If the muffin isn't the world's most perfect food, it's definitely in the running. Because it's pre-portioned, it's easy to indulge your cravings in moderation while staying within your target calorie count (but watch out for those oversized, calorie-filled muffins you can find in grocery stores or coffeehouses). Muffins are also perfectly portable—you can easily enjoy them as an on-the-go breakfast, toss them in your lunch bag on the way out the door or serve them as kid-friendly after-school snacks. When you think of muffins, you probably think of banana, bran or blueberry—and those classic options are all mouth-watering in their own right—but there are plenty of unconventional ways to put your muffin pan to work. Which of these yummy ideas would you like to try? 1. Mini Apple Sage Turkey Meatloaves: These are freezer-friendly, super-moist and require just 10 ingredients and 30 minutes to prepare.  Image courtesy of Simply Sissom 2. Double-Ginger Molasses Cookies: Chewy molasses cookies are studded with chocolate and crystallized ginger and teeter on the brink of becoming gingerbread cakes.  Image courtesy of All Roads Lead to the Kitchen 3. Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins: Here's a yummy and satisfying way to start the day, with very little fat and plenty of flavor.  4. Lightened-Up Mini Meatloaf: By keeping the meatloaf portions small and baking them in a muffin tin, the meat cooks in just 20 minutes. Plus, the smaller size is incredibly kid-friendly.  Image courtesy of The Seasoned Mom 5. Scrambled Egg Muffins: Equally adorable and appetizing, these scrambled egg muffins are perfect for a brunch party or an easy on-the-go breakfast, lunch or even dinner.  Image courtesy of Fannetastic Foods 6. Cheesy Sweet Potato Stacks: Cream and cheese are cooked with thinly sliced sweet potato to make a dish that has been renamed "Little Stacks of Joy" by those who have tried it.  Image courtesy of Foraged Dish 7. 100-Calorie Blueberry Muffins: As one reviewer says, these light and tasty muffins make a great breakfast or snack when you’re in a hurry. 8. Easy & Wholesome Zucchini Muffins: When you find yourself with a surplus of zucchini, throw these together to have on hand for quick and healthy breakfasts.  9. Freezer-Friendly Baked Egg Cups: This flavorful, healthy breakfast is made with whole grain bread, homemade healthy turkey sausage and melty Vermont cheddar cheese.  Image courtesy of Simply Sissom 10. Mini Garlic Monkey Bread: You can't go wrong with biscuits tossed in butter, garlic, parsley and Parmesan.  Image courtesy of The Girl Who Ate Everything 11. Hard Boiled Egg and Cheddar Muffins: These savory, gluten-free muffins have a hard-boiled egg hiding inside them for an extra protein punch.  Image courtesy of Fannetastic Food 12. 100-Calorie Carrot Ginger Muffins: Enjoy all the deliciousness of carrot cake, with none of the guilt!  13. Eggs in Potato-Carrot Nests: Eggs are especially egg-cellent when cooked in a nest of shredded potatoes and carrots. _011.jpg) Image courtesy of All Roads Lead to the Kitchen 14. Spinach Artichoke Cups: What's more perfect than toasted sandwich bread with creamy spinach dip inside?  Image courtesy of The Girl Who Ate Everything 15. Gouda and Spinach Soufflé : These savory soufflés are individually sized, so you can feed a crowd or make them for breakfast throughout the week.  Image courtesy of The Foraged Dish 16. Freezer-Friendly Western Omelet Egg Muffins: With 10 minutes of prep on the weekend, this is an easy and delicious make-ahead breakfast or snack to nourish your family—even when you hardly have time for coffee.  Image courtesy of The Seasoned Mom 17. Healthy Banana Breakfast Cheesecakes: Sweet, creamy, protein-packed cheesecakes with no refined sugar? Yes, please!  Image courtesy of Amy's Healthy Baking 18. Lasagna Cupcakes: Wonton wrappers stand in for pasta, housing layers of meat and cheeses.  Image courtesy of The Girl Who Ate Everything 19. One-Bowl Corn Muffins: Sweetened naturally with honey, these make a wholesome, delicious snack or side to savory entrees.  Image courtesy of Simply Sissom 20. Cookies and Cream Cheesecakes: When you've just got to have something sweet, these petite cakes keep you satisfied in moderation.  Image courtesy of The Girl Who Ate Everything 21. Kouign Amann: This delicious pastry has a crisp, caramelized shell and soft, flaky insides flavored by gooey sugar pockets.  Image courtesy of All Roads Lead to the Kitchen 22. Mini Dark Chocolate Banana Cupcakes: They're so sweet and irresistible, no one will believe they're a healthy option.  Image courtesy of Amy's Healthy Baking 23. Double-Decker Taco Cupcakes: Wonton wrappers are the perfect foundation for taco meat, cheese, beans and crushed tortilla chips.  Image courtesy of The Girl Who Ate Everything 24. Healthy No-Bake Rice Crispy Treats: Unlike traditional rice crispy treats, this version contains no butter, margarine, oil, marshmallows or white sugar, but you’d never be able to tell.  Image courtesy of The Big Man's World 25. Sausage Egg Casserole: Turn this simple casserole into mini-muffins for a make-ahead, healthy breakfast or snack. 26. No-Bake Vegan Key Lime Tarts: Made with avocado, coconut oil, hemp seeds and almond flour, these tarts combine healthy fats and proteins for a guilt-free dessert or post-workout snack.  Image courtesy of The Roasted Root 27. Flourless Chocolate Chunk Brownie Bites: At only 44 calories per bite, these extra-fudgy brownies contain no oil, flour or refined sugar.  Image courtesy of Amy's Healthy Baking 28. Egg White, Ham and Spinach Quiches: This perfectly portable breakfast (or lunch) can be reheated in 15 to 20 seconds.  Image courtesy of Amy's Healthy Baking 29. Muffin Tin Bacon Cheeseburgers: The kids will go crazy for this fun and delicious twist on classic burgers. With only half the bun, they’re a little healthier, but still have all the flavor.  Image courtesy of The Girl Who Ate Everything 30. Pecan Pie Muffins: These perfectly portioned desserts have a fluffy muffin texture with soft, gooey insides.  Image courtesy of The Girl Who Ate Everything 31. Skinny Monkey Bread Bites: Soft balls of biscuit dough are coated in cinnamon sugar and baked until caramelized.  Image courtesy of Amy's Healthy Baking 32. Healthy 3-Ingredient No-Bake Granola Cups: In less than five minutes, you can have a delicious grab-and-go snack or wholesome breakfast that’s naturally free of gluten, oil, dairy and refined sugar.  Image courtesy of The Big Man's World 33. Jackfruit Muffins: Tasty jackfruit blends with whole grains, coconut oil, milk, egg and shredded coconut for a refreshing and satisfying snack.  Image courtesy of Fake Food Free Share your unexpected ways to use your muffin pan in the comments. |
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