Quinoa Egg Muffins (Gluten Free)

These quinoa egg muffins make a delicious, protein-packed gluten free breakfast or satisfying snack. They are made using cooked quinoa and a handful of pantry ingredients. Easy to make, nutritious and ready in 40 minutes!

See also fluffy spinach egg muffins and cottage cheese egg muffins!

These quinoa egg muffins make a delicious alternative to an omelette or scrambled eggs. They are super easy to make and involve simply whisking together all the ingredients and baking the muffins!

Quinoa is a nutritious ingredient popular in salads and as a side dish, but it is so versatile it can be used in many other ways. Cooked quinoa has a lovely, fluffy texture a slightly nutty flavour, perfect in pancakes as well as baked goods, including quinoa muffins with blueberries and banana quinoa bread. Which is why it works so well in these egg quinoa muffins! 

Quinoa egg muffins ingredients and substitutions

• Quinoa: you can either cooked the quinoa from raw (approx. ¼ cup/50g) or use ready-cooked shop-bought variety.
• Eggs.
• Sour cream: adds moisture, helps to produce a fluffy consistency and enhances the flavour. Use full fat Greek yogurt instead if you prefer.
• Scallions/spring onions.
• Flour: I used rice flour but quinoa flour or another gluten free flour will work, too. If you don't need these egg muffins with quinoa to be gluten free you can use regular wheat flour.
• Baking powder: ensure it's gluten free.
• Cheese: I used mature cheddar but gruyere or another strong semi-hard cheese are good alternatives. The cheese adds flavour as well as a bit of fat and I do not recommend omitting it.
• Salt and pepper.

• TIP: You will save time if you cook the quinoa ahead. Once cooled cover and refrigerate it for up to 3 days.

Step-by-step recipe instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 350F/180C/160 fan/gas mark 4. Grease a 6-hole muffin pan using either a little butter (approx. 1 teaspoon) or cooking spray and set aside (I used butter).

2. Whisk eggs: Whisk together the eggs and sour cream until smooth.

3. Add quinoa: Add the cooked quinoa, cheese, scallions, salt and pepper and whisk until thoroughly incorporated.

• TIP: If cooking the quinoa from raw rinse it first (to avoid potential bitterness) then boil it in salted water according to packet instructions. Drain (if needed) and set aside to cool completely before using. 

4. Add flour: Add the flour and baking powder and gently stir in using a whisk just to combine (do not overstir the batter).

5. Bake: Spoon the mixture into the prepared pan and bake in the centre of the oven for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside for about 10 minutes before serving.

How to serve egg muffins with quinoa

These egg and quinoa muffins can be served alongside other healthy breakfast dishes, including homemade baked beans and a glass of refreshing beet and carrot juice or vegetable smoothie. I also enjoy it with homemade avocado mayo or simply with ketchup!

Top tips

• To save time I recommend cooking the quinoa ahead (unless using ready-cooked store-bought quinoa).
• Once cooked and cooled completely quinoa can be refrigerated (covered) for up to 3 days.
• Do not overstir the batter (once you've added the flour).
• Leave the muffins to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before serving.
• Best served a little warm.
• Refrigerate leftover quinoa egg muffins, in an airtight container (so they retain their moisture), for up to 2 days. For a fluffier consistency microwave for a few seconds before serving.
• Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Optional add-ins

To me these quinoa egg muffins are perfect just as they are but you can experiment with the flavours according to your taste. Here are some optional ingredients to consider adding:

• Spice: Pinch of hot paprika/chili flakes
• Protein: Finely chopped ham or bacon (approx. 2 tablespoons)
• Zest: Finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, pickled peppers or capers (approx. 1 tablespoon).

More breakfast quinoa recipes to try next

• Quinoa Spinach Breakfast
• Quinoa Blueberry Muffins
• Quinoa Yogurt Parfait
• Quinoa Berry Smoothie Bowl
• Quinoa Egg Salad Wrap
• Overnight Quinoa with Banana (No Added Sugar)

See also these other healthy, delicious breakfast recipes!

Recipe

Keep in touch!

If you make these quinoa egg muffins I'd love to know how they turned out for you. Did you add any other ingredients into the batter? Let me know in the comments below, thanks!

Follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for regular recipe updates! Or you could subscribe to this blog and receive all my latest recipes right into your mailbox!