Cheesy Zucchini Muffins with Hidden Spinach
Moist, savory muffins packed with spinach and cheese—kids won't guess the healthy ingredient. This american-inspired kid friendly ready in about 42 minutes pairs grated and squeezed dry zucchini, finely chopped fresh spinach, shredded cheddar cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 12, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup, grated and squeezed dry zucchini
- 1/2 cup, finely chopped fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tbsp, melted butter
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup squeezed zucchini, 1/2 cup chopped spinach, and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; mix until spinach is evenly distributed.
- Step 3: Whisk together 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt in a separate bowl.
- Step 4: In a medium bowl, beat 1 egg, 1/2 cup milk, and 2 tbsp melted butter until smooth.
- Step 5: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined, then fold in the zucchini-spinach mixture until no streaks remain.
- Step 6: Divide the batter evenly into the muffin cups (filling 3/4 full), and bake for 20-22 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and edges are golden brown.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cheesy Zucchini Muffins with Hidden Spinach take to make?
Total time is about 42 minutes (20 min prep + 22 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Cheesy Zucchini Muffins with Hidden Spinach?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep finely chopped fresh spinach from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cheesy Zucchini Muffins with Hidden Spinach?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cheesy Zucchini Muffins with Hidden Spinach for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Cheesy Zucchini Muffins with Hidden Spinach?
American kid friendly like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
I've tried many kid friendly recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 22-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
