers and just pop them in the microwave for 15 seconds for a quick snack.