Protein egg muffins with smoked salmon

Protein egg muffins with smoked salmon

35 min
Wake up your senses and start your day right with our protein egg muffins. This recipe brings together a satisfying blend of soft-boiled potatoes, fluffy eggs and the freshness of spring onions, all enriched with creamy cottage cheese. Topped with a spoonful of creme fraiche, smoked salmon and a sprinkle of herbs, these muffins are packed with both protein and flavour. They're perfect for a quick breakfast or a protein-filled snack, simple to make, and delightful to eat.
https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/protein-egg-muffins-with-smoked-salmon/

Instructions

  • Grease a muffin tin (12 pcs) with melted butter.
  • Place a boiled potato in each mould and press down with the bottom of a glass to create a cavity.
  • Mix eggs, cottage cheese, spring onion, salt and pepper in a bowl.
  • Spread the mixture over the potatoes. Bake them for approximately 20 minutes at 220 °C (hot air).
  • Serve with creme fraiche, smoked salmon and herbs.
Recommended information

Serving suggestion

Enjoy!
Keep your protein egg muffins firm by managing moisture

Prevent the muffins from becoming too soft or soggy by managing moisture from ingredients like cottage cheese, potatoes and spring onions. Cottage cheese can add extra moisture, so ensure you measure carefully and avoid overmixing to maintain the structure. Additionally, pat the cooked potatoes dry before pressing them into the muffin tin to reduce water content. With spring onions, finely chop and lightly pat them dry with a paper towel to remove surface moisture. These simple steps will help prevent excess liquid, giving your muffins a firmer, more satisfying texture.

Customise your potato base

For a creamier texture, try making mashed potatoes by mashing the cooked potatoes with a bit of the crème fraiche topping, then spooning into the muffin tin. If you prefer a bit more bite, dice the potatoes into small cubes and pre-cook them until tender but firm. For a subtle, caramelised flavour that enhances the overall taste, try roasting the potatoes instead of boiling. Or, if you’re looking for a more rustic feel, finely grate raw potatoes and squeeze out any excess liquid before adding them to the tin. The grated raw potatoes may need extra time in the oven to cook fully, so remember to watch them closely as they bake.

Monitor baking time for optimal texture

Baking time is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. Too short, and you might end up with a soft centre; too long, and the muffins may turn out dry or tough. Aim for around 20-25 minutes in the oven. Keep an eye on the surface: it should be lightly golden and firm to the touch. A skewer or toothpick test is always helpful—insert it into the centre of a muffin, and if it comes out clean, the muffins are ready. Being mindful of baking time ensures a delightful texture that’s easy to bite into, with each muffin remaining pleasantly moist on the inside while slightly crisp on the edges.

FAQ: Questions about protein egg muffins

Start your day with our deliciously savoury protein egg muffins! We’ve answered some common questions to help you perfect this recipe, from tips on prepping them in advance, preventing sogginess, reheating with ease, and more, so you can enjoy flawless muffins every time.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Absolutely, this recipe is perfect for busy mornings and meal prep. Once baked, let the muffins cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge where they’ll stay fresh for up to three days. Alternatively, prepare and refrigerate the ingredients separately – boiled potatoes, the cottage cheese mixture and toppings – then simply assemble the muffins in the morning. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to account for the chilled ingredients.
Can I reheat my protein egg muffins?
Absolutely, reheating these muffins is quick and easy. The microwave is the fastest option: just pop a muffin on a microwave-safe plate and warm it for about 20-30 seconds on medium power, checking to make sure it’s heated through. For a slightly crispier result, try reheating in the oven. Preheat to 160 °C, cover the muffins loosely with foil to avoid drying, and warm them for around 10 minutes. This way, they’ll come out tasting as fresh as they did when they first left the oven, with a satisfying balance of texture and warmth.
What can I use if I don’t have a muffin tin?
No muffin tin? No problem! One option is to use ramekins, lightly greased, to bake individual portions. Alternatively, a mini casserole or square baking dish can work well; simply pour the entire mixture in and bake as a single portion, cutting it into squares or wedges to serve. Just keep in mind that if you’re using a single dish rather than a muffin tin, the baking time might vary slightly, so check for doneness around the edges and centre as needed.

Nutritional values

Nutritional value, per

1138 Kcal

Fibre 10.5 gram fibers
Protein 50.1 %
Carbohydrates 73.1 %
Fat 72.1 gram

Ingredients

Butter, melted
20 g
Potatoes, boiled
400 g
Eggs
3
Cottage cheese
50 ml
Spring onions, finely chopped
3
Coarse salt
1 tsp
Pepper, freshly ground to taste
To serve
Creme fraiche
100 ml
Smoked salmon
100 g
Herbs (e.g., chives, dill, parsley), finely chopped
25 g

Soften with cottage cheese

Adding cottage cheese to the batter brings a luxuriously creamy softness to the muffins while boosting their protein content. This dairy addition keeps the texture light and moist, perfect for those who prefer a softer bite. Cottage cheese blends seamlessly into the mixture, resulting in a delicate, tender consistency in each muffin. For the best results, whisk the eggs first, then gently fold in the cottage cheese. You can even set aside a small amount to add a dollop in the centre of each muffin cup, creating a creamy surprise in every bite.

Add the smoked salmon to the batter for extra texture

Smoked salmon brings both fantastic flavour and a unique texture to these muffins. For a more integrated taste, finely chop the salmon and fold it directly into the cottage cheese batter, creating a cohesive mixture with bits of salmon dispersed throughout. Alternatively, you can add small chunks to each muffin cup after pouring in the batter. This method preserves the salmon’s texture, offering a delightful contrast to the soft egg and potato base in each bite.

How do I know my muffins are done?

The simplest way to tell if they’re ready is to check the tops and edges. They should appear golden and slightly firm, while the edges might be lightly browned. A good test is to press lightly on the top – if it feels springy, you’re on the right track. For added assurance, you can insert a skewer or toothpick into the centre; if it comes out clean, your muffins are ready to come out of the oven.

Innovative preparation techniques

For an interesting spin, try using silicone muffin cups or parchment paper liners to make the muffins easy to release from the tin. If you enjoy a crispier bottom, place a metal baking tray underneath the muffin tin while baking, which can help create a slightly toasted texture. For extra creaminess, consider blending a portion of the cottage cheese until smooth before folding it in to create a silkier texture.

You could also experiment with layering ingredients, adding a dollop of the cottage cheese batter or a piece of smoked salmon in the middle of each muffin for a tasty surprise. These techniques add depth, flavour, and a touch of sophistication to your muffins, making each one truly unique.