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
Gillian
These look great a combination of flavoures I have to try. But I also wanted to say Go Canuks Go!
Rochelle
I'm drooling here! And I have all the ingredients to be able to make these at the moment!
Michelle (What's Cooking with Kids)
Oh Dara - these are stunning! Love your photos here - they make me want to reach into my screen for a bite 🙂
Shaina
These are just genius, Dara!
Belinda @zomppa
A cold Easter! An interesting combination, but one I'm totally on board with!
Jennifer (Savor)
How can you expect me to pay attention to the muffins when you have cute boys holding baskets in the snow? You are asking too much 😉
Jean
These savory muffins would be wonderful to eat any time of the day. Yum!
Your boys are adorable, too. 🙂
HeatherChristo
great combination! I love the new way of thinking about the salmon, would not have thought to bake it in!
Deborah
Oh my goodness - can you please send one (or a dozen!) of those down my way???
Jane - Kitchen Stools Direct
What a unique combination! Smoked salmon and Gorgonzola cheese sounds exotic. Must try this out soon. Great pictures!
Tracey
What an interesting combination of flavors - I'm so intrigued! I bet these would be a big hit at our Mother's Day brunch this year. Can't wait to give them a try!
Tracy
I love a good savory muffin and these sound perfect!!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thanks, Tracy.
Barbara | VinoLuciStyle
I love the combination of ingredients Dara; I've made a quiche with similar ingredients and it was a hit. Boys do look cute; we've had Easter's like that in Colorado too!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thanks, Barb. These flavors would be wonderful in a quiche.
Miss @ Miss in the Kitchen
We get smoked salmon from hunters that come to our ranch from Washington and I love it. I will be trying this very soon! Scrumptious!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Lucky you! I think I need to come and visit your ranch.
sippitysup
I am sure the kids loved that special Easter, GREG
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
They did indeed, though they are definitely hoping for some sunshine this year.
Maria @ Scandifoodie
These look delicious, I love savoury muffins!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
I feel the same way, Maria.
Rosie @ Sweetapolita
Dara, I have no idea how I missed these, but they are incredible! I'm not always drawn to savory baked goods, but these are really special. Love the photos, and the boys are gorgeous. Thanks for sharing! xo
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thank you, Rosie. I had a lot of fun dreaming these up.
Amanda
Wow! I want one now!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thanks, Amanda.
Cathy R
YUM! Now you've got me hoping my guys have a bountiful salmon fishing season. Printing away :).
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Lucky you to have the promise of fresh salmon. What a treat!
Katrina
Very cool idea! I've never heard of a "salmonized" muffin before!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Love your new word. I may have to use that.