Pin it Savory, tangy muffin bites featuring creamy cheese and zesty dill pickles are the perfect treat for parties, snacks, or anyone seeking a unique appetizer. Simple steps yield delicious, fluffy bites bursting with flavor.
I first made these muffin bites for a family game night and they disappeared almost instantly. The combination of cream cheese and dill pickles drew everyone in for seconds and requests for the recipe.
Ingredients
- Cream cheese: 115 g (4 oz), softened
- Unsalted butter: 60 g (1/4 cup), softened
- Egg: 1 large
- Whole milk: 60 ml (1/4 cup)
- All-purpose flour: 125 g (1 cup)
- Baking powder: 1 tsp
- Baking soda: 1/4 tsp
- Salt: 1/4 tsp
- Ground black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Dill pickles: 80 g (1/2 cup), finely chopped
- Pickle brine: 1 tbsp
- Fresh dill: 2 tbsp, finely chopped (or 2 tsp dried dill)
- Chives: 1 tbsp, finely chopped (optional)
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 30 g (1/4 cup), for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare oven and tin:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a mini muffin tin or line with paper liners.
- Cream together:
- In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add wet ingredients:
- Add the egg and milk, and beat until well combined.
- Add pickles and herbs:
- Stir in the pickle brine, chopped pickles, dill, and chives.
- Combine dry ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pepper.
- Mix batter:
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and fold together gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fill muffin tin:
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups. Top each with a pinch of shredded cheddar cheese, if desired.
- Bake:
- Bake for 16–18 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve:
- Allow to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Pin it Whenever my niece visits, she insists we bake these muffin bites together. It has quickly become our tasty, go-to tradition for movie nights.
Required Tools
Mini muffin tin, mixing bowls, electric mixer or whisk, measuring cups and spoons, spatula.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cream cheese, butter, cheddar), egg, and gluten (flour). May contain traces of allergens from processed pickles or cheese.
Nutritional Information
Each muffin bite contains approximately 85 calories, 6 g total fat, 6 g carbohydrates, and 2 g protein.
Pin it Bring these muffin bites to your next gathering for instant smiles. The zippy flavor and creamy texture make them truly unforgettable.
Common Questions
- → Can I substitute fresh dill with dried?
Yes, use 2 teaspoons dried dill for each tablespoon fresh. Adjust to taste for optimal flavor.
- → How do I store muffin bites?
Place in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
- → Can these be made ahead for parties?
Absolutely, prepare them a day prior and simply warm before serving for the best texture and flavor.
- → Is it possible to add heat?
For extra spice, add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the batter.
- → What pairs well with these bites?
Serve alongside crisp white wine or a light beer to complement the tangy, savory flavors.
- → Are these vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, they contain dairy and egg but no meat. Always check labels for potential cross-contamination.