Hey friend! Let me share one of my all-time favorite breakfast recipes with you — this Bacon and Spinach Egg Muffins Recipe is a total game-changer for busy mornings or weekend brunch. They’re packed with hearty bacon, fresh spinach, and melty cheddar cheese, all wrapped up in easy-to-make muffin cups. Once you try these, I promise you’ll be hooked because they’re not only delicious, but they also reheat beautifully for days ahead!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Make-Ahead Breakfast: These muffins keep well in the fridge and freeze like a dream so you can enjoy homemade breakfast all week long.
- Loaded with Flavor and Texture: Crispy bacon, tender spinach, and golden sautéed potatoes provide bite after bite of yum.
- Super Easy to Customize: You can swap in your favorite veggies or cheese and still get fantastic results.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Bacon and Spinach Egg Muffins Recipe work together like a well-rehearsed band. The crispy bacon pairs beautifully with earthy spinach, and the sautéed potatoes add an irresistible golden crunch. When shopping, I recommend fresh baby spinach (not frozen) for the best texture and mild cheddar for creamy meltiness.
- Bacon: The star protein with smoky flavor; cut into bite-size pieces for even crispiness.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth — finely chopped so it cooks quickly.
- Russet Potato: Grated and sautéed for a golden, tender layer that holds everything together.
- Fresh Baby Spinach: Gives a fresh pop of green and balances the richness of bacon.
- Mild Cheddar Cheese: Melts perfectly and adds a cheesy punch without overpowering the other flavors.
- Eggs: The binder and base of these muffins; I use large eggs for consistent size.
- Half and Half: Makes the eggs nice and fluffy; you can mix whipping cream with milk if you prefer.
- Tabasco Sauce: Just a little kick to wake up your taste buds—feel free to adjust based on your spice tolerance.
Variations
I love how flexible this Bacon and Spinach Egg Muffins Recipe can be. You can easily put your own spin on it depending on what you have in your fridge or what your family loves. Don’t be shy about swapping ingredients or adding in extras to make it truly yours.
- Swap the Bacon: I sometimes use turkey bacon or even diced ham if I want a leaner option or a slightly different flavor profile.
- Add More Veggies: Mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini work beautifully—just sauté with the onion and potato for best results.
- Change the Cheese: If you’re craving something a bit tangier, try feta or pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
- Make it Dairy-Free: Skip the half and half and use unsweetened almond or oat milk; skip or swap cheese for dairy-free alternatives.
How to Make Bacon and Spinach Egg Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Bacon and Onions
Start by heating a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook the bacon pieces for about 6 to 8 minutes until they’re browned and crispy. Transfer the bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain while keeping 2 to 3 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the pan—this is flavor gold! Next, toss in your finely chopped onions and sauté them for about 2 minutes until they soften and turn translucent. You’ll get a lovely base of flavor here to build on.
Step 2: Prepare and Cook the Potatoes
While your onions are softening, grate the peeled russet potato on the large holes of your grater. Here’s a trick I discovered: once grated, squeeze out as much moisture as you can with your hands, then pat dry with paper towels. This helps your muffins stay fluffy instead of soggy. Add the potatoes to the pan with your onions and sauté everything together for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are golden and almost cooked through. Then, remove the pan from heat and let it cool for a bit so it doesn’t scramble your eggs in the next step.
Step 3: Whisk the Egg Mixture and Combine
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 8 large eggs, half a cup of half and half, and 2 teaspoons of Tabasco sauce. The Tabasco gives it just the right bit of heat that wakes up all those savory flavors. Then gently fold in the sautéed onion-potato mixture, chopped fresh spinach, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This combo ensures every bite goes beyond just eggs—you’ll get texture and pops of flavor.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake Your Muffins
Preheat your oven to 375˚F and prepare a 12-count non-stick muffin tin by lightly oiling it or lining it with silicone muffin liners. I love silicone liners because clean-up is a breeze and the muffins slide right out. Evenly divide your egg mixture among the muffin cups. Sprinkle the crispy bacon evenly over the tops, then add the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese as a finishing touch. Pop the tin into your oven and bake for 22 to 23 minutes, until the muffins puff up, turn lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
Once baked, let them cool for a few minutes in the pan before removing. This gives them time to set and makes them easier to handle. I love this part because the house fills with such a welcoming aroma!
Pro Tips for Making Bacon and Spinach Egg Muffins Recipe
- Drain the Potato Well: I learned the hard way that excess water in grated potatoes can make these muffins soggy rather than fluffy—so squeeze and pat them dry!
- Use Bacon Fat for Flavor: Don’t toss out the bacon grease; it adds a delicious smoky depth when sautéing your onions and potatoes.
- Watch Your Oven Time: Mine usually take exactly 23 minutes, but test with a toothpick at 20 minutes to avoid over-baking and drying out.
- Silicone Liners Are a Game-Changer: They make removal so easy and clean-up faster—I always keep a set on hand just for these muffins!
How to Serve Bacon and Spinach Egg Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a sucker for simple garnishes that add freshness and appeal. I like to top my muffins with a little fresh chopped chives or parsley for a bright color and herbal punch. If you want a creamy twist, a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce really elevates the flavors.
Side Dishes
This recipe is pretty hearty on its own, but if I’m serving a brunch spread, I love pairing these muffins with fresh seasonal fruit, some crispy hash browns, or a light mixed green salad. A hot cup of coffee or a chilled glass of freshly squeezed orange juice complements these perfectly, too!
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch party, I’ve arranged my Bacon and Spinach Egg Muffins Recipe on a large platter with colorful veggies around the edges—cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and radish for crunch and color. Wrapping each muffin in a little parchment square and tying with kitchen twine makes them feel special and easy to grab-and-go. They’re a total crowd-pleaser when presented like this!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover muffins in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh for up to 4 days, which makes the mornings so much easier when I just need a quick reheat and breakfast is ready. Personally, I recommend letting them cool completely before refrigerating to preserve their texture.
Freezing
Freezing these muffins is a total life-saver. I place cooled muffins on a baking sheet, freeze until hard, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They keep for up to 3 months and thaw quickly in the fridge overnight or even on the counter for a couple of hours.
Reheating
When reheating, I warm them in the microwave for about 45 seconds to 1 minute or pop them in a 350˚F oven for 10 minutes if I want to keep the exterior a bit crisp. If frozen, just add a minute or two more to the microwave time. They come out tasting just as good as fresh!
FAQs
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Can I make this Bacon and Spinach Egg Muffins Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses eggs, veggies, bacon, and cheese—no flour or bread involved. Just double-check that your Tabasco and other ingredients don’t have hidden gluten if you need to be extra cautious.
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Can I substitute other greens for spinach?
Definitely! Kale, Swiss chard, or even arugula can be great swaps—just make sure to chop them finely and sauté briefly like the spinach to soften before adding to the eggs.
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How do I prevent the muffins from sticking to the pan?
I’ve found that using a good-quality non-stick muffin pan or silicone liners works best. If you don’t have those, be generous with oil or butter to coat each muffin cup thoroughly before filling.
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Can I make these muffins ahead for a party?
Yes! Make them the day before, refrigerate overnight, and reheat in the oven just before serving to bring back that fresh-baked warmth and texture.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Bacon and Spinach Egg Muffins Recipe turned out the first time I made it, and it’s been a staple in my breakfast rotation ever since. It’s the perfect blend of simple ingredients, easy prep, and big flavor that makes mornings brighter. Honestly, I recommend giving it a try even if you don’t usually cook breakfast—you’ll enjoy how it makes your start to the day feel special and satisfying. And if you end up loving it as much as I do, come back and tweak it with your favorite additions or share it with friends. Happy cooking!
Print
Bacon and Spinach Egg Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 egg muffins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Breakfast Egg Muffins are a savory and satisfying way to start your day. Combining crispy bacon, sautéed onions, grated potatoes, fresh spinach, and mild cheddar cheese in a fluffy egg base, these muffins are baked to golden perfection. Perfect for meal prep or quick breakfasts, they offer a delicious combination of flavors and textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 6 oz bacon, cut into 1/2″ pieces
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (1/2 cup)
- 1 large or 2 small russet potatoes, peeled
- 4 oz fresh baby spinach (2 cups lightly packed, coarsely chopped)
Dairy and Eggs
- 6 oz mild cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups shredded), divided
- 8 large eggs
- 1/2 cup half and half (or equal parts whipping cream and milk)
Other
- 2 tsp Tabasco sauce
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 375˚F. Lightly oil a 12-count non-stick muffin tin or line it with silicone muffin liners for easy removal of the muffins.
- Cook Bacon: Place a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add 6 oz of bacon pieces and cook until browned and crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer the cooked bacon to a plate and set aside, leaving 2-3 tablespoons of the rendered bacon fat in the skillet.
- Sauté Onions: In the same skillet with the reserved bacon fat, add the finely chopped onions and cook over medium heat until softened, about 2 minutes.
- Prepare Potatoes: While onions cook, grate the peeled russet potatoes using the large holes of a box grater. Use your hands to squeeze out as much moisture as possible, then pat dry with paper towels to remove excess water.
- Cook Potatoes with Onions: Add the grated and dried potatoes to the skillet with the softened onions. Sauté everything together for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are golden and nearly cooked through. Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- Mix Egg Base: In a medium bowl, whisk together 8 large eggs, 1/2 cup half and half, and 2 teaspoons Tabasco sauce until well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: To the egg mixture, stir in the sautéed potato and onion mixture, chopped spinach, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Fill Muffin Tin: Divide the egg mixture evenly among the 12 muffin cups. Sprinkle the cooked bacon pieces on top of each muffin and then sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese.
- Bake the Egg Muffins: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 22-23 minutes, until the muffins are puffed, lightly browned on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes before removing. Serve warm and enjoy a protein-packed breakfast treat.
Notes
- You can substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard for variety.
- Using silicone muffin liners makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking.
- Adjust Tabasco sauce quantity depending on your preferred level of heat.
- These muffins freeze well; reheat in microwave or oven for a quick breakfast.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute half and half and cheese with plant-based alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 148
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 195 mg
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