Thanksgiving is my favorite time of year, and Stuffing Muffins have become the star of my holiday table. There’s just something so comforting and nostalgic about that classic stuffing flavor baked into a perfect individual serving. It all started a few years ago when I was hosting my in-laws for the big feast. I wanted to switch things up from the traditional casserole, but I knew Grandma wouldn’t approve of me straying too far from her signature recipe. That’s when I had the brilliant idea to turn stuffing into Stuffing Muffins! I’ll never forget the look on my mother-in-law’s face when I brought out that first batch fresh from the oven. At first, she was a bit skeptical, but one bite and she was hooked. “These are absolutely divine!” she exclaimed, going back for seconds (and thirds). From that moment on, Stuffing Muffins have become a non-negotiable part of our Thanksgiving spread.
Why This Stuffing Muffins Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Stuffing Muffins
What makes this Stuffing Muffins recipe truly special is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The savory sausage, the aromatic herbs, the crunchy toasted bread – it all comes together in a delightful portable package. But the real secret is in the baking technique. By pre-baking the muffin tin before adding the stuffing mixture, you get an incredibly crisp and golden exterior that contrasts beautifully with the soft, fluffy interior. It’s a game-changer that’ll have your guests raving.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Bread cubes
- Onion
- Celery
- Sage
- Thyme
- Italian sausage
- Chicken broth
- Eggs
- Butter
Step-by-Step Stuffing Muffins Instructions
Preparing Your Stuffing Muffins
This Stuffing Muffins recipe is so easy to make, and it comes together in under an hour. You’ll need a standard 12-cup muffin tin, a large mixing bowl, and a few simple kitchen tools. The key is to take your time with each step to ensure the Stuffing Muffins bake up perfectly.
1- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and thoroughly greasing the muffin tin with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This will help the Stuffing Muffins release easily once baked.
2- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it up as it browns. Once fully cooked, transfer the sausage to a large mixing bowl.
3- Add the diced onion and celery to the same skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
4- Transfer the sautéed veggies to the bowl with the cooked sausage. Add the cubed bread, chopped sage and thyme, and stir to combine.
5- In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and eggs. Pour this mixture over the stuffing ingredients and gently mix until well incorporated.
6- Scoop the stuffing mixture evenly into the prepared muffin tin, pressing down gently to compact it. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the tops are crispy and golden brown.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Stuffing Muffins is to not overstuff the muffin cups. Leave a little room at the top for the stuffing to puff up during baking. Also, be sure to use day-old or stale bread cubes – they’ll soak up the broth and egg mixture much better than fresh bread. And don’t be afraid to get creative with the mix-ins! Try adding diced apples, cranberries, or even chopped pecans for a festive twist.
Serving and Storing Your Stuffing Muffins
Perfect Pairings for Stuffing Muffins
Stuffing Muffins are the ultimate Thanksgiving side dish, but they also make a delicious accompaniment to roasted chicken or turkey any time of year. Serve them alongside your favorite green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce for a classic holiday spread. For a more casual meal, they’d be fantastic with a simple green salad and a glass of pinot noir.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Stuffing Muffins can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place them in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also freeze the baked Stuffing Muffins for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
For make-ahead convenience, you can assemble the unbaked Stuffing Muffins up to 2 days in advance. Cover and refrigerate the filled muffin tin until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since they’ll be going into the oven cold.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Stuffing Muffins
Creative Stuffing Muffins Variations
The great thing about Stuffing Muffins is that they’re incredibly versatile. For a delicious fall twist, try adding diced apples, cranberries, and pecans to the mix. You could also experiment with different sausage flavors, like spicy Italian or even breakfast sausage. And if you’re a mushroom lover, sautéed mushrooms would be a fantastic addition.
Making Stuffing Muffins Diet-Friendly
To make these Stuffing Muffins gluten-free, simply use gluten-free bread cubes or crumbs. For a low-carb version, substitute the bread for riced cauliflower or almond flour. And to make them vegan, swap the sausage for plant-based crumbles, use vegetable broth instead of chicken, and replace the eggs with a flax or chia “egg.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of sausage besides Italian?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite type of sausage, whether it’s spicy Italian, breakfast sausage, or even something like chorizo. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the stuffing mixture.
Q: How long do the Stuffing Muffins take to bake?
A: The Stuffing Muffins bake for 25-30 minutes at 375°F. You’ll know they’re done when the tops are crispy and golden brown. Keep an eye on them towards the end to make sure they don’t overbake.
Q: Can I make the Stuffing Muffins ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the Stuffing Muffins up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since they’ll be going into the oven cold.
Q: How many Stuffing Muffins does this recipe make?
A: This recipe makes 12 Stuffing Muffins using a standard 12-cup muffin tin. You can easily scale the recipe up or down depending on how many servings you need.
Q: My Stuffing Muffins are coming out dry. What can I do?
A: If your Stuffing Muffins are turning out a bit dry, try adding an extra splash of chicken broth to the stuffing mixture before baking. You can also bake them at a slightly lower temperature, like 350°F, to prevent over-browning.
Stuffing Muffins
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 12
Description
Enjoy the delicious flavors of Thanksgiving in a convenient, handheld form with these irresistible Stuffing Muffins. Packed with savory herbs, tender bread cubes, and a moist, fluffy texture, these muffins are perfect for a holiday appetizer, side dish, or anytime snack.
Ingredients
– 6 cups cubed bread (such as sourdough or whole wheat)
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon dried sage
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
2. 2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. 3. In a large bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables, cubed bread, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss to mix.
4. 4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs and broth.
5. 5. Pour the egg mixture over the bread mixture and stir gently to combine, making sure all the bread cubes are evenly coated.
6. 6. Scoop the stuffing mixture into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup to the top.
7. 7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and crispy.
8. 8. Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
9. 9. Serve the Stuffing Muffins warm, with your favorite holiday accompaniments like gravy or cranberry sauce.
Notes
– For a heartier muffin, you can add cooked sausage, mushrooms, or diced apples to the stuffing mixture.
– These muffins can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
– Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Breads & Beverages
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Stuffing Muffins are the perfect holiday side dish – they’re easy to make, full of flavor, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner or just craving a cozy, comforting meal, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. So give it a try and let me know what you think! I’d love to hear your feedback in the comments below.