Apple Cheddar Muffins with Rosemary Recipe
Introduction
Apple Cheddar Muffins with Rosemary offer a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for a cozy breakfast or snack. The sharp cheddar pairs beautifully with fresh rosemary and tender apple pieces, creating a unique and comforting treat.

Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 ½ cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 ¼ cups milk
- ¼ cup melted unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups peeled, cored, finely chopped apple (about 2 apples)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin pan or line with paper liners, or use a non-stick pan.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and chopped rosemary.
- Step 3: Add the grated cheddar cheese to the dry ingredients and stir to combine evenly.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then whisk in the milk and melted butter.
- Step 5: Stir the chopped apples into the wet mixture gently.
- Step 6: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in the apple mixture and stir quickly just until the batter is moistened; do not overmix.
- Step 7: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups.
- Step 8: Bake in the center of the oven for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 9: Let the muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, toast the chopped rosemary lightly before adding to the dry ingredients.
- Substitute granny smith apples for a tarter bite, or sweeter varieties like Fuji for a more mellow muffin.
- Use sharp or extra-sharp cheddar depending on how pronounced you want the savory cheese flavor.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warming spice twist.
Storage
Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven before serving to restore their moistness.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use shredded pre-packaged cheese instead of grating cheddar myself?
Yes, pre-shredded cheese works fine, but freshly grated cheddar generally melts better and provides a fresher taste.
Can I substitute dried rosemary for fresh?
You can, but use about one-third the amount of dried rosemary since it’s more concentrated and less fragrant than fresh.
PrintApple Cheddar Muffins with Rosemary Recipe
These Apple Cheddar Muffins with Rosemary combine the sweet, tart flavors of fresh apples with the sharpness of cheddar cheese and a fragrant hint of rosemary. Perfectly tender and savory, these muffins make a delicious breakfast treat or a flavorful snack any time of day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 ½ cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
Wet Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1 ¼ cups milk
- ¼ cup melted unsalted butter
Produce
- 1 ½ cups peeled, cored, finely chopped apple (about 2 apples)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 12-cup muffin pan by greasing it or lining with paper muffin liners to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and finely chopped fresh rosemary until evenly combined.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the grated sharp cheddar cheese into the dry mixture ensuring it is well distributed.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the large egg with milk and melted unsalted butter until smooth and combined.
- Add Apples: Fold the peeled, cored, and finely chopped apples into the wet ingredients, mixing gently to combine.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour the apple mixture in. Stir swiftly but gently until the batter is just moistened; avoid overmixing to keep muffins tender.
- Fill Muffin Pan: Divide the batter evenly among the 12 prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full.
- Bake: Place the muffin pan in the center rack of the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan on a wire rack for several minutes before transferring them to the rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Ensure not to overmix the muffin batter to maintain a light and fluffy texture.
- Fresh rosemary can be substituted with dried rosemary, but reduce the amount to about 1 teaspoon due to its stronger flavor.
- Sharp cheddar cheese provides the best flavor contrast; mild cheddar can be used but will produce a subtler taste.
- For best results, use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
- To reduce sodium, consider using low-sodium cheddar cheese and adjusting the salt accordingly.
- These muffins are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Keywords: apple cheddar muffins, rosemary muffins, savory muffins, breakfast muffins, cheese muffins, baked muffins

