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Crispy-Edged Stuffing Muffins (Stuffins) Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a holiday side that steals the show, look no further than these Crispy-Edged Stuffing Muffins (Stuffins) Recipe. Imagine all the cozy, savory goodness of classic stuffing but perfectly portioned into individual muffin shapes with irresistibly crispy edges—total game changer. I absolutely love how these stuffins turn out: golden, crunchy on the outside, and delightfully tender inside. Stick with me, and I’ll show you exactly how to make them so your family goes crazy over every bite.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Perfectly Individual Portions: You get crispy, crunchy edges on every muffin, which just doesn’t happen with a big casserole.
  • Flavor-Packed and Herbaceous: Fresh herbs, garlic, and parmesan make the flavor pop way beyond your typical stuffing.
  • Time-Saving Prep: Make these ahead or even freeze them for a super easy holiday side when you’re juggling a million things.
  • Kid & Adult Friendly: Everyone from picky eaters to foodies loves how these stuffins taste and look!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create a balance of savory, crunchy, and soft textures. The sourdough bread adds a hearty base, while the fresh herbs and garlic provide fragrant depth that really elevates this dish.

Flat lay of golden sourdough bread cubes, fresh bright green celery stalks, a peeled yellow onion, several peeled garlic cloves, a small bunch of fresh parsley, sprigs of rosemary, sage, and thyme, a wedge of parmesan cheese with some grated parmesan scattered nearby, and two fresh brown eggs, all beautifully arranged and vibrant, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Crispy-Edged Stuffing Muffins, Stuffins, holiday side dishes, savory stuffing muffins, festive stuffing recipes
  • Sourdough bread: Using day-old bread or dried cubes helps create that perfect texture without sogginess.
  • Unsalted butter: For cooking the veggies and adding richness without extra salt.
  • Celery: Gives a nice crunch and classic stuffing flavor.
  • Yellow onion: Sweetens and softens during cooking to balance the herbs.
  • Garlic: Freshly chopped or grated for that punch of savory goodness.
  • Fresh parsley: Brightens the mixture and adds a fresh note.
  • Hardy fresh herbs: Rosemary, sage, thyme, and oregano pack serious flavor—don’t skimp here if you can help it.
  • Parmesan cheese: Brings salty, nutty complexity and helps bind the mixture.
  • Eggs: Act as the binder holding the stuffing muffins together.
  • Chicken or turkey broth/stock: Just enough to moisten the bread but avoid sogginess.
  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper: To season and bring out the flavors.
  • Nonstick cooking spray: To ensure your stuffins come out of the muffin tin easily.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love playing around with this Crispy-Edged Stuffing Muffins (Stuffins) Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or the season. You can easily tailor it to suit your tastes or dietary needs, and it always turns out delicious.

  • Vegetarian Version: Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and use a vegetarian-friendly parmesan or nutritional yeast.
  • Extra Mushroom Love: I once added sautéed cremini mushrooms to the mix—totally upped the umami and gave the stuffing a deeper earthiness.
  • Cheesy Upgrade: Mixing in sharp cheddar or Gruyère instead of parmesan creates a wonderful twist your guests will comment on.
  • Spicy Kick: A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika can give you a subtle warmth that plays well with the herbs.

How to Make Crispy-Edged Stuffing Muffins (Stuffins) Recipe

Step 1: Dry Out Your Bread Cubes

Start by cutting your sourdough into roughly ½-inch cubes. I like to spread them evenly on a baking sheet and leave them uncovered for 1-2 days to get perfectly dry—this is the secret to that crispy edge without sogginess. If you’re short on time, placing the baking sheet in a turned-off oven or a warm spot works great too. Day-of or store-bought stuffing bread cubes can work, but fresh-dried sourdough really gives the best texture!

Step 2: Sauté Your Aromatics

Next, melt butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onions and celery, seasoning with kosher salt and pepper, then cook until softened and fragrant—about 5 to 7 minutes. Toss in garlic and your fresh herbs, cooking for another minute or two until everything smells incredible. Trust me, this step smells so good it’s hard to wait for the next!

Step 3: Combine Your Stuffing Mixture

Off the heat, add your dried bread cubes to the pot along with parmesan and eggs. Stir everything until well combined. Slowly pour in your chicken or turkey broth, about ½ cup at a time, mixing thoroughly between additions. The goal is perfectly moistened bread—not soggy—so stop adding broth once the cubes are soft but hold their shape.

Step 4: Fill and Bake Your Muffin Pan

Give your muffin tin a generous coating of nonstick spray. I find using a spring-loaded cookie scoop helps portion the stuffin perfectly into each cup without a mess. Then, lightly pack the mixture down with your fingers and spritz the tops with cooking spray—this helps achieve those beautifully golden, crispy edges. Bake at 350°F for 30–35 minutes until the tops are browned and crispy just right.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, you might need to run a knife gently around the edges to loosen each muffin. Transfer to a serving tray and don’t forget the gravy! A generous drizzle of turkey gravy over these Crispy-Edged Stuffing Muffins (Stuffins) Recipe makes them downright irresistible.

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Pro Tips for Making Crispy-Edged Stuffing Muffins (Stuffins) Recipe

  • Dry Bread is Key: I learned that trying to make this with soft bread leads to mushy muffins—drying the bread is a total game changer for crisp edges.
  • Don’t Over-Stir the Mixture: Gently fold in the broth and other ingredients to keep the bread cubes from breaking apart too much.
  • Grease Generously: A well-sprayed muffin tin prevents sticking and helps keep the bottoms crispy and golden.
  • Watch the Baking Time Closely: Going a few minutes longer can mean the difference between soft and beautifully crispy stuffins, so keep an eye on them in the last 10 minutes.

How to Serve Crispy-Edged Stuffing Muffins (Stuffins) Recipe

A golden-brown, crispy bread muffin sits in the center of a white plate with a smooth brown gravy being poured over it from a white, speckled ceramic pitcher above, the gravy slowly dripping down the sides and pooling slightly at the base. The muffin shows textured chunks of bread with herbs and small green vegetable pieces visible. A gold fork rests diagonally on the plate next to the muffin. A few fresh green herb leaves are placed near the fork. In the blurry background, there are more bread muffins on another white plate, a pale yellow croissant, and an orange cloth on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Crispy-Edged Stuffing Muffins, Stuffins, holiday side dishes, savory stuffing muffins, festive stuffing recipes

Garnishes

I usually top these stuffins with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and a little extra grated parmesan if I’m feeling fancy. Sometimes I add a few crispy sage leaves right before serving for that wow factor and an extra herbaceous crunch.

Side Dishes

These muffin-shaped stuffings pair perfectly with roasted turkey or chicken, a big pot of easy turkey gravy (a must!), and some roasted Brussels sprouts or glazed carrots. My family loves the combination, especially when there’s cranberry sauce nearby for a sweet-tart contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I like to plate these stuffins stacked tall on a large platter with sprigs of rosemary and thyme scattered around. It makes an impressive centerpiece. I’ve even served them alongside mini turkey sliders for a fun twist at casual get-togethers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Crispy-Edged Stuffing Muffins in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you reheat, they keep their texture better if you avoid wrapping them too tightly to prevent moisture build-up.

Freezing

These stuffins freeze really well! After baking, cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat for a quick side anytime.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the stuffins in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep those beautiful crispy edges intact.

FAQs

  1. Can I use bread other than sourdough for this recipe?

    Absolutely! While sourdough adds great flavor and texture, you can use other sturdy breads like French or Italian bread. Just make sure to dry the bread well to prevent sogginess. Avoid very soft or sweet breads, which might not crisp up properly.

  2. How far ahead can I prepare the stuffing mixture?

    You can prepare the entire stuffing mixture the day before and store it in the fridge before baking. Just don’t add the broth until you’re ready to bake, or the bread might become too soggy. Alternatively, you can fully bake the stuffins in advance and reheat when needed.

  3. Can I make these gluten-free?

    Yes! Substitute the sourdough with your favorite gluten-free bread and double-check that your broth and other ingredients are gluten-free. Dry the bread cubes thoroughly, and you’ll get a similarly tasty result.

  4. What’s the best way to get crispy edges on my stuffins?

    Generously greasing the muffin tin and spritzing the tops with nonstick spray before baking helps. Also, make sure your bread cubes are dry, and don’t overcrowd the muffin cups so the heat can circulate evenly.

  5. Can I add sausage or bacon to this recipe?

    Definitely! Browned sausage or crispy bacon bits folded into the stuffing mixture add incredible flavor. Just cook them thoroughly before mixing with the other ingredients to avoid any raw meat issues.

Final Thoughts

I have to say, these Crispy-Edged Stuffing Muffins (Stuffins) Recipe have revolutionized my holiday sides. There’s something magical about those crispy little edges combined with soft, flavorful centers that makes everyone reach for seconds (and thirds!). If you want a stuffing that’s both nostalgic and fun to eat, you’ll really enjoy making these. Plus, they’re so straightforward, even busy cooks like us can handle them with ease. Give it a try—you might just find your new holiday tradition right here.

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Crispy-Edged Stuffing Muffins (Stuffins) Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 72 reviews
  • Author: Villerius
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1-2 days for bread drying)
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour (excluding bread drying time)
  • Yield: 12 muffins
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Crispy-Edged Stuffing Muffins, also known as Stuffins, are a delicious twist on traditional Thanksgiving stuffing. Made with hearty sourdough bread, fresh herbs, garlic, parmesan cheese, and a perfect blend of aromatics, these individual portions bake into crispy, golden tops with a soft, tender center. Ideal for holiday dinners, these muffins offer all the classic flavors of stuffing in a fun, easy-to-serve format, especially delicious when served with turkey gravy.


Ingredients

Bread

  • 16 ounces sourdough bread, sliced or torn into ½-inch cubes

Vegetables & Herbs

  • 3 stalks celery, finely diced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
  • ½ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
  • ¼ cup finely chopped hardy fresh herbs (rosemary, sage, thyme, oregano, etc.)

Dairy & Eggs

  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 large eggs

Liquids & Seasoning

  • 1 – 1 ½ cups chicken or turkey broth/stock
  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to season
  • Nonstick cooking spray


Instructions

  1. Dry the Bread: Slice the sourdough bread into ½-inch cubes and spread them evenly on a baking sheet. Leave the bread uncovered for 1-2 days to dry out completely. If you’re short on time or baking on the same day, dry the bread in a low oven or use store-bought dried bread cubes as per recipe notes.
  2. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F, placing a rack in the upper third of the oven to prepare for baking the stuffing muffins.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the butter. Add diced onions and celery, seasoning with 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt and ground black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant (5-7 minutes). Add garlic and fresh herbs; cook another 1-2 minutes until aromatic, then remove from heat.
  4. Combine Ingredients: To the pot with the sautéed aromatics, add the dried bread cubes, grated parmesan, and eggs. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
  5. Moisten the Mixture: Stir in chicken or turkey broth ½ cup at a time, mixing cautiously between additions. Use just enough broth to soften the bread cubes without making the mixture soggy.
  6. Prepare Muffin Tin: Generously grease a nonstick muffin tin with cooking spray. Transfer the stuffing mixture into the tin, packing the mixture gently but firmly into each cup. Using a spring-loaded cookie scoop can help form uniform mounds; reshape tops by hand if needed.
  7. Spary & Bake: Lightly spritz each muffin with nonstick cooking spray to promote crispiness. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the tops are golden and crispy to your liking.
  8. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the muffins to cool slightly. If needed, run a knife around the edges to loosen the muffins from the pan. Transfer to a serving tray and serve warm, ideally accompanied by plenty of easy turkey gravy.

Notes

  • This recipe elevates classic Thanksgiving stuffing by baking it in a muffin tin for perfect individual portions with crispy edges and soft centers.
  • Use hearty sourdough bread for best texture and flavor; drying the bread ahead ensures the stuffing binds nicely.
  • Fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, thyme, and oregano add authentic Thanksgiving flavors.
  • The muffins are delicious on their own but become irresistible when served with turkey gravy.
  • If you’re short on time, you can dry the bread cubes in the oven or use pre-dried bread cubes from the store.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 muffin
  • Calories: 227
  • Sugar: 2.8 g
  • Sodium: 449 mg
  • Fat: 11.5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22.7 g
  • Fiber: 1.4 g
  • Protein: 8.6 g
  • Cholesterol: 57 mg

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