10 Healthy Meals You Can Make Using a Muffin Tin

Photos via Joe’s Healthy Meals / The Recipe Rebel / Get Off Your Tush & Cook

The next time you need a small and portable meal on-the-go, pull out your muffin tin. Not only are muffin tins great for sweet treats and breakfasts, but they can also be used to make complete and nutritious meals.

While you may need to eat two or three of these mini meals to fill you up, they’re easy to take with you and are perfect for children or those with smaller appetites. These recipes feature dinner favorites, like tacos and pizza, as well as unexpected meals such as crab cakes (who knew you could make those in a muffin tin?!).

1. BBQ Chicken Jalapeño Poppers
Via the Recipe Rebel 

Wontons make for a crisp outer shell, while stuffed with chicken, jalapeño, bbq sauce, and cheese. If you’re sensitive to dairy, swap the cream cheese and sprinkled cheese for non-dairy options.

2. Taco Muffin Cups
Via Julie’s Eats and Treats 

Fill these cups with ground turkey, beef, or chicken, depending on what you prefer. If you’re vegetarian, you can also use a mixture of beans or tofu. Top the cups with lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and a sprinkle of cheese.

3. Breakfast Hash Brown Cups
Via Damn Delicious 

Satisfy your potato craving with these crispy breakfast muffins, made with eggs, hash browns, vegetables, and spices. These can also work as a side dish to accompany your dinner.

4. Baked Asian Chicken Rice Balls with Cheddar
Via MJ and Hungry Man 

These meatball-like chicken bites are a great option when you’re stuck with leftover rice. Be sure to let the rice balls cool completely before eating, or else they will not stick together.

5. Crab Cakes
Via Joe’s Healthy Meals 

Panko bread crumbs make these little bites nice and crispy. While cooking, make sure you rotate the pan frequently throughout to make sure the cakes are browned evenly.

6. Mac and Cheese Muffins
Via Emily Bites 

Whole wheat or high fiber pasta and frozen spinach gives this classic comfort food a nutritional boost. Eat these on their own or pair with a meat of your choice or a side salad.

7. Veggie Quinoa Bites
Via Cupcakes and Kale Chips 

Quinoa helps give these muffins a good dose of protein. Use whatever vegetables you choose, just be sure they are cooked before baking.

8. Butternut Squash and Kale Stuffin’ Muffins
Via Get Off Your Tush & Cook 

Just because it’s not Thanksgiving doesn’t mean you can’t have stuffing. This stuffing is made with multigrain bread, squash, kale, and mushrooms or turkey sausage, depending on whether you’re a vegetarian or not.

9. Quinoa Pizza Bites
Via Wonky Wonderful 

Get your pizza fix with these muffins, made with only five ingredients: quinoa, mozzarella, eggs, pepperoni, and salt. Serve the pizza bites with marinara sauce for dipping.

10. Prosciutto and Spinach Egg Cups
Via Mom’s Kitchen Handbook

Great as a breakfast, lunch, or dinner option, these egg cups not only look pretty, but taste good too. Hold off on adding salt to the cups until after they’re cooked—chances are the prosciutto is salty enough.