Description
These Gravy-Stuffed Stuffing Muffins offer a delightful twist on traditional stuffing by incorporating a rich gravy center and optional cheese, all baked to golden perfection in muffin tins. Perfect as a comforting side dish or appetizer, they combine savory herbs, sautéed vegetables, and moist stuffing for an irresistible flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Stuffing Mixture
- 4 cups of prepared stuffing mix (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup of finely chopped celery
- 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup of sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Filling and Garnish
- 1 cup of gravy (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup of shredded cheese (optional, cheddar or mozzarella)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin or line with muffin liners to prepare for baking.
- Moisten Stuffing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared stuffing mix with the chicken or vegetable broth. Stir until the stuffing is evenly moistened and ready for mixing.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat a small amount of oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped celery, onion, and mushrooms (if using) and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and aromatic.
- Mix Seasonings: Add the sautéed vegetables to the stuffing mixture. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, sage, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute flavors.
- Fill Muffin Cups – Bottom Layer: Take a small amount of the stuffing mixture and press it firmly into the bottom half of each muffin cup, creating a base layer.
- Add Gravy and Cheese: Spoon a tablespoon of gravy into the center of each muffin cup on top of the stuffing base. If using cheese, sprinkle some on top of the gravy in each cup.
- Fill Muffin Cups – Top Layer: Top off each muffin cup with the remaining stuffing mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the muffins hold their shape during baking.
- Bake the Muffins: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the stuffing muffins turn golden brown on top.
- Cool and Remove: Remove the muffin tin from the oven and allow the muffins to cool a few minutes. Carefully take each muffin out of the tin to keep their shape intact.
- Serve: Serve the gravy-stuffed stuffing muffins warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy the savory, comforting flavors.
Notes
- You can use either chicken or vegetable broth depending on your dietary preference.
- For a vegetarian option, ensure your gravy and stuffing mix are vegetarian-friendly.
- The addition of mushrooms and cheese is optional but adds extra flavor and texture.
- Make sure to press the stuffing firmly into the muffin cups so the muffins hold together well after baking.
- These muffins can be prepared ahead of time and heated before serving.
