10 Creative Uses for Your Muffin Pan

Hiding in your pantry is a versatile kitchen tool: the muffin pan. If you’re only using it for muffins, you’re missing out! In the video above and the recipes below, Nicole McLaughlin, aka NicoleMcmom, shares 10 clever ways to use your muffin pan—from crafting tortilla bowls to creating snack trays.

1. Sushi Cups

Impress your guests with these stunning appetizers. Press sushi rice into your muffin tins and fill them with a tasty mix of ahi tuna, cucumber, and avocado to create these delicious Ahi Sushi Cups.

2. Tortilla Bowls

Turn your muffin tin upside down to make edible tortilla bowls. Lightly spray both sides of small flour or corn tortillas with olive oil or cooking spray, then fit them between the cups of your inverted muffin tin (you can typically fit three tortillas in a standard 12-cup tin). Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes until golden and crispy, then fill them with your favorite taco or burrito toppings.

3. Cheddar Cheese Cups

Shredded Cheddar cheese is melted on a parchment-lined baking sheet and then molded over inverted muffin tins to create individual cheese cups. In this BLT Cheese Cups recipe, the cups are filled with bacon, lettuce, and tomato for a low-carb treat, but feel free to customize them with your favorite fillings.

4. Mini Meatloaves

Both kids and adults will enjoy these Mini Meatloaves, made by shaping meatloaf mixture into small portions and baking them in a muffin tin. You can use your go-to meatloaf recipe for this dish.

5. Corn Dogs

Using cornbread mix and sliced hot dogs, these Corn Dog Muffins are both simple to prepare and fun to eat. Add a side of dipping sauce, and they’re perfect for lunchboxes, too.

6. Individual Desserts

Make these individual No-Bake Key Lime Pies in your muffin tin for a convenient, easy-to-serve dessert. No need for slicing, and portion control is already taken care of.

7. Snack Plates

Here’s a fun way to serve snacks: Fill muffin cups with a variety of treats like fruits, veggies, nuts, crackers, and dips, and let the kids help themselves. You can also use this idea for movie nights by filling the cups with popcorn, pretzels, and sweets.

8. Mini Cookie Cups

How adorable is this dessert idea? And it’s so simple to make! These easy Cookie Cups are created with refrigerated cookie dough baked in muffin tins. Once cooled, they’re ready to be filled with any topping of your choice. For a fun party treat, bake the cookie cups in advance and set out ice cream and toppings, letting everyone create their own personalized mini ice cream sundaes.

9. Breakfast Cups

Your muffin pan makes it easy to serve brunch for a crowd. Whether you go savory with Muffin Pan Frittatas or opt for something lighter like the Breakfast Granola Cups (pictured above), it’s a great way to simplify your meal prep.

10. Condiment Trays

Hosting Taco Tuesday or a Build-Your-Own Hot Dog night? Instead of dealing with multiple bowls for all your fillings, toppings, and sauces, simply fill muffin tins with everything your guests need and let them serve themselves. You can prepare the tins in advance, cover with plastic wrap, and store them in the fridge until it’s time to eat. The best part? Cleanup is a breeze!

You can connect with Nicole on Dinogo and Instagram @nicolemcmom.

More tips, tricks, and ideas from Nicole:

• How to Make Classic Southern Fried Chicken
• How to Make the Two Most Popular Pasta Salads on Dinogo
• 5 Clever Ways to Use Refrigerated Tortellini in Easy Recipes
• How to Make and Use Pickled Red Onions
• How to Make the Easiest Chocolate Cake From Scratch