Savory Vegemite, Bacon & Cheese Muffins

The Heart of the Recipe: Vegemite, Bacon, and Cheese

Before we dive into the details of making these savory muffins, let’s take a moment to talk about the key ingredients that make this recipe shine:

1. Vegemite – This is a quintessentially Australian ingredient, often used as a spread on toast, but here, it’s incorporated into muffins for a savory depth of flavor. It’s made from leftover brewers’ yeast extract and is packed with umami. While it has a strong, acquired taste, it adds a unique richness to these muffins. If you’re new to Vegemite, you may want to start with a small amount to adjust to its flavor.

2. Bacon – What’s not to love about crispy bacon? Its smoky, salty taste perfectly complements the sharp flavor of cheddar and the tang of Vegemite. Bacon also adds a satisfying texture and depth to the muffins.

3. Cheddar Cheese – The creamy and slightly sharp flavor of cheddar cheese makes these muffins wonderfully indulgent. It melts beautifully inside the muffin, providing pockets of cheesy goodness that balance the saltiness of the bacon and the savory punch from the Vegemite.

4. Self-Raising Flour – A key ingredient that ensures your muffins rise beautifully without the need for additional leavening agents like baking powder. It’s the perfect flour choice for light, fluffy muffins.

5. Milk, Eggs, and Butter – These basic ingredients provide moisture and structure to the muffins. The butter adds richness and a subtle flavor, while the milk and eggs help bind the ingredients together.

How to Make Savory Vegemite, Bacon & Cheese Muffins: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that we know what makes this recipe so special, let’s get into the details of preparing the muffins. Don’t worry — this recipe is super easy, and you’ll have homemade savory muffins ready in no time.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Muffin Tin

Before you start mixing the ingredients, make sure your oven is preheated to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your muffins bake evenly and achieve that golden-brown perfection.

Next, line a muffin tin with paper cases or lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter. The paper cases make cleanup easier, but greasing the tin directly ensures that the muffins will release easily.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, sift the self-raising flour. Sifting helps to aerate the flour, which gives your muffins a light and fluffy texture. Add the grated cheddar cheese and chopped bacon into the flour. Make sure the bacon is cooked and chopped into small pieces — you want them to be evenly distributed throughout the muffin. You can also use leftover cooked bacon for this recipe, which is a great way to repurpose ingredients.

Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the Vegemite, milk, eggs, and melted butter. The Vegemite should be dissolved into the liquid, and the mixture should be smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste — be cautious with the salt, as the Vegemite and bacon already add a good amount of saltiness.

Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold everything together. The key here is to mix just until combined. Overmixing the batter can result in dense muffins, so it’s important to fold the ingredients gently. You should see small pockets of the cheese and bacon throughout the batter, but it should not be completely uniform.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin

Once the batter is ready, use a spoon or an ice cream scoop to fill the muffin tin. Fill each muffin cup about three-quarters full. This will allow the muffins to rise without overflowing during baking.

Step 6: Bake the Muffins

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Keep an eye on the muffins as they bake — they should turn golden brown on top, and when you insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin, it should come out clean. If it comes out with wet batter, give them a few extra minutes in the oven.

Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool slightly in the tin before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. These muffins are best enjoyed warm, with the cheese still gooey and the bacon crispy.

Why You’ll Love These Savory Vegemite, Bacon & Cheese Muffins

These savory muffins are more than just a breakfast treat — they’re versatile and perfect for a variety of occasions. Here are a few reasons why they’re such a great addition to your baking repertoire:

1. Perfect for Brunch: Whether you’re hosting a brunch with friends or family, these muffins will steal the show. Serve them alongside fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, or a green salad for a balanced meal.

2. Great for Snacks: Looking for a savory snack to tide you over between meals? These muffins are perfect for nibbling on throughout the day. Pack them in lunchboxes or take them with you for a grab-and-go snack.

3. Freezable: If you have leftovers, these muffins freeze beautifully. Simply let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat in the microwave or oven whenever you need a quick snack or breakfast.

4. Customizable: Feel free to experiment with the ingredients! Add different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or gouda, or substitute the bacon with cooked ham or sausage. You can also toss in some herbs like chives or thyme for extra flavor.

5. Quick and Easy: With only a 10-minute prep time and 20 minutes of baking, these muffins are incredibly quick and easy to make. They’re a perfect solution when you need to whip up something savory in a hurry.

Tips for the Best Savory Vegemite, Bacon & Cheese Muffins

To ensure that your muffins turn out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh eggs, milk, and cheese for the best flavor. If you’re using leftover bacon, make sure it’s crispy and chopped into small, bite-sized pieces.

• Don’t Overmix: As mentioned earlier, overmixing the batter can make your muffins dense. Be gentle when folding the wet and dry ingredients together.

• Watch the Oven: Every oven is different, so start checking the muffins a few minutes before the recommended baking time. They’re done when they’re golden brown on top, and a toothpick comes out clean.

• Serve Warm: These muffins are at their best when served warm, with the cheese still soft and the bacon crisp.

• Adjust the Salt: Vegemite and bacon are both quite salty, so adjust the amount of salt you add to the batter accordingly. Taste as you go and be cautious.

Why These Muffins Are a Must-Try

Savory Vegemite, Bacon & Cheese Muffins are not only packed with flavor, but they’re also a fun way to incorporate Vegemite into your baking. If you’re already a Vegemite fan, this recipe is a unique twist on using it in a savory baked good. The combination of the salty bacon, sharp cheese, and the savory richness of Vegemite makes these muffins an unforgettable treat.

Perfect for any meal or occasion, they’ll quickly become a family favorite. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or reheated, these muffins will provide a satisfying and hearty bite every time. So next time you’re looking for a savory snack or a new breakfast idea, give these muffins a try — you won’t regret it!