Savory Zucchini Feta Muffins - These savory zucchini feta muffins bake up fluffy and tender with lightly crisp tops and pockets of salty feta in every bite. The zucchini keeps the crumb moist and soft without tasting watery, while herbs and lemon bring brightness that balances the rich cheese. The flavor is savory, lightly tangy, and satisfying, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack that feels more substantial than a sweet muffin. They mix in one bowl and bake quickly, making them an easy, colorful option for meal prep or hosting.
Savory Zucchini Feta Muffins - Savory muffins can turn dense if the batter is overmixed or if the zucchini adds too much water, so the technique here is all about moisture control and gentle mixing. After testing, I found that shredding zucchini and squeezing it well is non-negotiable; excess moisture makes the muffins gummy and prevents proper rise. Once the zucchini is dry, it behaves like a tenderizing ingredient rather than a wet one. I also learned that folding flour in gently—just until no dry streaks remain—keeps gluten development low, which is what guarantees a fluffy, tender crumb. Feta is salty, so the batter seasoning is measured carefully; a little lemon zest and fresh herbs build flavor so you don’t rely on extra salt. Using a combination of yogurt and olive oil keeps the texture moist without heaviness, and a hot oven start helps the muffins dome with lightly crisp tops. This shows how basic ingredients create something special: vegetables, yogurt, and cheese become a brunch-ready bake when you manage water and mix with restraint. The method is straightforward but delivers professional results, and it fits my focus on technique over complexity—dry the zucchini, fold gently, and bake hot to make certain these muffins rise beautifully and stay tender for days.
Dietary Notes
- ✓ One-Bowl Baking
- ✓ Moist Tender Crumb
- ✓ Meal-Prep Friendly
- ✓ Savory Brunch Option
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Why You'll Love This
- Fluffy, Not Dense: Gentle folding and moisture control create a tender, airy muffin.
- Savory Flavor Balance: Feta, herbs, and lemon build flavor that tastes bright and satisfying.
- Easy Make-Ahead: Bake once and enjoy quick breakfasts and snacks for days.
- Flexible Add-Ins: Works with olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or extra herbs without changing the method.
Savory Zucchini Feta Muffins
👩🍳 Author: Chef Nour
⏰ Prep Time: 20min
❄️ Cool Time: 10
🔥 Cook Time: 18min
🥨 Yield: 12
🍞 Method: Baking
🌾 Diet: Vegetarian
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Ingredients
- 2 cups (about 260 g) zucchini, grated and squeezed very dry
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp fine salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup (180 g) Greek yogurt, plain
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 3 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped
- 5 oz (140 g) feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 scallions, sliced (optional)
Ingredient Notes:
- zucchini, grated and squeezed very dry Squeeze zucchini aggressively to remove water; dry zucchini guarantees a fluffy crumb and prevents dense, gummy muffins that can happen with watery batter.
- all-purpose flour Fold flour gently and stop when streaks disappear; minimal mixing limits gluten so the muffins stay tender and soft rather than chewy.
- baking powder Baking powder provides lift and helps create domed tops; check freshness so the muffins rise reliably and don’t bake flat.
- baking soda Baking soda reacts with yogurt for tenderness; it also supports browning so the tops turn lightly crisp and golden.
- fine salt Keep salt moderate because feta adds salinity; balanced seasoning makes the muffins savory and bright instead of overly salty.
- black pepper Pepper adds gentle bite that balances rich feta; it helps the muffins taste more savory and layered.
- garlic powder Garlic powder adds savory depth without harshness; it blends evenly through batter and avoids burnt garlic flavor in the oven.
- eggs Eggs bind the batter and set structure; whisking them smoothly into the wet mix guarantees even lift and a consistent crumb.
- Greek yogurt, plain Yogurt adds tang and tender texture; it keeps muffins moist and helps emulsify the batter for a fluffy result.
- olive oil Olive oil keeps the crumb soft for days; it prevents dryness better than butter in quick savory bakes and supports a tender bite.
- lemon zest Zest adds citrus aroma without extra liquid; it brightens savory flavors and makes the muffins taste fresher.
- fresh dill or parsley, chopped Fresh herbs add lift and color; stir them in with the wet ingredients so they distribute evenly without overmixing.
- feta cheese, crumbled Use feta in medium crumbles for creamy salty pockets; very fine crumbles disappear and reduce that satisfying flavor contrast.
- scallions, sliced (optional) Scallions add a fresh bite and color; add them last so they stay defined and don’t soften into the batter.
Instructions
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1Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C) and line a muffin tin - a hot start helps muffins dome and creates lightly crisp tops.
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2Step 2: Grate zucchini and squeeze very dry in a towel until no liquid drips - removing water prevents gummy texture and guarantees proper rise.
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3Step 3: Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder - even distribution makes certain the muffins lift evenly.
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4Step 4: In a bowl, whisk eggs, yogurt, olive oil, lemon zest, and herbs until smooth - emulsifying wet ingredients creates a tender, consistent crumb.
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5Step 5: Fold wet into dry just until combined, then fold in zucchini, feta, and scallions - gentle folding limits gluten so muffins stay fluffy, not dense.
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6Step 6: Portion batter into the tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full - consistent portioning guarantees even baking and domed tops.
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7Step 7: Bake 16–20 minutes until tops are lightly golden and a tester comes out clean - baking to the cue prevents dryness while setting structure.
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8Step 8: Cool 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack - brief cooling sets the crumb so muffins don’t collapse when removed.
Nutrition Facts
Calories 190
Protein 7g
Carbs 20g
Fiber 1g
Sugar 3g
Fat 9g
Sodium 390mg
Potassium N/A
Serving Suggestions
Serve these muffins warm so the feta pockets feel creamy and the tops stay lightly crisp. Pair with a simple tomato-cucumber salad, scrambled eggs, or a bowl of soup for a cozy lunch. For a brunch board, split muffins and spread with a little labneh or butter, then finish with extra herbs and cracked pepper for a fresh look. They taste best within the first day or two, but a quick warm-up brings back that just-baked softness and aroma.
How to Store?
Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days for longer keeping. Reheat in a 325°F (165°C) oven for 6–8 minutes to refresh the crumb and lightly re-crisp the top; microwaving works in short bursts but can soften the exterior. Muffins freeze well for up to 3 months; freeze individually, thaw at room temperature, and warm briefly for a fresh-baked feel. For make-ahead prep, shred and squeeze zucchini up to 24 hours ahead and keep it wrapped and chilled, then mix batter quickly when you are ready to bake.
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