How to Cook in Muffin Tins

Muffin pans aren't just for muffins anymore. Hundreds of recipes can be made in convenient single portions to feed hungry kids on the go, taken on trips, or to be frozen for later. Muffin-size meals are easy, economical and a healthy alternative to fast food. Once you start, you'll be taking a second look at all your favorite recipes. Get creative, for in addition to being practical, these muffin-size individual portions can make an elegant presentation.

Things You'll Need

• Silicone Muffin Pans (Both large, small and mini muffin pans; large, for entrée recipes and small or mini size for appetizers, hors d'oeuvres and snacks.)
• Non-Stick Cooking Spray
• Recipes

Instructions

For Casseroles, Meatloaf and Quiche

1. Follow the recipe's instructions for ingredient preparation for your favorite casserole, meatloaf or quiche.

2. Spray the muffin pans with a non-stick cooking spray.

3. Fill each muffin cup to the brim. Bake at 350 degrees until browned and set. Cooking times will be shorter than the original recipe due to the smaller volume. Likewise the mini-muffin size will require less cooking time than large muffin-size portions.

4. Remove from the oven. Run the tip of a knife around the sides to loosen, if necessary. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

5. Freeze leftovers in sandwich size plastic bags for easy accessibility. Reheat in a microwave.

For Breakfast

1. Spray a muffin pan with a non-stick cooking spray.

2. Make mini-omelets by layering omelet ingredients (grated cheese, diced onion, cooked crumbled veggie sausage, or any other ingredient you like) in each cup, filling to ¾ full.

3. Beat eggs (add a splash of milk, if desired) and pour over the layered ingredients, filling each cup to the brim.

4. Cook at 375 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes, or until browned and set. (Source 1)

For Pastry Shell Recipes

1. Spray each cup in the muffin pan with a non-stick cooking spray.

2. Put a single sheet of uncooked wonton or pastry dough in each cup, enough to cover sides and bottom. Press into shape.

3. Spray shell lightly with cooking spray and bake at 350 degrees for 5 minutes.

4. Remove from the oven and fill with a combination of grated cheese, diced tomatoes, bacon bits, diced green chilies and olives -- or get creative with other ingredients you like, such as pizza toppings or taco meat.

5. Bake for an additional 20 minutes. Garnish with a dollop of sour cream.

For Dessert

1. Spray muffin pans with a non-stick cooking spray.

2. Place pie crust dough in each cup and press into shape, covering sides and bottom.

3. Spoon in your choice of pie filling and bake at 325 degrees for 30 minutes.

4. Allow to cool for 5 minutes. Top with a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips & Warnings

• Mini-muffin pans are great for brownie and cookie recipes. Fill only half full to allow for rising. Do not use large muffin pans as the dough won't cook all the way through.

References

• Kalyn's Kitchen

Resources

• Taste of Home
• Eating Well