If you’ve ever wished for the perfect, bite-sized version of classic holiday stuffing, this Stuffing Muffins Recipe is exactly what you need. It transforms traditional stuffing into charming individual servings that are crispy on the outside and tender inside, making every forkful an irresistibly cozy bite. These muffins are as straightforward to make as they are delicious, bursting with savory flavors from onions, celery, and fragrant herbs. Whether you’re craving a comforting snack or planning a festive side, this Stuffing Muffins Recipe will quickly become your go-to crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A metal mixing bowl sits on a white marbled surface, showing four stages of combining ingredients. The first image reveals two main layers: large cubes of white and light brown bread on the left side and green chopped celery mixed with small bits of onion on the right, with a spatula that has a grey head and long wooden handle resting inside the bowl. The second image shows the bread pieces somewhat combined with the celery mixture, all sides turning golden brown, coated with herbs and seasoning. The third image presents the ingredients more evenly mixed, with the bread pieces smaller and golden with a rough texture, and vibrant green celery chunks scattered throughout. The fourth image depicts the mixture fully combined, smaller uniformly toasted bread cubes and celery pieces, with visible black pepper seasoning; a wooden spoon with a smooth texture lies inside the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is the first step to crafting these delightful stuffing muffins. Each component plays a vital role in balancing texture and flavor, delivering a dish that’s hearty without being heavy.

  • Bread cubes: Using day-old bread or lightly toasted cubes helps ensure a perfect balance between crispness and softness.
  • Unsalted butter: Adds rich, creamy depth and helps sauté the vegetables to tender perfection.
  • Garlic cloves: Provide a fragrant punch that elevates the entire muffin’s flavor profile.
  • Chopped celery: Gives a fresh crunch and subtle earthiness to the mix.
  • Chopped yellow onion: Softened onions bring natural sweetness and body to the stuffing.
  • Dried parsley, garlic powder, ground sage, dried minced onion, salt, and pepper: These classic herbs and spices layer in savory aromatic notes for a comforting finish.
  • Eggs: Act as the perfect binder that holds the stuffing muffins together without making them soggy.
  • Chicken broth (or vegetable broth/water): Adds moisture and flavor, ensuring the stuffing remains tender and flavorful.

How to Make Stuffing Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Toast the Bread Cubes

Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly greasing your muffin pan with nonstick spray. Next, cut 10 slices of bread into cubes—about 10 cups in total—and spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Toasting these cubes for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, creates that essential crispiness that sets the foundation for the perfect stuffing muffins. Once toasted, crank the oven temperature up to 350 degrees so it’s ready for baking later.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

While your bread is toasting, melt the butter in a sizeable skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the minced garlic, chopped onion, and celery, cooking them gently until they are soft and translucent. This step is where the base flavors truly develop, combining sweetness from onions with fresh vegetal notes from the celery, infused by the rich butter and garlic aroma.

Step 3: Season and Combine

Now add the magical spices—parsley, garlic powder, ground sage, dried minced onion, salt, and pepper—to the sautéed veggies, combining everything for a few moments until fragrant. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and then stir in the chicken broth to create a smooth liquid binder. Finally, toss the toasted bread cubes together with the cooked vegetables and pour over the egg-broth mixture, stirring gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece of bread is perfectly coated.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake Your Stuffing Muffins

Spoon the stuffing mixture into your prepared muffin pan, pressing the bottoms firmly to compact the mixture, then add more on top to build that inviting muffin shape. Baking these for about 28 to 32 minutes will give you beautifully golden edges with a soft, pillowy center—precisely what makes this Stuffing Muffins Recipe unforgettable. Once baked, let them cool briefly before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Stuffing Muffins Recipe

Three stacked golden-brown savory muffins stand on a white marbled surface. Each muffin shows visible pieces of mixed ingredients like green celery chunks and bits of herbs, giving a textured, slightly rough appearance with some crumbly edges. The muffins look moist inside but firm on the outside, with a few small crumbs scattered around the base. A soft beige cloth folds gently in the blurred background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Serving these stuffing muffins with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a dusting of grated Parmesan can add a wonderful pop of color and subtle flavor boost. A light drizzle of melted butter or a dollop of cranberry sauce balances the savory richness perfectly, making each bite more dynamic and exciting.

Side Dishes

Stuffing muffins pair beautifully with roasted turkey or chicken, but don’t limit yourself to holidays—these bites also complement simple green salads, sautéed greens, or even a warm bowl of soup. Their compact shape makes them ideal to pop alongside almost any meal where stuffing would shine.

Creative Ways to Present

To impress guests, try serving stuffed muffins on a platter lined with fresh herbs or alongside mini gravy boats for dipping. You could even top each muffin with a small roasted chestnut or a cranberry for festive flair. Another fun idea is to insert toothpicks to turn them into easy-to-pick-up finger foods for parties and gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover stuffing muffins keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they cool completely before storing to preserve their texture, and you’ll have a ready-to-go side or snack that tastes just as good the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze these muffins for up to 1 month by placing them on a parchment-lined tray first to freeze solid, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. This method prevents them from sticking together, giving you convenient, grab-and-bake portions whenever the craving hits.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the muffins in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy on the edges again. Avoid microwaving when possible, as it can make them soggy rather than delightfully crisp.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free bread for the Stuffing Muffins Recipe?

Absolutely! Gluten-free bread works just as well; just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold up after toasting. You might want to toast it a little longer to get that perfect crunch.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or water, and check that your bread doesn’t contain animal products. The result is just as delicious and comforting.

Can I prepare the stuffing mixture in advance?

You can mix all the ingredients up to the point of baking and refrigerate the mixture for a few hours. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before baking for best results.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover stuffing muffins?

The oven is your best friend here! Reheating in a 350-degree oven for about 10 minutes will bring back that crisp exterior and warm, soft interior.

Can I add extra ingredients like sausage or nuts?

Definitely! Adding cooked sausage, toasted nuts, or dried cranberries can bring exciting new textures and flavors to this classic Stuffing Muffins Recipe. Just be mindful of moisture levels to maintain the right consistency.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve got all the tips and secrets for this delicious Stuffing Muffins Recipe, it’s time to get baking. These little savory bites bring all the warmth and comfort of traditional stuffing in a fun, portable format that’s perfect for sharing or savoring solo. I promise once you try them, you’ll find yourself making these again and again, no matter the season!

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Stuffing Muffins Recipe

Stuffing Muffins Recipe


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4.1 from 86 reviews

  • Author: Maggie
  • Total Time: 57 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Diet: Halal

Description

These Stuffing Muffins are a convenient and delicious twist on traditional holiday stuffing. Featuring toasted bread cubes combined with savory sautéed vegetables and herbs, then baked in a muffin tin for perfectly crispy edges and a moist interior. Ideal for individual servings and perfect for festive gatherings or weeknight dinners.


Ingredients

Bread and Butter

  • 10 slices bread (cut into cubes, about 10 cups)
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter

Vegetables

  • 3 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 ½ cups chopped celery
  • 1 cup chopped yellow onion

Spices & Seasonings

  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp ground sage
  • ½ tsp dried minced onion
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp ground black pepper

Other Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups chicken broth (vegetable broth or water can be used as substitutes)


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Spray a muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Cube the Bread: Cut 10 slices of bread into small cubes, measuring approximately 10 cups total. This will form the base for the stuffing muffins.
  3. Toast the Bread Cubes: Spread the bread cubes evenly on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bread is toasted and slightly crispy. Then increase the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C) for the final baking.
  4. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet or pot, melt ¼ cup of unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic, chopped yellow onion, and chopped celery. Cook until the vegetables are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Add the Spices: Stir in dried parsley, garlic powder, ground sage, dried minced onion, salt, and ground black pepper to the sautéed veggies. Mix well to combine and allow the spices to bloom in the heat.
  6. Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 large eggs and 2 cups of chicken broth until well combined. This mixture helps bind the stuffing.
  7. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes and the cooked vegetable-spice mixture. Pour in the egg-broth mixture and toss everything thoroughly to coat all the bread pieces evenly.
  8. Fill Muffin Pan: Spoon the stuffing mixture into the prepared muffin pan. Press firmly on the bottom to pack the stuffing tightly, then fill the tops gently to mound slightly.
  9. Bake the Muffins: Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 28-32 minutes, or until the tops develop golden brown, crispy edges and the centers are set.
  10. Cool and Serve: Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then carefully transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
  • To add more flavor, consider tossing in cooked sausage or mushrooms with the vegetables.
  • Ensure bread cubes are well toasted to avoid soggy stuffing muffins.
  • These muffins can be made ahead and reheated in the oven before serving.
  • Use stale bread for best texture if possible.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 17 minutes (toasting bread) + 30 minutes (baking stuffing muffins) = 47 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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