I love finding new and interesting ways to use the cookware I have on hand, and them muffin tin is one of those multi-use baking vessels you can use to make a ton of other things aside from the conventional muffin. Quick and easy breakfasts, savory snacks, and other bite-sized, portable treats are just a few different things you can try baking in your trusty muffin tin. If you’re tired of making those cornbread muffins (as if!), I’ve got a few suggestions for you to try that will make you appreciate your muffin tin a lot more.

 Mini Taco Cups

Who doesn’t love tiny little tacos?! This creative muffin tin idea uses wonton wrappers for the shells, with the seasoned taco contents baked inside. Top them with your favorite taco trimmings after baking and you have a fun dinner or appetizer idea that will blow everyone’s taco-lovin’ minds. Recipe: Mini Taco Cups.

Mini Spaghetti Pies

Apparently these genius inventions freeze well, so you can bake up a batch, pop them in the freezer and grab one or two to reheat whenever you feel a snack attack coming on. They’re also perfect for a fun, quick dinner kids are sure to love! Recipe:Spaghetti Pie Muffins.

Baked Crab Cakes

Crab cakes are delicious dish but often come with a ton of fat and calories if they’re loaded with mayo and fried. These mini cakes are baked, so they’re a healthier option, but they still satisfy all your crab cake fantasies. Recipe: Mini Crab Cakes.

Kale Cups

Wondering how to get more leafy greens into your diet? If you’re tired of kale chips and can’t quite stomach a kale salad, try baking your kale into these savory, bite-sized cups. Great as a side dish, snack or quick breakfast, these cups are packed with flavor. Recipe: Kale Cups. 

Green Smoothie Cups

I can’t believe I haven’t thought of this before, but you can freeze portions of your smoothies in a muffin tin for quick blending on those mornings when you run out of time. Simply prepare a big batch of smoothie (it can be any kind you like, really), pour it into the muffin tin, freeze, and store the resulting smoothie pucks in a freezer bag until you’re ready to use them. When you’re ready for your smoothie, grab one or two pucks, pop them back in the blender, add the liquid of your choice (water works just fine) and blend into icy deliciousness. Neat! Recipe: Green Smoothie Cups.

And for dessert…

Chocolate Peanut Butter and Jam Ice Cream Cups 

The creator of this recipe hit the nail on the head when he said: “Oh lawd have mercy.” These little dessert cups may take a bit of skill to put together, but the result is nothing short of a work of art. Also, put peanut butter ice cream in anything and I’ll eat it. My mouth is watering as I type this… excuse me, I have to go now. Recipe: Chocolate Peanut Butter and Jam Ice Cream Cups.

Have you cooked anything interesting in your muffin tin? Share in the comments or over on Twitter at @luvoinc.