The Muffin Tin: Not Just For Muffins (with recipes)
The muffin tin. It seems like such a simply kitchen item. You can’t use it for anything other than regular muffins and cupcakes, right? Wrong! You can cook so many fun little things in a muffin tin. It’s such a great way to make little portion sized recipes that can be enjoyed right away, or frozen for later.I started using my muffin tin in an attempt to waste less food with my toddler. I was making large batches and trying to guess as to his portion sizes so that I could freeze it for later use. Somehow, I never could get it right. Either I froze too much, or too little. It was so hard to get an even amount. That’s when I started using the muffin tin. I discovered that it was the perfect size for a single portion! This became one of my new favorite things for reducing food waste.
For more about reducing food waste with a toddler, read my post here.
This journey of muffin tin cooking expanded to include unique healthy “real” muffin recipes as well. These I make not only for my toddler, but also for myself. Meals are so hard to make with a 2-year-old pulling on your leg and I often have a difficult time trying to eat healthily when I’m on the go. Making healthy recipes in the muffin tin make easy to go portions for myself as well.
Here is a collection of my favorite muffin tin recipes of my own, as well as some I found from others.
This is one of my own. I’ve made these several times and usually keep some in the freezer. These are great as an alternative to your traditional bagel bite type snacks. You can make them with either zucchini rounds that fit perfectly into the muffin tin, or with eggplant that you cut down to fit. They taste good, freeze well, and reheat wonderfully! Toddler approved as well!
Make-Ahead Sausage, Egg and Cheese Breakfast Muffins
This one is by Moms who Save. They freeze well and so its a great recipe to prepare in bulk and pull out as needed. It’s not easy to always have a hot breakfast so having these makes it a whole lot easier. The hash brown base makes it more filling than just egg as well. For vegetarians, either use a veggie sausage, or skip it all together.
For all those on a Keto diet, check this recipe out from Tales from Home. They are customizable and will help you stick to your diet while supplying a quick breakfast. Simply add or subtract different ingredients based on your tastes. There are easy instructions and even some tips on how to be eco-friendly and reduce your clean up!
This flourless recipe is supplied by Colorado Kelly. They are great as breakfast or as a little energy boosting snack. There are hidden nutrients in it that you can’t taste, but make it have that extra health boost.
Brought to you by Eps & Amy, this is another easily customizable recipe. You can use any kind of fruit and use it as a base for this yummy cake batter muffin. For those that like a little sweetness, this is perfect, without being over powering.
Bacon Wrapped Mac and Cheese Bites
This is another of my own recipes. My son absolutely loves these and they are another one that freezes really well. It’s the perfect little toddler portion! Mac and cheese is a big favorite in my house and wrapping it in bacon just seemed like the perfect little touch. You can even add veggies like spinach or broccoli for a added nutrient boost!
Some Unique Recipes from Donna Audet
Donna runs a great Facebook group call Easy Recipes For Busy Families. These next few recipes are all from her. They are kid friendly, tested by her, and all delicious. The perfect little portions for little hands! She has a lot more muffin tin recipes, these are just my 4 favorites. Check out her group to see more!
4 Ingredient Mini Chicken Pot Pies
A Few More Traditional Recipes
The first two are from Liz Gillam. You can check her out on Instagram.
These are the perfect post workout meal! They aren’t too sweet and are super healthy.
Another more traditional recipe, but it’s too good not to include!
These muffins by My Fruitful Home are a little more traditional, but super healthy. Zucchini muffins are a great way to eat some vegetables in a delicious package. They are also kid approved!
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22 Comments
Ashley Slefinger
Yum! The zucchini pizza bites look like a must try!
Kat
Thanks. They are really good!
Teresa Britton
Thanks for including MomsWhoSave’s breakfast recipe!
Kat
You’re welcome! I liked it!
Brandi Michel
Muffin recipes are so awesome for busy weeknights. My kids would gobble up those pizza muffins!
Kat
Mine does!
This Mum At Home
I really want to try those zucchini pizzas ! What a great idea so yummy and good for me lol lol lol
Kat
Thanks! They are really good.
Brandi
I need to start using my muffin tins more. Who would have thought you can use it for so much more than muffins. Thanks for sharing!
Kat
I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Lisa | amerytina
I love making food in muffin tins, and these are great recipes to add to my collection! Thanks for putting this together.
Kat
I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Natalie
Ohh man the bacon wrapped Mac and cheese looks so good !!
Kat
It is!!! You should give it a try!
Liz
I love this and my kids would love most of these! I never think to use my muffin tin for anything other than muffins. Thanks for the suggestions!
Kat
It’s so versitile. You can adapt almost any recipe to little portions in the muffin tin!
Chelsae
These all look so delicious! I can’t wait to try some!
Kat
I hope you do!
Lisa Wingerter
Love it! Love new recipes too!
Kat
Thanks!
Krystal Miller
Those bacon wrapped mac and cheese bites look so yummy! I want to give them a try.
Kat
They are really good. My son devours them and I eat them as a snack too!