Last year, we woke up on Easter morning to discover that the Easter bunny had hidden his brightly colored bounty in the foot of snow that carpeted our backyard. After filling up on warm Hot Cross Buns, muffins and fresh fruit, we bundled the kids up in snow pants and gloves, and lined their baskets with plastic bags to help deal with the inevitable quick melt once the baskets came inside, and sent them off to dig for their eggs. It was not the bright spring day, full of tulips and chirping birds, that we typically hope for in the middle of April, but it certainly made for a memorable Easter Sunday. Really, the kids were not at all concerned that the plastic eggs were half-frozen, as long as those eggs were filled with chocolate and jellybeans.
Considering that our spring this year can only be described as frigid, there is a chance that we will need another hot breakfast to warm us post-hunt. Poached Eggs on Toast with Chipotle Mayo, Bacon and Avocado and Whole Wheat Waffles with Blueberry Maple Sauce are contenders. Whichever recipe wins the majority vote, we will also make a batch of these easy savory muffins to munch on throughout the day.
Now, I realize that smoked salmon and Gorgonzola cheese might sound like an unusual combination. The idea to pair the two popped into my head a few days ago and, try as I might to convince myself to go with the classic match of smoked salmon and dill, I just could not shake the thought of Gorgonzola. Several years ago, I indulged in a pasta dish with smoked salmon and a Gorgonzola cream sauce at a local restaurant. The decadent combination won me over, then took a backseat in my memory until a few days ago. The resulting muffin is tender and full of the rich flavors of a creamy cheese and smoked fish. They are irresistible when served warm with a pat of butter.
The recipe:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a muffin tin with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt. Add chopped smoked salmon, crumbled Gorgonzola cheese and chives, and stir to combine.
In a medium bowl, whisk together milk, sour cream, egg and melted butter until the mixture is smooth. Fold milk mixture into the flour mixture until combined. The batter will be very thick.
Using a ⅓-cup measuring cup coated in cooking spray, divide the batter between the 12 muffin cups.
Bake until the muffin tops are just starting to brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few crumbs attached, about 25 minutes.
Let the muffins cool in the pan, about 5 minutes, and then remove from pan and let cool for 5 additional minutes before serving.
Other savory biscuit and quick bread recipes:
Mushroom Rosemary Olive Oil Bread
Cream Biscuits with Prosciutto & Parmesan Cheese
Caramelized Onion & Spinach Olive Oil Quick Bread
Smoked Salmon & Gorgonzola Savory Muffins
Basic savory muffin recipe adapted from America's Test Kitchen
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
¾ tps salt
4 oz. smoked salmon, roughly chopped
4 oz. Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled (about 1 cup)
3 tablespoon finely chopped chives
1 ¼ cups 2% milk
¾ cup sour cream
1 egg
3 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted and cooled
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a muffin tin with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt. Add chopped smoked salmon, crumbled Gorgonzola cheese and chives, and stir to combine.
In a medium bowl, whisk together milk, sour cream, egg and melted butter until the mixture is smooth. Fold milk mixture into the flour mixture until combined. The batter will be very thick.
Using a ⅓-cup measuring cup coated in cooking spray, divide the batter between the 12 muffin cups.
Bake until the muffin tops are just starting to brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few crumbs attached, about 25 minutes.
Let the muffins cool in the pan, about 5 minutes, and then remove from pan and let cool for 5 additional minutes before serving.
Makes 12 muffins
Nutmeg Nanny
Oh my! These little savory muffins look amazing!
fooddreamer
You had me at smoked salmon, I am a huge fan. Hope your Easter morn isn't quite as chilly as last year!
RavieNomNoms
Those are such a great muffin. You know I never really think about savory muffins and then when I see them they always look so great...this looks awesome!
Brooks at Cakewalker
Dara, these fabulous muffins have me over the moon! To behold these flavor profiles in one sumptuous treat must be spellbinding...I'm thinking Easter brunch, that is, if I don't try them right away. I'd be remiss if I didn't say what handsome lads you have. I'm sure you'll agree there's only one thing greater than cooking and that's raising children 🙂
Sukaina
Come rain or shine, kids always seem to have fun eh?! I hope this Easter is fabulous for you and your family. I'm sure with muffins like these for breakfast, everyone's day will be brightened up 🙂
Delishhh
OH MY - There look amazing. Never thought of putting salmon in my muffin but what a great idea.
Wenderly
Love that combo! They look so gorgeous too...those colors are spectacular! Happy Easter to you & your darling family Dara!
Aimee @ Simple Bites
Smoked salmon is a favorite of ours - even my little guys love it. Fantastic muffins!
Laura
I always like to add something fun and unexpected to a traditional holiday menu. These savory muffins will be perfect for Easter! Then again, I can also see them served with a standing rib roast. I think they'll be a hit!
Christina of Form V Artisan
Well well....a fellow (former) Canadian! How lovely!
I'm lovin' the killer food shots you have on this site....and the braised leeks with pepper cream sauce and capers??? Pa-leeeaaase!
Maria
I love savory muffins. These look fantastic. Cute boys:)
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thanks, Maria.
Jenny @ Fitness Health and Food
oh wow those look AMAZING!
I love smoked salmon but have always been worried about baking with is - as it could lose its lovely moist deliciousness. But I will have to give these a try! 🙂
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
I think that because the smoked salmon was mixed into the batter, rather than laying on top of the muffins, it didn't dry out at all.
Jenny Flake
DELICIOUS!! I want for breakfast!!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Oh, and I did have one for breakfast.
marla
Dara, your boys are darling with their Easter baskets in the snow!!! These savory muffins sound wonderful & I am encouraged to try a version over here. xo
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thanks, Marla. I would love to see your version (no doubt healthier than mine).
Lori @ RecipeGirl
Snow on Easter?! Blasphemous. We have to put on sunscreen around here 😉 The Easter bunny no longer exists in my house (I've been found out), but I'll still deliver the goods.
These look delicious for brunch.
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
You're right, it is blasphemous. I'm surprised the Easter bunny agrees to work under such conditions. =)
Emily @Cleanliness
Those are GORGEOUS.
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thanks, Emily.
Heather
Oh my goodness. This has to be the best muffin ever! I would have never thought that smoked salmon could be added to a muffin. Brilliant.
Your boys are so darling. 🙂
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thanks, Heather. Savory muffins are a favorite of mine and this one certainly raised the bar for us.
claudia lamascolo/aka pegasuslegend
Those children are what its all about, the memories shared, smiling faces, what a precious post and family.... have a fabulous EASTER~
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
You're absolutely right, Claudia. The kids had a ball!
Greedy Rosie
They look AMAZING. I'm not a huge fan of Gorgonzola normally, but I'm sure I'd enjoy it in these muffins - sounds like it would combine really well with the salmon
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Rosie, while you can taste the Gorgonzola in these muffins, it is not overpowering.
Maris (In Good Taste)
I think its a wonderful combination. The muffins look delicious and those kids are adorable! Happy Easter!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thanks, Maris. I was really pleased with how the combination turned out in real life (not just in my head).