Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2/3 cup finely chopped onion
2/3 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
1/3 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano or dried oregano
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup milk
1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 large egg , well beaten
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons chopped kalamata olives
1 cup marinara sauce
Greek cuisine is known for its bold flavors and fresh ingredients. These Greek Pizza Muffins take classic Greek ingredients and pack them into a savory muffin that's perfect for snacking or serving as a pre-dinner appetizer. The combination of feta and marinara sauce gives them the flavor profile of a pizza, while the oregano and olives add a distinctively Greek touch. These muffins are easy to make and a hit with everyone, making them a great choice for parties and casual get-togethers.

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray.
2.In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, onions, and red bell pepper and sauté until softened.
3.In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat pastry flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, oregano, sugar, garlic powder, and salt.
4.Add the milk, feta cheese, egg, tomato paste, olives, and marinara sauce to the bowl and stir to combine.
5.Gently fold in the sautéed vegetables.
6.Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
7.Bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
8.Allow the muffins to cool for 5 minutes in the pan before transferring to a rack to cool completely.

PROS

These little muffins pack a big flavor punch with the combination of Greek ingredients – feta, olives, oregano, marinara sauce – all in one delicious package.
They can be served as an appetizer or side dish, and can be made in advance for easy entertaining.

CONS

Like most baked goods, these muffins are a bit on the high-calorie side, so they should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Additionally, the inclusion of all-purpose flour means they are not gluten-free.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Despite their calorie count, these muffins contain some healthful ingredients. Feta cheese is a good source of calcium and protein, while kalamata olives are high in monounsaturated fats – the heart-healthy kind. Oregano has antimicrobial properties and may help reduce inflammation in the body.

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