Spinach Feta Lunch Muffins

Name: Spinach Feta Lunch Muffins
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 12 muffins
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 3/4 cup milk; 1 large egg; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

I absolutely love making Spinach Feta Lunch Muffins for an easy, nutritious meal option! These muffins are perfect for busy weekdays or whenever I need a healthy snack on the go. Bursting with the goodness of fresh spinach and creamy feta cheese, each bite is a delightful surprise. I appreciate how versatile they are; I can enjoy them warm, at room temperature, or even cold. Plus, they freeze beautifully, making them a great make-ahead option for my meal prep!

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-02-21T20:58:18.127Z

Creating these Spinach Feta Lunch Muffins was a delightful experience! I enjoy experimenting with healthy recipes, and these muffins turned out to be both satisfying and flavorful. I found that adding a pinch of nutmeg enhances the spinach while keeping the overall taste light and fresh.

One of my favorite tips is to use fresh ingredients whenever possible. I like to sauté the spinach lightly before mixing it in, as it brings out just the right amount of flavor. This dish is perfect for snacking or a quick lunch, and they never last long in my kitchen!

Why You'll Love These Muffins
Packed with nutrients from fresh spinach
Creamy feta adds a rich flavor boost
Perfect for meal prep and on-the-go snacks

Why Spinach and Feta Work Together

The combination of spinach and feta in these muffins is not just delicious; it's also a powerhouse of nutrition. Spinach provides vital vitamins and minerals like iron and potassium, critical for boosting your immune system and maintaining energy levels. Feta adds a tangy and creamy flavor, which complements the earthy taste of the spinach wonderfully. Together, they create a flavor profile that elevates these muffins from ordinary to exceptional, making each bite a balanced indulgence.

Furthermore, spinach has a high water content, which helps keep the muffins moist without making them heavy. This moisture balances beautifully with the crumbly texture of feta, ensuring that each muffin remains light and fluffy. Incorporating these ingredients also introduces a vibrant green color, making the muffins visually appealing and even more enticing as a meal option.

Tips for Perfect Muffins

To achieve a light and fluffy texture, it’s essential not to overmix the batter. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stir gently until just combined. You should still see a few flour streaks when you pour the mixture into the muffin tin. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins, which is not the desired outcome. Aim for a batter that is slightly lumpy but well-integrated.

For an extra flavor boost, consider adding garlic powder or fresh herbs like dill alongside the spinach and feta. These additions can enhance the overall flavor profile while keeping the muffins aligned with their savory purpose. Additionally, if you're looking for a lower-fat version, you could replace half of the olive oil with a low-fat yogurt, which would also contribute to a moist muffin.

Ingredients

Muffin Ingredients

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
3/4 cup milk
1 large egg
1/4 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Mix all the ingredients thoroughly for a perfect consistency.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and olive oil until all are well combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper together.

Add Spinach and Feta

Fold the chopped spinach and crumbled feta into the dry ingredients, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.

Combine Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Bake

Fill each muffin cup about 3/4 full with the batter and bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Enjoy

Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!

These muffins are great for breakfast, lunch, or as a snack!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like dill or thyme. You can also replace feta with goat cheese for a different taste.

Make-Ahead and Storage

These Spinach Feta Lunch Muffins are perfect for meal prepping! You can make a batch on the weekend and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. This allows you to grab a nutritious snack quickly or include them in lunchboxes. If you prefer, you can also freeze the muffins. Simply let them cool completely, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until heated through.

To prevent sogginess if you're freezing them, ensure that they’re individually wrapped, or use parchment paper between muffins in a container. This will help maintain their texture when thawing. Just remember to let them thaw completely before reheating for the best quality, or you can enjoy them cold directly from the fridge!

Variation Ideas

Feel free to get creative with this muffin recipe! For instance, you could substitute the feta cheese for goat cheese for an earthier flavor. Alternatively, swapping half of the spinach with finely chopped kale can add an interesting texture and taste while still keeping the nutritional benefits. If you desire a bit of sweetness, adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives can enhance the savory aspect of the muffins without compromising their integrity.

For those who prefer a spicier kick, tossing in some red pepper flakes or black olives will add depth. If you want to make them dairy-free, simply omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based cheese substitute. These variations can keep your weekly meal prep exciting and tailored to your taste preferences!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the mixture.

→ How should these muffins be stored?

Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate them for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these muffins?

Absolutely! These muffins freeze well. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months.

→ What can I substitute for flour?

You can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend if desired. Adjust the liquid as needed.