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Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Stuffing Muffins

Thanksgiving Stuffing Muffins - featured image

Individual stuffing muffins that save oven space and reduce holiday stress. These make-ahead side dishes feature crispy edges and moist interiors using simple ingredients like day-old bread, herbs, and broth.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8–10 cups stale bread, cubed (sourdough or rustic white)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2–2.5 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. If bread is not stale, toast 1-inch cubes at 300°F for 10 minutes until dry but not hard, then cool completely.
  2. In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and celery, cooking until soft and translucent (about 5 minutes). Add minced garlic in the last minute.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk eggs with chicken broth, chopped sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  4. Place dried bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Pour sautéed vegetables over bread, then pour egg mixture over everything. Gently toss to coat bread without crushing it. Add more broth if too dry.
  5. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin generously with butter or cooking spray. Spoon mixture into cups, pressing down lightly. Do not overpack.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until tops are golden brown and edges are crispy. Insert a knife into the center to check if done.
  7. Let cool in pan for 5 minutes to set, then run a knife around edges and flip onto a serving platter. Serve warm.

Notes

Use day-old bread or toast fresh bread to ensure dry cubes. Sautéing aromatics first prevents harsh raw flavors. Use warm broth to help bread absorb liquid faster. Brush tops with melted butter for extra crispiness. Can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight or frozen before/after baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thanksgiving stuffing, make-ahead side dish, stuffing muffins, holiday cooking, oven space saver, individual portions, crispy stuffing