Pancetta, Manchego and Courgette Muffins

The other week, whilst meal planning and racking my brains to come up with something new for tea for the kids that wasn’t just another sandwich, I realised that I hadn’t made any savoury muffins for a while. Always a favourite with both S and F, I decided to improvise and make a version of an old classic- ham and cheese. Now, whilst Pancetta and Manchego may sound posh, we use the latter (it’s a sheep’s cheese) because Freddie in particular is sensitive to cow dairy- too much causes his eczema to flare up, so we try and avoid it at home where possible. The courgette adds moisture, and is a great way of sneakily adding one of their 5-a-day to their diet! Adam actually donned his pinny and made them and they were delicious- the remaining ones accompanied us on our car journey to Butlins last week!

Pancetta, Manchego and Courgette Muffins

You will need:

• 220g self-raising flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
• Quarter tsp mustard powder
• Quarter tsp ground black pepper
• 60g butter, melted
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 250ml milk
• 1 courgette, finely grated
• 150g Manchego cheese
• 160g cubed pancetta

Instructions – How to make Pancetta, Manchego and Courgette Muffins

1. Preheat oven to 180C and line a 12 case muffin pan
2. Melt butter and leave to one side to cool. Do the same with the pancetta.
3. Sift the flour with the rest of the dry ingredients.
4. Combine the butter, egg, milk and courgette in a separate bowl.
5. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix slowly with a spoon until just combined. Add in the pancetta and cheese and mix. (Reserve a little bit of cheese to sprinkle on the top before baking.)
6. Spoon into the prepared muffin pan and bake for approximately 35 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean.
7. Leave to cool in the pan 5-10 minutes, remove and finish cooling on a wire rack.

And there you go! Courgette muffins with a twist, and ones that are perfect for adults to snack on, kids’ lunchboxes, and also to give to babies when weaning. They also make a great healthy travel snack for kids as they’re pretty portable and wrap and store well. 

Tips for making courgette muffins with pancetta and manchego:

Can I make these muffins without pancetta?
Yes! You can swap pancetta for ham, bacon, cooked chicken, or even leave it out completely for a vegetarian version.

What can I use instead of Manchego cheese?
If you can’t find Manchego, try cheddar, parmesan, or gruyère. For a cow’s milk-free option, use another sheep or goat’s cheese.

Do I need to peel the courgette before grating it?
Nope! Just wash it well and grate with the skin on, as it adds colour and extra nutrients.

How do I stop the muffins from being soggy?
Courgettes hold a lot of water, so after grating, squeeze out the excess liquid with a clean tea towel or kitchen paper before adding to the mix.

Can these savoury muffins be frozen?
Absolutely. Let them cool completely, then wrap individually or place in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Just defrost at room temperature or warm in the oven.

Are these muffins suitable for babies and toddlers?
Yes, if you leave out the salt and go easy on the cheese. They make a great finger food when cut into small pieces.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Yes. Simply swap the self-raising flour for a gluten-free self-raising blend and add a teaspoon of xanthan gum if your flour doesn’t already include it.

How long will the muffins keep?
Stored in an airtight container, they’ll keep for 2-3 days at room temperature, or up to a week in the fridge.

Can I add other vegetables to these muffins?
Definitely! Sweetcorn, peas, spinach, or grated carrot work really well alongside courgette.

If you enjoyed this muffin recipe, take a look at my other recipes here, and baking posts here!

Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.