The beauty of these mini broccoli Cheddar egg muffins is that they can be made ahead, then reheated at breakfast time. Perfect for busy mornings!
Without a doubt, today is my favorite day of the Christmas holidays. Don't get me wrong, Christmas day
was more than we could have hoped for. The kids stumbled downstairs, eyes lighting up as they saw the presents laid around the Christmas tree, the bulging stockings and the note from Santa, which said that he and the reindeer thoroughly enjoyed the milk, cookies and carrots left out for them the night before. We had a full house - my parents, my husband's parents and my husband's brother and his girlfriend - and the day was filled with happy chaos. Now today, we can relax in each other's company, play with our new toys and enjoy easy meals of leftovers and a simple breakfast dish, such as these mini frittatas, filled with eggs, broccoli, cheddar cheese and chipotle pepper powder.
In Canada (and England), the day after Christmas is called Boxing Day. No, there isn't some inane tradition of watching the kids duke it out over the new toys. Rather, Boxing Day started generations ago in England as the traditional day to box up gifts or money to provide to one's servants or needy families. That tradition has morphed into hitting the stores for the annual Boxing Day sales (not really my thing), lounging around the house in a blissful post-holiday stupor, or holding a post-holiday open house as a chance to visit with family and friends.
However you choose to spend the day, you likely have decided not to spend hours over the stove. That is why this easy breakfast dish (or lunch, for that matter) is the way to go. Quickly blanch some broccoli florets, whisk together some eggs and chipotle pepper powder (found in the spice aisle of most supermarkets) and combine everything into muffin cups, along with some green onions and cheddar cheese. Twenty minutes later, the mini frittatas come out of the oven, ready to serve. If you have extras, they can be stored and then reheated on another day (see directions below), which also makes them perfect for busy school mornings.
The recipe:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Prepare a 12-cup muffin tin by coating each cup with cooking spray.
Set a medium saucepan of water over high heat and bring to a boil. Add broccoli and cook until just tender, about 1 ½ minutes. Drain and immediately rinse with cold water.
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, water, chipotle pepper powder, and kosher salt.
Divide the broccoli, green onions and cheddar cheese between the muffin tin cups.
Transfer the egg mixture to a bowl or measuring cup with a spout and pour the egg over the broccoli mixture, filling each cup to no more than ¾ full.
Bake until the egg is set and the tops of the frittatas are starting to brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Run a knife or thin metal spatula around the edge of each frittata and gently lift them out. Serve immediately.
(If you have leftovers, let them cool for about 15 minutes, then store in an airtight container. Reheat in a 350 degree oven or toaster oven for 3 to 4 minutes.)
Printable Recipe
Mini Broccoli Cheddar Egg Muffins
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups small broccoli florets
- 10 eggs
- â…” cup water
- ½ teaspoon chipotle pepper powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 ½ green onions white & green parts, thinly sliced
- â…“ cup grated Cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Prepare a 12-cup muffin tin by coating each cup with cooking spray.
- Set a medium saucepan of water over high heat and bring to a boil. Add broccoli and cook until just tender, about 1½ minutes. Drain and immediately rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, water, chipotle pepper powder, and kosher salt.
- Divide the broccoli, green onions and cheddar cheese between the muffin tin cups.
- Transfer the egg mixture to a bowl or measuring cup with a spout and pour the egg over the broccoli mixture, filling each cup to no more than ¾ full.
- Bake until the egg is set and the tops of the frittatas are starting to brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Run a knife or thin metal spatula around the edge of each frittata and gently lift them out. Serve immediately.
- (If you have leftovers, let them cool for about 15 minutes, then store in an airtight container. Reheat in a 350 degree oven or toaster oven for 3 to 4 minutes.)
Nutrition
Disclosure: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Deborah
Breakfast foods are my favorite, and I love anything mini. These are just perfect!
a spoonful of yumm
yummy ! i love broccoli 😀 thanks for the info on boxing day...was wondering what that was about
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen
Perfect way to start the day!
Nithu, SpicyTasty
Those are cute lil frittatas. I love them. Nice pictures.
DeskSnacker
Frittatas are my fav breakfast (next to quinoa). I never thought about putting them in mini muffins instead of a pan. Hmmm, this way it can be easier to take into my lunchbox. Good thinkin.
Sippitysup
So cute and tasty. Thanks for being a part of my 2011, here's to a happy 2012 for us all. GREG
Miss @ Miss in the Kitchen
These look perfect and I love the chipotle powder added in, such great smoky flavor!
Chris @ TheKeenanCookbook
What a tasty breakfast! I love the day after Christmas too
(never knew it was called Boxing Day). We just lounged around, played with Baby Boy and his new toys (thankfully only one of them is loud) and relaxed. A wonderful day. So glad you had family over for Christmas - it can be a little stressful I bet, but as a kid I always loved having Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents, and cousins around. It really made the holiday.
bellini
Boxing Day is a day to finally breath, eat leftovers and start a new healthy path.
Donna
I always thoroughly enjoy Christmas, but I am with you - Boxing Day is so fun and relaxing now that the pressure is off!
Jen at The Three Little Piglets
Frittatas are the perfect way to use up all the bits and bobs leftover from the holiday snacking as well! Glad to hear you had a nice Christmas!
CouponClippingCook
I know what you mean about liking the day after Christmas. I feel the same way. Love this breakfast idea. And glad you mentioned the chipotle pepper powder...I haven't seen this before.....but it sounds really good.
Yadsia @ShopCookMake
I love a breakfast that can be made the night before.
Judy
This looks perfect for New Years Day breakfast as we have a houseful then. Thanks, Dara. Happy New Year to you all.
MOMables
You learn something new every day (if you're paying attention). I had never heard of Boxing Day, and I feel a bit more cultured now, so thanks! 🙂 This recipe is so simple and looks delicious! It's nearly 11:00 am here, but practically everyone is still asleep (or at least still in jammies) so I think we'll do brunch with this recipe today!
Alison @ Ingredients, Inc.
omg these look fabulous! Hope you had a great holiday!
Kimby
Dara, your breakfast creations are always well timed and tempting. (Heading for the kitchen right after this!) I've been meaning to tell you how fun it was to see you in Foodie Crush, too. Congrats on that and thanks for this!
Marina {YummyMummyKitchen.com}
Frittatas are often on my weekly dinner rotation. My kids would love a mini version.
kelley
I would normally feel the same way but it's back to work for me. No rest for the weary in this house! Sounds as if you had a busy Christmas but how wonderful to be with family. Have a wonderful relaxing day today!
Belinda @zomppa
Now this is a way I would love to wake up to!