Step 1: Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the egg muffins bake evenly and thoroughly. Make sure your oven is properly calibrated for consistent results. An oven thermometer can be a valuable tool.
Grease a 12-cup muffin tin generously with non-stick spray or olive oil. Do not skimp on the grease! Ensure every crevice of the muffin tin is coated to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can use silicone muffin liners for easy removal. If you're using paper liners, they may stick to the egg muffins, so proceed with caution.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined. Whisking incorporates air into the egg mixture, creating a lighter and fluffier texture. Ensure the yolks and whites are fully integrated for a uniform consistency. Over-whisking can lead to a tough texture, so whisk just until combined.
This is also the stage to add any additional seasonings. A dash of garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika can add depth of flavor to your egg mixture. Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Step 3: Add Mix-Ins:
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, onion, and any additional ingredients like cooked bacon, sausage, or ham. Be creative with your mix-ins! Consider adding diced vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes. Sun-dried tomatoes, black olives, and artichoke hearts are also excellent additions.
If using cooked meat, ensure it's diced into small pieces for even distribution throughout the egg muffins. This prevents large chunks from sinking to the bottom of the muffin cups. Sauteing the vegetables before adding them to the egg mixture can enhance their flavor and texture.
Step 4: Fill Muffin Cups:
Pour the egg mixture evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. This allows the egg muffins to rise without overflowing. Use a measuring cup or a ladle for consistent filling. Be mindful of the distribution of mix-ins, ensuring each muffin cup receives a fair share. If you accidentally overfill a muffin cup, carefully remove the excess egg mixture with a spoon.
Step 5: Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the tops are golden. The baking time may vary depending on your oven. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean, the egg muffins are ready. The tops should be lightly golden brown and slightly puffy.
Avoid opening the oven door frequently during baking, as this can cause the temperature to fluctuate and affect the baking time. If the tops are browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the muffin tin with aluminum foil.
Step 6: Cool and Serve:
Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before removing them. This helps them to firm up and prevents them from breaking. Run a knife around the edges of each muffin to loosen them from the tin. Serve warm or at room temperature. These egg muffins are delicious on their own or accompanied by a side of fruit, yogurt, or toast.