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Crispy Cornmeal-Gruyere Muffins
© Frances Janisch

Crispy Cornmeal-Gruyère Muffins

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  • ACTIVE: 15 MIN
  • TOTAL TIME: 45 MIN
  • SERVINGS: makes 2 dozen muffins
  • •FAST
  • •MAKE-AHEAD
  • •STAFF-FAVORITE
  • •VEGETARIAN

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  1. 2 cups stone-ground yellow cornmeal
  2. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  3. 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons baking powder
  4. 2 tablespoons sugar
  5. 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  6. 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  7. 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  8. 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
  9. 2 large eggs
  10. 2 cups whole milk
  11. 3 cups coarsely shredded Gruyère cheese (9 ounces)
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°. Line two 12-cup muffin tins with paper baking cups. In a medium bowl, whisk the cornmeal with the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, pepper and cumin.
  2. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter at high speed until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, 1 at a time. At low speed, beat in half of the milk, followed by half of the dry ingredients. With a rubber spatula, fold in the cheese and the remaining milk and dry ingredients.
  3. Spoon the batter into the baking cups; fill them to within 1/4 inch of the rims. Bake the muffins for 30 minutes, or until golden. Transfer to a rack to cool.
Make Ahead The muffins can be frozen for up to 2 weeks. Thaw the muffins and reheat before serving. Notes Stone-ground cornmeal is tastier and more nutritious than regular, steel-milled cornmeal because it contains some of the husk and germ. The germ contains a small amount of fat, so the stone-ground cornmeal can spoil. It should be stored in the refrigerator for no longer than four months. Bob's Red Mill is a widely available brand.