Cornmeal

Scrambled Egg Muffins

by:
November  4, 2013
4.7
9 Ratings
Scrambled Egg Muffins
Photo by Bobbi Lin
  • Makes 12
Author Notes

In my quest to simplify, I have been considering an all inclusive breakfast muffin. I used to make a version that involved layering meat, veggies, and cheese in muffin tins, drizzling with beaten egg, and baking. They were decent but seemed a bit spongy and did not freeze well. I also had fond memories of a quiche-like muffin from Specialty's bakery in SF that seemed to have cornmeal or something more substantial to hold it all together. In my searches for something similar, I came across a recipe on bhg.com that scrambled some eggs and folded them into a cornbread batter; it seemed like a great starting point. The flavor profile I wanted in these muffins was inspired by a breakfast we made In the midst of summer -- an odd-sounding, but delicious combination of browned sweet corn, eggs, cheese, and maple-caramelized ham. For the first batch, I followed the original recipe pretty closely, adding just the ham, corn, and more cheese, and reducing the sugar. They were really good and it seemed a great method for suspending any combination of meat, veggies, and cheese. For the next batch, I added an extra egg to the scramble and a bit of baking soda to help provide lift, as well as a roasted chile. I ended up with what turned out to be an amazing breakfast muffin.

I should add that I also made this in a loaf pan and cut it into slices. It cooked a bit longer and came out great. —savorthis

Test Kitchen Notes

These muffins fit my ongoing quest to get more protein into breakfast on those days when I need to grab something quick and portable. They reheat well in the microwave or toaster oven and have great texture and flavor. I will be keeping a supply in the freezer for those hectic winter mornings! —tanager

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup butter, divided
  • 1 cup corn, fresh or frozen
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon plus 1/2 tablespoon sugar, divided
  • 4 ounces sliced ham, cut into strips (about 1 cup)
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 6 eggs, divided
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup cornmeal
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • Black pepper, for seasoning
  • 1 cup cheese (a sharp white cheddar is great)
  • 1 roasted poblano, diced (also great with hatch or other chiles)
  • 1 cup milk
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 400° F.
  2. Melt a tablespoon of butter in a pan over medium heat, add corn, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon sugar (this is optional optional: I added the sugar when making these with frozen corn, but fresh wouldn't need it) and cook until brown. Remove to bowl, set aside, and wipe/rinse out pan.
  3. Add another tablespoon of butter and cook ham until beginning to brown. Stir in syrup and cook until glazed. Add to the corn. Rinse/wipe out pan.
  4. Add a tablespoon of butter to pan and scramble 4 of the eggs with salt/pepper to taste until just barely cooked through. Add to bowl.
  5. Mix flour, cornmeal, 1/2 tablespoon sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, baking powder, baking soda, and a good dose of black pepper. In another bowl, whisk milk, remaining 2 eggs, and 1/4 cup melted butter. Stir dry and wet mixtures together then fold in cheese, ham, corn, eggs, and chiles.
  6. Use 1 final tablespoon of butter to grease a muffin tin and add batter. Bake about 15 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
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71 Reviews

Germaine J.
Germaine J. February 21, 2021
Just made them. The are delicious and came out golden brown
 
FrugalCat
FrugalCat January 17, 2021
Sausage crumbles instead of ham, and fire roasted corn! I can't eat when I first wake up, so having these make- ahead muffins are a great idea.
 
Jeremy D.
Jeremy D. January 12, 2021
Delicious way to start the day! I would sub another vegetable like doubling the pepper, onion, mushroom, tomato, etc for the corn to make them a wee bit healthier next time.
 
savorthis
savorthis January 12, 2021
Yes, I have used onion and zucchini, mushrooms and meatless sausage too.
 
whym
whym December 13, 2020
I just made these, and they were delicious! I’m looking forward to having them for breakfast the rest of this week :)
 
Priya C.
Priya C. October 5, 2020
These are fantastic, just made them this evening so we can have a protein rich breakfast during the week. After trying one, I'm finding myself quite excited for Monday morning so I can indulge in more! I did end up short cutting and used the Trader Joe's cornbread mix, then added all the mix-ins in the recipe. Turned out great, Thanks for sharing this recipe!
 
Alice
Alice December 11, 2019
Not enough sweetness
 
Alice
Alice December 10, 2019
Could you make these ahead of time? And how would you store them? In the refrigerator or freezer?
 
Lisa
Lisa December 11, 2019
I make and store these in the freezer all the time. They are great for me for a breakfast because they are not sweet.
 
Jean F.
Jean F. September 13, 2017
I ran this recipe for nutritional value (using whole milk) on VeryWell website.
Results are:
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Per Serving % Daily Value*
Calories 244
Total Fat 14.9g 19%
Saturated Fat 8.3g 41%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 119mg 43%
Sodium 552mg 24%
Potassium 282mg 6%
Total Carb 19.2g 6%
Dietary Fiber 1.2g 4%
Sugars 4.2g
Protein 9.4g
Vitamin A 17% · Vitamin C 17%
Calcium 12% · Iron 10%
*Based on a 2,000 calorie diet
 
cindy
cindy August 20, 2017
Would I still add the maple syrup if I was making these vegetarian ?
 
Trudi D.
Trudi D. September 19, 2017
Yes. Maple syrup comes from a vegetarian source.
 
Yayita
Yayita March 8, 2017
These are amazing and addicting! I have read about so many on the go breakfasts but this one is the best one. I accidentally found this recipe and I am so glad I did because this is so customizable to anyone's palate. I followed the directions as directed (fair warning: instructions can be a bit tedious but believe me when so say it's worth it) but I did replace some of he ingredients in order to use what I had in hand: replaced the ham for prosciutto, replaced the maple syrup for honey, and replaced unsalted butter for salted butter. Due to the fact that I used salted butter I did not add the salt that is listed when you are mixing your dry ingredients; and due to the fact the prosciutto tends to be saltier than regular ham I also did not add salt to the eggs. Despite these modifications I still had the best on the go scrambled egg muffins I have had. The roasted poblano peppers do take this to another level so don't skip on this, even though roasting them can take some time and skill (I YouTubed it to learn how to do it properly). Although you add maple syrup (in my case honey) and sugar with the canned corn, it doesn't make it a sweet muffin as that was my fear. Oddly enough, I felt that it needed a bit more sweetness for my liking so when I have a muffin I will drizzle it with a teaspoon of honey and it's even better! I plan to play around with this recipe and try other taste profiles; but this original recipe will be my go to.
 
Lisa
Lisa January 19, 2017
This is one of the best recipes I've tried so far from food52.

I used the suggestion of using Trader Joe's Roasted corn which was a great time saver and let me use less butter. I just threw it in the pan when the ham (I used Canadian Bacon) was done.

I also saved some time by skipping the roasted poblano pepper and using Pepper Jack cheese instead to give it little kick.

This is one of the best savory muffins I've ever tried and it will be a sustaining breakfast for me.

 
savvychef
savvychef August 6, 2016
ok...suggest that you take a peek @ other comments (there are LOTS) or even contact 'savor this' as she's the maker/creator for this one. You'll find some great ideas, and be able to 'stretch beyond the comfort zones'!!
 
joyce
joyce August 5, 2016
I'm lactose intolerant and wouldn't be able to use/add the cheese. Do you think that would negatively impact the recipe, or can I substitute the cheese with something else?
 
savvychef
savvychef February 28, 2016
Just took batch out of the oven- this time no green chilis as cupboards are sparse! Used frozen corn, and extra sharp cheddar from Trader Joe's. Muffins are GREAT!! Am house sitting this week, so are my perfect 'grab and go!! Worth the extra effort to saute 'fixin's'!!
 
SophieL
SophieL February 18, 2016
These are so-o-o delicious! I used a frozen corn mixture that had black beans, green pepper and onions (Southwest) and for the chili at the end, I used Hatch Diced Green Chili. Even though the cooking steps were a tiny bit tedious (definitely not a one-bowl muffin mix), it was well worth the effort. The comments were very helpful, too. When the muffins came out of the oven, I ate one standing over the sink because I couldn't wait to plate it. Going back for another.
 
iSmk
iSmk May 9, 2015
The first time I made these I stuck as closely to the recipe as possible. (Closely = no peppers because they don't like me, and oops, didn't have enough cornmeal.) They turned out GREAT. Next time I had all the cornmeal, and added chopped onion to brown with the corn, and finely chopped fresh kale that I quickly sauteed immediately after the corn. FABULOUS. This time, onion again and small diced broccoli sauteed after the corn. I also doubled the batch because these are ridiculously delicious. They're even great cold! I make these with a little less ham (because I loooove it but know that cured meats aren't great for me) and I cut down on the added salt a bit because I share these with my elderly Mom who is supposed to watch her salt intake. Oh, and these freeze really well to. Great recipe, thank you!!
 
iSmk
iSmk May 9, 2015
*too
 
savvychef
savvychef March 21, 2015
Just made these- OMG, they are RAVE, new FAVE, and KEEPER RECIPE!! I used Hatch Green Chile salsa from Trader Joe's as no poblanos in the freezer! Like the texture, taste, and great golden bake!! And for my vegetarian friends, perhaps sweet red peppers and/or zucchini?? Have been on enough hiking, sailing, camping trips, rafting to know these would be great for any meal, any time of day!! Where was this recipe when we did 'folk concert weekends' in tents???Thanks for the recipe!!
 
savorthis
savorthis March 22, 2015
So glad you liked them. It's about time I made another batch too....
 
Kathleen U.
Kathleen U. February 15, 2015
I do not have corn meal right now but i have everything else and would love to make these. What can i do??? Thanks. Sound wonderful!!
 
Minerva Z.
Minerva Z. February 15, 2015
Look forward to one day during the week to enjoy recipies as they were meant to be...once a week...if you worry about calories, cholesterol, or other issue that may not be life threatening for you...life is short! And get back on track the next day or...
 
Curtis S.
Curtis S. January 30, 2015
This is both a great idea and a great-tasting breakfast dish! I'm amused by the calorie-counters whose preferences rule out practically anything after reduced-calorie yoghurt. This is indeed quite healthy.

Curtis Stotlar