Stuffing Muffins

When it comes to holiday dinners, stuffing is often the star of the side dishes. It’s warm, savory, and packed with delicious flavors like herbs, onions, and sometimes even sausage or dried fruits. While stuffing is traditionally served in a big dish or cooked inside a turkey, there’s a fun and convenient way to shake things up: Stuffing Muffins!

These Stuffing Muffins are everything you love about classic stuffing, but baked in individual portions. They have a crispy, golden exterior with a soft, flavorful interior, making them the perfect bite-sized side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive gathering. And because they’re baked in a muffin tin, they’re easy to serve and portion, which makes them a fantastic option for a buffet-style meal or a Friendsgiving celebration.

Not only are these muffins practical, but they also add a touch of creativity and fun to the dinner table. Everyone will love having their own personal serving of stuffing, and the muffins’ crispy edges add a delightful texture that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re making these for a crowd or simply want to switch up your traditional stuffing recipe, these Stuffing Muffins will be a hit.

Let’s dive into this easy, flavorful recipe and explore some creative variations, serving ideas, and tips to make your Stuffing Muffins the best they can be.

Why You’ll Love These Stuffing Muffins

1. Perfect Portions: Individual stuffing muffins make serving so much easier, especially at large gatherings or holiday meals.
2. Crispy and Soft: These muffins have the best of both worlds—crispy, golden edges and a soft, flavorful center.
3. Easy to Customize: You can easily tweak this recipe by adding sausage, dried fruits, nuts, or even different types of bread to suit your taste.
4. Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the stuffing mixture in advance, making these muffins a stress-free addition to your holiday meal plan.
5. Great for Leftovers: Stuffing muffins make great leftovers, either reheated or enjoyed cold the next day.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 25-30 minutes
• Total time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 muffins
• Serving Size: 1 muffin

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Carbs: 22g
• Fat: 9g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 450mg

(Nutritional values will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

Ingredients

For the Stuffing Muffins:

• 10 cups cubed bread (a mix of white, whole wheat, or sourdough works well)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2-3 stalks celery, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning (optional)
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth (more if needed)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• Olive oil, for sautéing

Optional Add-Ins:

• Cooked sausage (about 1 cup) for a heartier stuffing
• Dried cranberries or apricots for a touch of sweetness
• Toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch
• Shredded parmesan cheese for extra flavor
• Mushrooms for a vegetarian twist

For Serving:

• Cranberry sauce
• Gravy
• Herbed butter

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

1. Choose Your Bread:

The type of bread you use will greatly influence the flavor and texture of your stuffing muffins. A mix of white, whole wheat, and sourdough adds complexity, but you can use whatever bread you prefer.

2. Cube the Bread:

Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. You want enough to make about 10 cups of bread cubes. For best results, use slightly stale or day-old bread, as it absorbs the liquid better.

3. Dry the Bread:

If your bread is fresh, spread the cubes on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to dry them out. This step helps the bread absorb the broth and flavors without becoming too soggy.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Sauté the Onions and Celery:

Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, and sauté until they are softened, about 5-7 minutes.

2. Add the Garlic and Herbs:

Stir in the minced garlic, sage, thyme, and parsley. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Season with salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning (if using).

Step 3: Assemble the Stuffing Mixture

1. Combine the Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes with the sautéed vegetables. Toss everything together to evenly distribute the veggies and herbs throughout the bread.

2. Add the Broth and Eggs:

Pour 1 cup of broth and the beaten eggs over the bread mixture. Gently stir everything together until the bread is evenly moistened. If the mixture seems too dry, add more broth, a little at a time, until the bread is well-saturated but not soggy.

3. Add the Melted Butter:

Drizzle the melted butter over the stuffing mixture, stirring to combine. The butter adds richness and helps bind the stuffing together.

Step 4: Fill the Muffin Tin

1. Prepare the Muffin Tin:

Grease a 12-cup muffin tin generously with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent the muffins from sticking.

2. Spoon in the Stuffing Mixture:

Divide the stuffing mixture evenly among the 12 muffin cups, packing the stuffing down slightly so that it holds together during baking. Each muffin cup should be filled to the top.

3. Optional Toppings:

If desired, top each muffin with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese or a small pat of butter for extra flavor and crunch.

Step 5: Bake the Stuffing Muffins

1. Bake:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the stuffing muffins for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and crispy.

2. Cool Slightly:

Once the muffins are done, allow them to cool in the muffin tin for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up and makes it easier to remove them from the tin.

3. Remove from the Tin:

Carefully run a knife around the edges of each muffin to loosen it, then gently lift them out of the tin. Transfer the muffins to a serving platter.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Stuffing Muffins warm with your favorite holiday sides like gravy, cranberry sauce, or herbed butter. These muffins are perfect on their own or as part of a full holiday meal.

How to Serve

• As a Side Dish: These muffins make an excellent side for roast turkey, chicken, ham, or beef. Serve them with a ladle of gravy for an extra indulgent touch.
• On a Holiday Buffet: Stuffing muffins are ideal for buffet-style meals, where guests can easily grab an individual portion. They pair beautifully with cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and roasted vegetables.
• For Thanksgiving Leftovers: Use leftover stuffing muffins as the base for a Thanksgiving leftover sandwich. Split the muffins in half and layer them with turkey, cranberry sauce, and gravy between two slices of bread.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Use Stale Bread: Slightly stale or toasted bread works best for stuffing because it absorbs liquid without becoming too mushy. If your bread is fresh, lightly toast it before using.
2. Don’t Over-Moisten: When adding broth, make sure the bread is moist but not soggy. The mixture should hold together, but you don’t want it swimming in liquid.
3. Pack the Muffins Lightly: Gently press the stuffing mixture into the muffin tins, but don’t over-pack them. This will ensure they bake evenly and hold their shape while still being light and fluffy inside.
4. Get Creative with Mix-Ins: Add cooked sausage, nuts, dried fruit, or cheese to the stuffing mixture for extra flavor and texture. Just make sure any additional ingredients are fully cooked before adding them to the mix.
5. Crispy Topping: For extra crispy tops, you can brush the tops of the muffins with a little melted butter before baking. This will give them a beautiful golden finish.

Recipe Variations

While this recipe for Stuffing Muffins is delicious as is, there are many ways to customize the flavors to suit your taste. Here are some ideas for creative variations:

1. Sausage Stuffing Muffins:

Add cooked, crumbled Italian sausage or breakfast sausage to the stuffing mixture for a heartier, more savory muffin. The sausage adds a rich, meaty flavor that complements the herbs and bread.

2. Cranberry and Pecan Stuffing Muffins:

For a sweet and savory twist, stir in dried cranberries and chopped pecans before baking. The cranberries add a pop of tart sweetness, while the pecans provide a satisfying crunch.

3. Mushroom and Herb Stuffing Muffins:

Sauté mushrooms along with the onions and celery to add an earthy, umami flavor to the stuffing. This variation is perfect for mushroom lovers and makes the muffins extra savory.

4. Cheese-Stuffed Muffins:

For a cheesy surprise, place a small cube of mozzarella or cheddar cheese in the center of each muffin before baking. As the muffins bake, the cheese will melt, creating a gooey, delicious center.

5. Gluten-Free Stuffing Muffins:

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the bread with your favorite gluten-free bread. Make sure to dry or toast the gluten-free bread before using it in the stuffing mixture.

Freezing and Storage

Storing Leftovers:

Leftover stuffing muffins can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.

Freezing the Muffins:

These muffins freeze beautifully, making them a great make-ahead side dish. To freeze, place the cooled muffins on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1 hour. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Frozen Muffins:

To reheat, simply place the frozen muffins on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them for 1-2 minutes.

Special Equipment

• Muffin tin: A standard 12-cup muffin tin is needed for this recipe.
• Large skillet: For sautéing the vegetables and herbs.
• Mixing bowls: To combine the stuffing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: For chopping the vegetables and herbs.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these muffins ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the stuffing mixture and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, simply spoon the mixture into the muffin tin and bake as directed.

2. Can I use store-bought stuffing mix?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought stuffing mix and follow the package instructions for preparing it. Once prepared, scoop the stuffing into a muffin tin and bake as directed.

3. How do I prevent the muffins from sticking to the tin?

Make sure to generously grease the muffin tin with butter or cooking spray to prevent the muffins from sticking. You can also use paper liners if you prefer.

4. Can I add eggs to the stuffing?

Yes, eggs are a common addition to stuffing as they help bind the ingredients together. This recipe already includes eggs, but you can skip them if you prefer a looser stuffing.

5. What other breads can I use?

You can use a variety of breads for stuffing, including sourdough, cornbread, whole wheat, or even a mix of different types. Each type of bread will add a unique flavor and texture to the muffins.

Conclusion

These Stuffing Muffins are a delightful twist on classic holiday stuffing. With their perfectly portioned size, crispy exterior, and flavorful, tender center, they’re sure to become a favorite side dish at your next holiday gathering. Whether you’re serving them alongside roast turkey, ham, or any other festive entrée, they add a fun and delicious touch to any meal.

The best part about these muffins is their versatility. You can customize them to suit your family’s tastes, whether by adding sausage, nuts, or dried fruit, or by using different types of bread. Plus, they’re make-ahead friendly and perfect for freezing, making your holiday meal prep that much easier.

So, why not give these Stuffing Muffins a try this holiday season? They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and guaranteed to impress your guests. Happy baking!