These Gravy-Stuffed Stuffing Muffins are the ultimate holiday indulgence. Imagine the crispy golden stuffing exterior, filled with creamy sausage gravy for a mouthwatering center that surprises and delights every bite. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any festive gathering, these muffins are a creative twist on classic stuffing.
What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility. Whether you use traditional bread cubes, stuffing mix, or add fresh herbs like rosemary, the muffins are sure to shine. Pair them with your favorite holiday dishes or serve them as a standalone treat to impress your guests.
Full Recipe:
For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 pound sausage (Italian or breakfast sausage)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Stuffing Muffins:
- 5 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups chicken or turkey broth
- 6 cups bread cubes or stuffing mix
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh sage
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Directions:
- Prepare the Gravy: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook until browned and crumbled, 5–7 minutes. Stir in flour to create a roux and cook for 2 minutes. Add green onions and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly, until the mixture boils and thickens. Season with cayenne, salt, and pepper. Let the gravy cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until thick and chilled.
- Prepare the Stuffing Mixture: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Butter a 12-cup muffin tin. Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a pan over medium heat. Add onion, celery, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until translucent, 4–5 minutes. Add broth and bring to a boil.
- Combine bread cubes, parsley, sage, and thyme in a large bowl. Pour the hot broth mixture over the bread mixture and mix well. Stir in the eggs until combined.
- Fill the muffin cups with the stuffing mixture, pressing down slightly. Use your finger to create a hole in the center of each muffin, leaving about 1 inch from the bottom. Add 2 tablespoons of chilled gravy into each hole. Cover the gravy by molding additional stuffing over the top.
- Brush the tops of the muffins with the remaining melted butter. Bake for 20 minutes on the middle rack until golden brown and firm. Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes (including gravy chilling)
Kcal: 250 kcal | Servings: 12 muffins
A Delicious Holiday Twist: Gravy-Stuffed Stuffing Muffins
When it comes to holiday feasts, stuffing is a quintessential dish that graces every table. It’s a recipe steeped in tradition, carrying memories of family gatherings and festive celebrations. But why not elevate this classic to a whole new level with Gravy-Stuffed Stuffing Muffins? This innovative take combines all the comforting flavors of stuffing with a luscious, savory surprise at the center: thick, creamy sausage gravy. The result? A show-stopping dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion.
The Inspiration Behind Gravy-Stuffed Stuffing Muffins
This recipe stems from a desire to add variety to traditional holiday meals while keeping the spirit of classic flavors alive. Traditional stuffing recipes, while beloved, can sometimes feel repetitive. By turning stuffing into individual portions and adding a hidden layer of gravy inside, this recipe introduces an element of surprise that is both practical and delightful. The muffin form makes it easy to serve and enjoy, whether at a formal dining table or a casual buffet.
What sets these muffins apart is their combination of textures and flavors. The crispy, golden-brown exterior provides a satisfying crunch, while the tender, savory interior delivers a burst of classic stuffing flavors infused with herbs like sage, thyme, and parsley. The creamy sausage gravy center elevates this dish into the realm of indulgence, offering a rich, hearty contrast that’s sure to impress your guests.
A Crowd-Pleasing Addition to Your Holiday Spread
One of the biggest challenges during the holiday season is accommodating the preferences of diverse guests. Gravy-Stuffed Stuffing Muffins address this beautifully. Their individual portions make it easy to serve the exact number you need while keeping them warm and fresh for each diner. Plus, they fit seamlessly into a variety of holiday menus, pairing wonderfully with roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce.
The muffin form also makes them an excellent choice for potlucks and gatherings. Their self-contained shape is easy to transport and serve, reducing the need for extra utensils or elaborate plating. They’re equally ideal for the main meal or as part of a leftovers spread the next day.
Customization and Versatility
The versatility of this recipe is another reason it stands out. While the classic version calls for bread cubes, sausage, and a medley of herbs, there’s plenty of room for customization to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Prefer a vegetarian option? Simply omit the sausage and use a rich mushroom gravy instead. Want to experiment with flavors? Incorporate dried fruits like cranberries for a hint of sweetness or chopped nuts for extra crunch.
You can also adjust the seasoning to reflect regional or cultural preferences. A touch of garlic powder, smoked paprika, or even a sprinkle of cheese can make this recipe uniquely yours. For those who love spice, consider adding a dash of chili flakes or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
Tips for Perfect Gravy-Stuffed Muffins
While the recipe is straightforward, a few tips can ensure your muffins turn out perfectly every time:
- Chill the Gravy: The key to achieving a neat and creamy center is working with cold, thick gravy. Chilling the gravy before stuffing the muffins ensures it holds its shape during baking and doesn’t leak into the stuffing mixture.
- Choose Your Bread Wisely: The type of bread you use can make a big difference in texture. Day-old bread cubes or a high-quality stuffing mix are ideal, as they absorb the broth without becoming overly mushy.
- Don’t Skimp on Butter: Brushing the tops of the muffins with melted butter before baking ensures a golden, crispy crust that enhances both flavor and texture.
- Herbs Matter: Fresh herbs add a burst of flavor and fragrance to the stuffing mixture. While dried herbs can work in a pinch, fresh parsley, sage, and thyme elevate the dish to a new level.
- Serve Warm: These muffins are best enjoyed fresh from the oven when the stuffing is tender, and the gravy center is warm and luscious.
The Perfect Dish for Leftovers
Another reason to love Gravy-Stuffed Stuffing Muffins is their potential for repurposing leftovers. During the holidays, it’s common to find yourself with extra stuffing, gravy, and bread. This recipe transforms those ingredients into something entirely new, minimizing food waste while creating an unforgettable dish.
These muffins can also be made ahead of time and reheated, making them a practical choice for busy holiday schedules. Simply prepare and bake the muffins as directed, then store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat in a low-temperature oven until warmed through.
Why You’ll Love These Muffins
Gravy-Stuffed Stuffing Muffins are more than just a recipe—they’re a conversation starter, a nostalgic nod to holiday traditions, and an opportunity to try something new. Their rich, hearty flavors and elegant presentation make them an ideal choice for any festive occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a large family dinner, contributing to a potluck, or simply looking for a way to jazz up your holiday leftovers, these muffins are guaranteed to please. They encapsulate the essence of holiday comfort food: warm, satisfying, and made with love.
Conclusion
The holiday season is a time for gathering, sharing, and creating memories around the table. Gravy-Stuffed Stuffing Muffins embody this spirit perfectly. They take a beloved classic and infuse it with creativity, ensuring your holiday meals are both memorable and delicious.
With their golden exterior, savory stuffing, and creamy gravy center, these muffins are sure to become a new tradition in your household. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and prepare to wow your guests with this irresistible holiday treat.
Happy cooking, and happy holidays!