Stuffing Muffins are the perfect side dish for any gathering or holiday feast! These delightful muffins offer a fun twist on traditional stuffing, ensuring easy portion control and a flavorful experience in every bite. With the addition of turkey strips, this recipe stands out for its rich taste and versatility, making it suitable for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or any cozy family meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Portion Control: Muffin-sized servings make it simple to serve guests without the need for scooping from a large dish.
- Flavorful Twist: The inclusion of turkey strips adds a savory depth that enhances the classic stuffing flavor.
- Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for various occasions, these muffins can accompany roasted meats or be enjoyed on their own.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance and simply bake when you’re ready to serve. Ideal for busy holidays!
- Whole Wheat Goodness: Using whole wheat French bread adds nutritional value while keeping the muffins hearty and satisfying.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into creating your Stuffing Muffins, gather your essential tools. Having the right kitchen equipment will ensure your cooking process is smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Non-stick muffin tin
- Large nonstick skillet
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Baking sheets
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Non-stick muffin tin: Ensures easy release of your muffins without sticking, making serving effortless.
- Large nonstick skillet: Allows for even cooking of ingredients without burning, crucial for achieving the perfect sautéed vegetables.
Ingredients
Stuffing Muffins baked in a muffin tin for easy portion control! This classic stuffing recipe is made even more delicious with turkey strips.
For the Muffins
- olive oil spray
- 12 ounces whole wheat French bread (cut into small cubes (9 1/4 oz if dried))
- 3 ounces diced turkey strips
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 shallots (minced)
- 3 large stalks celery (minced)
- 2/3 cup chopped parsley
- 10 fresh sage leaves (minced)
- 3/4 teaspoon Bell’s Seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
How to Make Stuffing Muffins
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Let bread sit overnight to harden. If your bread is fresh:
1. Preheat the oven to 250°F.
2. Spread bread cubes on 2 baking sheets.
3. Bake for about 30 minutes, stirring halfway until completely firm.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven Again
Increase the oven temperature to 375°F and spray a non-stick muffin tin with olive oil.
Step 3: Cook Turkey Strips
In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat:
1. Cook turkey strips until browned and fat renders, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 4: Sauté Vegetables
Add butter to the skillet:
1. When melted, add shallots, celery, parsley, sage, Bell’s seasoning, and salt.
2. Cook on medium low until soft, about 8 to 10 minutes.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes:
1. In a medium bowl, combine chicken broth and beaten egg.
2. In a large bowl, add baked bread cubes combined with sautéed vegetables.
Step 6: Mix Everything Together
Add chicken broth and egg mixture to the bread:
1. Mix well until evenly combined.
2. If stuffing seems too dry, add more broth or water until achieving desired consistency.
3. Let sit for about 10 minutes.
Step 7: Fill Muffin Pan
Transfer stuffing mixture into muffin pan:
1. If making ahead of time, cover with foil and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Step 8: Bake Your Stuffing Muffins
If baking alongside cooked turkey:
1. Pour some pan juices over the stuffing before baking.
2. Bake uncovered for about 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Enjoy your deliciously fluffy Stuffing Muffins as a standout side dish at your next gathering!
How to Serve Stuffing Muffins
Stuffing muffins are a delightful twist on traditional stuffing, perfect for any gathering. They can be served in various ways to complement your main dish and elevate your meal experience.
Individual Portions
- Serve each muffin as an individual portion on a plate, allowing guests to enjoy their own serving without fuss.
With Gravy
- Drizzle warm turkey or chicken gravy over the stuffing muffins for added flavor and moisture, enhancing their richness.
As a Side Dish
- Pair stuffing muffins with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal. Their savory taste complements many dishes.
On a Charcuterie Board
- Include stuffing muffins as part of a festive charcuterie board. They add variety and are a great conversation starter at gatherings.
With Cranberry Sauce
- Offer a side of cranberry sauce for a sweet contrast to the savory flavors of the stuffing muffins. This classic combination is always appreciated.
With Sautéed Greens
- Serve alongside sautéed greens like spinach or kale for a healthy balance. The earthy flavors of the greens pair well with the muffins.
How to Perfect Stuffing Muffins
Creating the perfect stuffing muffins involves paying attention to texture and flavor. Here are some tips to ensure your muffins turn out amazing every time.
- Use Day-Old Bread: Using bread that has dried out overnight helps achieve the right consistency, preventing sogginess in your muffins.
- Customize Herbs: Feel free to add other herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor. Tailoring the herb blend can elevate your dish.
- Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your muffins as they bake. Remove them once they’re golden brown for the best texture.
- Adjust Liquid: If your mixture feels too dry, add more chicken broth gradually until you reach the desired consistency. This ensures moist muffins.
- Let Them Rest: Allowing the stuffed muffins to sit for about 10 minutes before serving enhances their flavor and makes them easier to remove from the pan.
- Experiment with Fillings: Try adding sautéed mushrooms or chopped nuts for additional flavor and texture variations in your stuffing muffins.
Best Side Dishes for Stuffing Muffins
Stuffing muffins pair beautifully with various side dishes, making them versatile for any occasion. Here’s a list of delicious options to consider.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these sprouts add a lovely crunch that contrasts nicely with soft stuffing muffins.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make a comforting pairing, balancing flavors with rich textures.
- Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet and savory carrots bring brightness to your plate, providing an appealing color contrast alongside stuffing muffins.
- Cranberry Relish: This tart relish adds freshness and acidity, cutting through the richness of stuffing muffins while enhancing their flavor profile.
- Green Bean Almondine: Lightly sautéed green beans topped with toasted almonds offer crunch and nutrition, creating an elegant side dish.
- Butternut Squash Soup: A warm bowl of butternut squash soup provides a silky-smooth contrast, making it an ideal starter before serving stuffing muffins.
- Mixed Leaf Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens drizzled in vinaigrette adds freshness and balances out heavier dishes very well.
- Baked Sweet Potatoes: Naturally sweetened baked sweet potatoes lend another layer of flavor that pairs wonderfully with savory stuffing muffins.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making stuffing muffins, it’s easy to overlook some key details that can affect the final result. Here are common mistakes to avoid.
- Skipping the drying process: Failing to let the bread cubes sit overnight can lead to soggy muffins. Ensure the bread is stale or toast it until firm.
- Overcrowding the muffin tin: Packing too much stuffing into each cup can prevent even cooking. Fill each muffin cup moderately for best results.
- Not seasoning enough: Under-seasoned stuffing can taste bland. Taste your mixture before baking and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Ignoring resting time: Not allowing the mixture to rest can affect texture. Let it sit for about 10 minutes before transferring to the muffin tin.
- Baking at the wrong temperature: Baking at a temperature that is too low may result in muffins that do not brown properly. Always preheat your oven to 375°F.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow muffins to cool completely before sealing.
Freezing Stuffing Muffins
- Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- Label bags with date and contents for easy identification.
Reheating Stuffing Muffins
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat one muffin at a time for about 30 seconds on high; check if heated fully.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about stuffing muffins that might help you.
What are Stuffing Muffins?
Stuffing muffins are individual servings of stuffing baked in a muffin tin, making them easy to portion and serve.
Can I customize my Stuffing Muffins?
Yes! You can add different vegetables, herbs, or spices according to your preference for unique flavor combinations.
How do I make vegetarian Stuffing Muffins?
Swap turkey strips with sautéed mushrooms or other vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option.
Can I use leftover stuffing for Stuffing Muffins?
Absolutely! If you have leftover stuffing, just mold it into muffin tins and bake until golden brown.
How long do Stuffing Muffins last?
Properly stored, they last up to 3 days in the refrigerator or up to 2 months in the freezer.
Final Thoughts
Stuffing muffins offer a delightful twist on traditional stuffing, perfect for any gathering or holiday meal. Their versatility allows you to customize flavors and ingredients based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy these tasty bites at your next event!
Stuffing Muffins
Stuffing Muffins are a delightful take on traditional stuffing, perfect for any gathering or holiday feast. These muffin-sized servings offer easy portion control while delivering a burst of savory flavors in every bite. Made with tender turkey strips and aromatic herbs, these muffins provide a satisfying side dish that can complement your main meal or stand alone as a savory snack. Their versatility makes them ideal for Thanksgiving, family dinners, or casual get-togethers. Plus, they can be prepared ahead of time and simply baked when ready to serve, making them an excellent choice for busy hosts.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- olive oil spray
- 12 ounces whole wheat French bread (cut into small cubes)
- 3 ounces diced turkey strips
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 shallots (minced)
- 3 large stalks celery (minced)
- 2/3 cup chopped parsley
- 10 fresh sage leaves (minced)
- 3/4 teaspoon Bell's Seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 250°F and spread bread cubes on baking sheets. Bake for about 30 minutes until firm.
- Increase the oven temperature to 375°F and spray a non-stick muffin tin with olive oil.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook turkey strips until browned, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add butter to the skillet, then add shallots, celery, parsley, sage, Bell’s seasoning, and salt. Cook until soft, about 8-10 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, combine chicken broth and beaten egg; in a large bowl mix baked bread cubes with sautéed vegetables.
- Combine both mixtures; if too dry, add more broth until desired consistency is achieved.
- Fill muffin pan with stuffing mixture; cover and refrigerate if making ahead.
- Bake uncovered for about 25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin (70g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg