Advertisement
Stuffing meets gravy in these delightful muffins, bringing the best of Thanksgiving to your plate in a convenient, bite-sized form. Each muffin is golden brown on the outside, with a warm, flavorful surprise of sausage-infused gravy in the center.
Perfect for holiday gatherings or simply elevating your festive menu, these muffins are not only delicious but also a show-stopper at the dinner table. Whether served as a side or enjoyed as a snack, these Gravy-Stuffed Stuffing Muffins bring a comforting blend of savory flavors to any occasion.
Advertisement
Full Recipe:
- For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 pound sausage (Italian or breakfast sausage)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For the Muffins:
- 1 tablespoon butter, for greasing
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 6 cups bread cubes (or stuffing mix)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh sage, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 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 crumbly (5–7 minutes).
- Stir in flour to create a roux; cook for 2 minutes. Add green onions and cook briefly until fragrant.
- Gradually whisk in milk and stir until the mixture thickens. Add cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer to a bowl, cool for 20 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until thick.
- Prepare the Muffins:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and set a baking pan on the lowest oven rack. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with butter.
- In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons butter. Add onion and celery; cook until translucent (4–5 minutes). Stir in poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Combine bread cubes, parsley, sage, and thyme in a bowl. Pour boiling broth mixture over the bread and mix. Add eggs and stir until combined.
- Fill muffin cups with the stuffing mixture, piling it high. Make a hole in each muffin center (leaving 1 inch at the bottom) and fill with 2 tablespoons of chilled gravy. Cover the gravy with additional stuffing.
- Brush tops with melted butter. Bake for 20 minutes until golden.
- Cool muffins for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Advertisement
Kcal: 295 kcal | Servings: 12 muffins
Gravy-Stuffed Stuffing Muffins: A Festive Delight
When it comes to Thanksgiving and other holiday gatherings, stuffing is a non-negotiable staple on the table. But what if you could elevate the traditional stuffing into something extraordinary? Enter the Gravy-Stuffed Stuffing Muffins—an innovative twist on the classic side dish that combines everything you love about stuffing with a hidden, delightful surprise of rich, flavorful gravy. This dish isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience that transforms ordinary ingredients into a holiday masterpiece.
The Inspiration Behind Gravy-Stuffed Stuffing Muffins
The idea for these muffins was born from the need to create a portable, individually portioned version of stuffing, making it easier to serve and enjoy during a busy holiday meal. Traditional stuffing, while delicious, can be messy and sometimes lacks that wow factor when served alongside a golden turkey and vibrant sides. Gravy-Stuffed Stuffing Muffins solve this problem by adding structure and flair, delivering the ultimate festive indulgence in every bite.
What sets this recipe apart is the surprise center—creamy sausage-infused gravy tucked into the middle of each muffin. It’s a genius addition that takes this dish from a simple side to a conversation piece. The contrast between the crispy exterior, herby bread stuffing, and the velvety gravy core creates a culinary harmony that delights the palate.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Gravy-Stuffed Stuffing Muffins are a perfect example of how creativity can elevate holiday cooking. Here’s why they’re destined to become a favorite on your table:
- Perfect for Portion Control: Each muffin is an individual serving, making it easier to plate and reducing food waste. This is especially helpful for larger gatherings where you want to ensure every guest gets a portion of every dish.
- Customizable to Your Taste: Whether you prefer sage-heavy stuffing or a lighter herb mix, this recipe adapts beautifully to your preferences. You can even add extra ingredients like dried cranberries, nuts, or mushrooms to the stuffing for added texture and flavor.
- A Feast for the Eyes: The golden-brown tops of the muffins and their uniform presentation make them a visually appealing addition to any table. They’re Instagram-worthy and sure to draw compliments from guests.
- Practical and Versatile: Beyond Thanksgiving, these muffins are a fantastic addition to holiday brunches, potlucks, or even as a creative side for a roast dinner. Their portable nature makes them ideal for on-the-go festivities.
The Perfect Blend of Flavors and Textures
One of the standout features of this dish is the combination of flavors and textures that it offers. The stuffing itself is packed with aromatic herbs like parsley, sage, and thyme, creating a fragrant base that’s reminiscent of traditional holiday flavors. Celery and onions add a subtle crunch, while the buttery, toasted bread cubes provide structure.
The highlight, however, is undoubtedly the gravy. Made with crumbled sausage, this rich, savory filling offers a delightful surprise as you cut into the muffin. The creamy gravy contrasts beautifully with the crisp exterior of the muffin, ensuring every bite is an explosion of flavor. A touch of cayenne adds a gentle heat, complementing the mild sweetness of the bread and the earthiness of the herbs.
Tips for Success
- Chill the Gravy: One of the keys to ensuring the success of these muffins is preparing the gravy well in advance and allowing it to chill completely. Cold gravy is much easier to work with and will stay neatly in the center during baking.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Since this recipe relies heavily on the flavors of the stuffing and gravy, using fresh herbs and good-quality bread makes a noticeable difference.
- Be Generous with Butter: Butter helps achieve the crispy, golden tops that make these muffins so appealing. Don’t skimp when brushing the tops before baking!
How to Serve Gravy-Stuffed Stuffing Muffins
These muffins are incredibly versatile when it comes to presentation and pairing. Here are some ideas to make the most of them:
- As a Side Dish: Serve them alongside roasted turkey, ham, or a holiday roast. Their rich flavor complements the main course beautifully.
- For a Festive Brunch: Pair the muffins with eggs, smoked salmon, or a fresh salad for a unique holiday brunch menu.
- With Extra Gravy: While the muffins already have gravy inside, serving them with a bowl of warm gravy on the side allows guests to add an extra drizzle if desired.
A Culinary Innovation for the Holidays
What makes this recipe so special is the way it encapsulates the essence of the holiday season. It’s a dish that brings people together and encourages them to savor every bite. Each muffin feels like a small gift, with its golden crust hiding a delicious surprise inside. Whether you’re serving it to family or showcasing it at a Friendsgiving gathering, Gravy-Stuffed Stuffing Muffins are guaranteed to impress.
Conclusion
Gravy-Stuffed Stuffing Muffins are a modern twist on traditional holiday fare, combining comfort and creativity in a single dish. Their individual portions, rich flavors, and visually appealing presentation make them a standout choice for any festive table. Not only do they simplify serving and portioning, but they also add an element of surprise and indulgence to your meal.
This recipe represents the best of holiday cooking: it’s practical yet luxurious, traditional yet innovative. As you plan your next holiday menu, consider adding Gravy-Stuffed Stuffing Muffins to your lineup. They’re more than just a side dish—they’re a celebration of flavor and creativity that will leave your guests talking long after the meal is over.
Print
Gravy-Stuffed Stuffing Muffins
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Description
Stuffing meets gravy in these delightful muffins, bringing the best of Thanksgiving to your plate in a convenient, bite-sized form. Each muffin is golden brown on the outside, with a warm, flavorful surprise of sausage-infused gravy in the center.
Perfect for holiday gatherings or simply elevating your festive menu, these muffins are not only delicious but also a show-stopper at the dinner table. Whether served as a side or enjoyed as a snack, these Gravy-Stuffed Stuffing Muffins bring a comforting blend of savory flavors to any occasion.
Ingredients
- For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 pound sausage (Italian or breakfast sausage)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For the Muffins:
- 1 tablespoon butter, for greasing
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 6 cups bread cubes (or stuffing mix)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh sage, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Instructions
- Prepare the Gravy:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook until browned and crumbly (5–7 minutes).
- Stir in flour to create a roux; cook for 2 minutes. Add green onions and cook briefly until fragrant.
- Gradually whisk in milk and stir until the mixture thickens. Add cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer to a bowl, cool for 20 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until thick.
- Prepare the Muffins:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and set a baking pan on the lowest oven rack. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with butter.
- In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons butter. Add onion and celery; cook until translucent (4–5 minutes). Stir in poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Combine bread cubes, parsley, sage, and thyme in a bowl. Pour boiling broth mixture over the bread and mix. Add eggs and stir until combined.
- Fill muffin cups with the stuffing mixture, piling it high. Make a hole in each muffin center (leaving 1 inch at the bottom) and fill with 2 tablespoons of chilled gravy. Cover the gravy with additional stuffing.
- Brush tops with melted butter. Bake for 20 minutes until golden.
- Cool muffins for 5–10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes