These Vegan Zucchini Muffins are a delicious treat that are easy to make and perfect for a savory breakfast, snack, brunch, or even a light lunch. Made with fresh zucchini and vegan shredded cheese, these savory vegan muffins are packed with flavor and nutrition.
Imagine muffins that took a left turn at Sugar Lane and ended up on Savory Street—that's what these zucchini muffins are all about. No dairy, no eggs, just a full-on savory muffin perfect for literally any time you're hungry, peckish, bored, or procrastinating (you get the gist).
I’m the type who thinks a sprinkle of salt trumps a spoonful of sugar any day (controversial, I know). So I wanted to whip up something that veered off the beaten path of sweet muffins.
And what did I end up with? Muffins with a bit of zing, zucchini, and vegan cheese that are easy to make and even easier to devour. If you like a savory treat, this one's for you.
With that said, if you're looking for a sweeter treat that uses up your bounty of zucchini (aka, courgette), try these chocolate courgette cupcakes.
Jump to:
Why you'll love these vegan savory muffins
-They offer a delightful departure from the traditional sweet varieties.
-These muffins are dairy and egg-free, making them a great choice for a plant-based muffin fix.
-They can be enjoyed at any time of the day and for any occasion!
-Do you have a bunch of zucchini in the fridge and are looking beyond roasting or stir-frying zucchini? Then this is the muffin recipe for you!
Ingredients
Here, you'll find everything you need to make these delicious muffins, plus any extra notes and substitutions. The recipe card provides details on quantities.
- Flour
- Baking powder and baking soda
- Salt and ground pepper
- Italian seasoning - Substitute with 1 combination of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Zucchini
- Grated vegan cheddar cheese
- Scallions - aka green onions
- Apple sauce
- Plant-based milk - oat, almond, or soy milk works well.
- Apple cider vinegar
- Salted pumpkin seeds
How to grate a zucchini
If you're starting to cook in the kitchen, the thought of grating zucchini might make you sigh, but it's really simple and fast. So, no stress!
Start by washing the zucchini thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or impurities. Pat it dry with a clean towel.
Using a knife, trim off one end of the zucchini. I leave the thick stem end intact so the grate does not reach my fingers, and I can grate most of the zucchini.
Take a box grater (or a food processor with a grating attachment) and select the side with medium-sized holes for a finer texture. Hold the zucchini firmly with one hand and begin rubbing it against the grater downward. Use steady pressure and be cautious of your fingers to avoid any injuries.
Continue grating until it becomes difficult to hold the zucchini safely. At this stage, you can discard the small leftover portion. Once you have grated the desired amount of zucchini, transfer it to a bowl.
Easy-To-Follow Cooking Steps
See the recipe card for further information.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray, or use muffin liners.
Combine the "dry" ingredients in a large bowl - flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and vegan shredded cheese.
Mix the "wet" ingredients in a separate bowl - shredded zucchini, green onions, dairy-free milk, apple sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and vinegar.
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir until combined. Be careful not to over-mix but mix until no more flour is visible.
Spoon the batter into the muffin tray, filling each muffin cup about ¾ full. If desired, add red pepper flakes and pumpkin seeds to the top.
Bake the muffins for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes clean.
Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then remove them and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm for the best experience.
Tips
- There is no need to remove the moisture from the zucchini.
- Don't push the batter down into the muffin tin; spoon it in and let it settle down on its own.
- Be sure to shred your zucchini small enough to incorporate evenly into the batter.
- Don't overmix the batter—this can result in tough, chewy muffins. Mix until the white of the flour is not visible.
- Use liners instead of lightly greasing the muffin pan with spray oil.
- I enjoy the muffins best when they're warmed up in the microwave for about 10 - 15 seconds.
Serving Suggestions
You've opened Pandora's box of deliciousness with these muffins. Explore further and discover other great recipes to pair with these muffins:
- Serve them at breakfast, along with some vegan sausage. For more information, see this guide to vegan sausage.
- Serve them at brunch with fresh fruit or vegan yogurt, easy, fast vegan pancakes, vegan JUST Egg breakfast casserole, vegan quiche, vegan Spanish omelet, and Vegan Banana Bread With Walnuts.
- As for lunch, consider including these muffins in your lunch box alongside a salad or sandwich like this Vegan Tunacado Sandwich or Spicy Vegan Caesar Wrap With Baked Tofu.
- Need a snack? These muffins are perfect for that too! Pair them with a hot cup of tea or coffee or a Dairy-Free Vegan Pumpkin Spice Steamer, and you'll have a delightful and satisfying treat.
- These muffins are also a great side dish. They complement soups, stews, or grilled or roasted vegetables, adding a delightful touch to your main course.
- Take them on a hike or picnic along with Classic Vegan Granola Bars or Easy Vegan Trail Mix.
Try Easy Vegan Panko-Crusted Baked Zucchini Fries for another great recipe using zucchinis.
Storage
To store your muffins, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. Alternatively, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
FAQs
You can prepare the muffin batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake the muffins, scoop the batter into the pan and bake as directed.
You can make them gluten-free by using gluten-free flour.
Feel free to customize the muffins by adding ingredients like diced bell peppers or chopped spinach. Just ensure the additional ingredients complement the overall flavor profile.
These muffins stay fresh for about 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you prefer to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week.
Adjust the baking time accordingly, as mini muffins require less baking time, and extra large muffins require more time. Monitor them and perform the toothpick test to determine when they are fully cooked.
What did you think?
Got a minute? Dive into the comments and rate this recipe to let me know how it turned out for you. Was it a hit? Any twists you added? I want to know if my directions were any good or if you plan to make it. Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for inspiration.
PrintRecipe
Savory Vegan Zucchini Muffins
If you're looking for a new and delicious way to incorporate your bountiful harvest of zucchini into your meals, look no further than these delicious, savory, vegan zucchini muffins.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (300 g)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bag of vegan Cheddar shredded cheese (7 ounces)
- 2 cups shredded zucchini (~ 2 zucchini or 300 grams)
- ¼ cup of sun-dried tomatoes
- ¾ cup scallions, chopped
- 1 cup plant-based milk
- 2 tablespoons apple sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons roasted and salted pumpkin seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Shred the zucchini and chop the scallions. Set aside.
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) and begin to grease a muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, Italian seasoning, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and vegan shredded cheese.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Mix zucchini, sun-dried tomatoes, scallions, milk, apple sauce, and vinegar.
- Combine the Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir until combined and the flour is well incorporated.
- Prepare Muffins: Spoon the batter into the muffin tin, filling each muffin cup about ¾ - to the top full. Top with a little extra red pepper flakes and pumpkin seeds.
- Bake: Bake the muffins for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then remove them and transfer them to a wire rack to cool before enjoying.
Notes
No need to squeeze out the moisture from the zucchini for this recipe. The moisture helps to create a moist muffin.
I use sun-dried tomatoes in oil and chop them into very small pieces to spread out the flavor.
Nutritional information is only an estimate. Use a nutritional app like Cronometer to get information on the exact ingredients and amounts you are using.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: breakfast, lunch, brunch, snack
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 152
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 509
- Fat: 4
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 24
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 9.6 mg
Brian says
These were excellent. Very welcome change from all the sweets everyone associates with breakfast.
Regi Pearce says
Thanks, Brian! I'm thrilled to hear you enjoyed them! It's fantastic to know they offered a refreshing break from the usual sweet breakfast options. Thanks for sharing your positive experience!
Sami says
These muffins were great for using up the tons of zucchini I grew this season. Great recipe.
Regi Pearce says
That's fantastic to hear! I love that you were able to use your homegrown zucchini for these savory muffins—that must have made them extra special. Thanks for giving the recipe a try and for sharing your experience.
Hailey says
Amazing!
Regi Pearce says
Thanks! I appreciate that!