Mini Spinach and Goat Cheese Muffins
Category: Appetizers
Servings: 36 Muffins
Mini muffins made with a delightful mix of spinach and goat cheese are perfect for any appetizer spread. These savory bites, complemented by a smooth goat cheese cream, offer a flavorful, easy-to-make snack. Whether for a gathering or a casual snack, these mini muffins will impress with their subtle complexity and fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 250g |
| Instant yeast for savory bakes | 3g |
| Grana Padano cheese (grated) | 70g |
| Fresh spinach | 100g |
| Garlic clove | 1 |
| Eggs | 55g |
| Whole milk | 200g |
| Butter (softened) | 100g |
| Fine salt | q.b. (to taste) |
| Black pepper | q.b. (to taste) |
| Goat cheese | 200g |
| Fresh cream (liquid) | 200g |
| Chives | q.b. (to taste) |
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Spinach
Begin by heating a drizzle of olive oil in a saucepan. Add a clove of garlic and let it sauté for a couple of minutes until aromatic. Add the spinach, which should be thoroughly washed, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach has wilted. Remove the garlic and transfer the cooked spinach to a tall glass or container. Use an immersion blender to puree the spinach into a smooth paste. Set it aside.
Step 2: Mixing the Muffin Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and grated Grana Padano cheese. Use electric beaters to blend the mixture for about 2 minutes until smooth. Add the egg and continue to mix until fully incorporated. Now, fold in the spinach puree you prepared earlier, using the beaters to incorporate it quickly.
Gradually add the flour, instant yeast, and milk to the mixture. Keep mixing with the beaters until the batter is smooth and uniform.
Step 3: Baking the Muffins
Transfer the muffin batter into a piping bag (without a nozzle) for easy portioning. With these proportions, you will make about 36 mini muffins. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) in static mode and bake the muffins for about 20 minutes or until they are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 4: Making the Goat Cheese Cream
While the muffins are baking, prepare the goat cheese cream. In a bowl, combine the goat cheese with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and black pepper to taste. Use a whisk to mix it all together. Add the fresh cream and whisk again until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Assembling the Mini Muffins
Once the muffins have baked and cooled, carefully remove them from the molds and allow them to cool completely. Once cooled, top each muffin with a dollop of the goat cheese cream. Sprinkle with freshly cracked black pepper and finely chopped chives for added flavor and color.
Tips for Success:
- You can substitute the Grana Padano cheese with Parmesan or Pecorino if you prefer a sharper flavor.
- The spinach can be cooked in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- To make the goat cheese cream extra smooth, you can blend it in a food processor.
These Mini Spinach and Goat Cheese Muffins are not only a delightful appetizer but also versatile enough to be served at any event, from brunch to dinner parties. Their soft texture and rich, savory flavors are sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests.
