We've all probably got at least one muffin tin. It typically sits in the back of one of our kitchen cabinets behind the baking sheets we use more frequently until we decide to make cupcakes or muffins.The thing is though, the seemingly one-purpose pans are actually kitchen powerhouses if you know their hidden uses. In fact muffin tins can be used for a number of time-saving kitchen hacks that will make you wonder why you weren't storing yours up front all along. Ahead, find eight tips and tricks that will turn you into an instant fan of the bakeware — even if you hate to bake!
Make Edible Cups
The inside of your muffin tins aren't the only useful thing about their shape. Flip them upside down and put tortillas in the crevices or cookie dough over the bottom of the individual molds and bake them. You'll have edible cups in no time.
Make Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies That Won't Spread
Do your cookies always spread out and end up as one giant flat cookie blob on your baking sheet? Next time, bake them using muffin tins. Follow the same baking directions, but put each ball of dough into each muffin cup. You'll end up with individual cookies that are extra gooey on the inside. Plus, they're the perfect shape for a scoop of ice cream on top!
Make A Big Batch Of Breakfasts To Take On The Go
We hate making breakfast in the mornings, and taking the time to eat said breakfast is even harder. But, a good old-fashioned muffin tin can solve both problems. Whip up some mini individual omelets or baked oatmeal early in the week and you'll have portable eats to enjoy on your way to work.
Freeze Smoothies To Blend Later
We love our smoothie hacks and this one couldn't be easier. Make your favorite recipe, pour into muffin tins, and freeze. Then store your smoothie pucks in a Ziplock bag to blend at your convenience. You'll have an instant smoothie on deck whenever you need a snack.
Make A Dozen Perfectly Hardboiled Eggs
Okay so it's not technically hardboiled if you're baking your eggs, but this trick really works. Put an egg into each muffin cup and bake at 325 degrees F for 30 minutes. You'll have twelve evenly cooked eggs — no fishing them out of boiling water required.
Bring Frozen Pucks Of Soup To Work
If you've ever tried to bring soup to work in a Tupperware container, you know it often ends in a spillage disaster. But you don't need a fancy thermos or to carry the container upright for your entire commute. Use your muffin tin to freeze soup into individual pucks. By the time lunch rolls around, they will have defrosted enough to microwave. Plus, it's the perfect fix if you don't want to subject yourself to the office fridge thief.
Turn Practically Any Food Into An Adorable Mini Appetizer
We're not big on cooking fancy appetizers, but we are on board when a muffin tin does the work for us. The individual cups can turn anything that can be baked into the ideal finger food. Try it with mac & cheese, spaghetti and meatballs, and more!
Make Oversized Ice Cubes Without A Fancy Mold
Oversized ice is all the rage in the cocktail world because one giant cube has a larger surface area and melts slower. But you don't need a special mold — just use mini muffin pans!
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