Turkey Stuffing Muffins Recipe

Fluffy Turkey Stuffing Muffins Recipe: A Savory Holiday Twist

Crafting delectable turkey stuffing muffins brings a playful twist to classic holiday fare.

Crisp edges and soft centers make these bite-sized delights irresistible.

Bread cubes, herbs, and savory seasonings meld together in a compact, handheld package.

Traditional recipes get a modern makeover with this clever approach.

Baking these muffins ensures even cooking and creates perfect individual portions.

Guests will appreciate the creative presentation and delightful flavor combinations.

You can easily customize the recipe with your favorite ingredients and spices.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing side dish that promises to become a new seasonal favorite.

Tasty Mix-Ins for Turkey Stuffing Muffin Fans

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace turkey with cooked lentils or crumbled tofu for a plant-based protein option, using vegetable broth in the stuffing for extra flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Comfort: Swap traditional bread stuffing with quinoa or gluten-free breadcrumbs, ensuring the muffins are safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and pepper jack cheese to transform the muffins into a zesty southwestern-style appetizer or side dish.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Use cauliflower rice instead of bread-based stuffing and ground chicken as a lighter protein option for those watching carbohydrate intake.

Serving Turkey and Stuffing Muffins for Brunch

  • Holiday Comfort Plating: Arrange muffins on a festive platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary for elegant presentation.
  • Gravy Drizzle Delight: Create a zigzag pattern of warm turkey gravy over each muffin, enhancing visual appeal and adding extra moisture.
  • Side Companion Magic: Pair these muffins with cranberry sauce, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad to complete the meal.
  • Leftover Lunch Star: Pack these muffins in lunch boxes with a small container of gravy for a delicious next-day meal that's easy to transport.

Storing Turkey & Stuffing Muffins for Later Meals

  • Store cooled muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss.
  • Place muffins in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Thaw frozen muffins in the refrigerator overnight. Warm individual muffins for 30-45 seconds on medium power, checking to prevent overheating.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Place muffins on a baking sheet, cover with foil to retain moisture, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

  • Are these muffins healthy?

These turkey and stuffing muffins offer a balanced meal with protein from turkey and carbohydrates from stuffing. They’re a nutritious option that combines lean meat and whole grains in a convenient handheld format.

  • Can I make these muffins ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare these muffins in advance. They can be refrigerated for 2-3 days and quickly reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick meal or snack.

  • What type of stuffing works best?

Traditional bread-based stuffing works perfectly. You can use homemade or store-bought stuffing, ensuring it’s not too dry to help bind the muffins together.

Turkey & Stuffing Muffins: Mini Holiday Favorites

  • Reinvent Leftovers: Transform boring turkey and stuffing into delightful, handheld muffins that make post-holiday meals exciting and fresh.
  • Quick Family Meal: Perfect for busy households, these muffins deliver a complete meal in one portable package that kids and adults will love.
  • Simple Preparation: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps mean anyone can create these delicious morsels without complex cooking skills.
  • Versatile Serving: Great for lunch boxes, picnics, game day snacks, or a fast weeknight dinner solution that reduces food waste and maximizes flavor.

Ingredients for Turkey and Stuffing Muffin Success

Main Protein:
  • Turkey: Leftover cooked turkey that adds rich, savory flavor to the muffins.
Binding and Texture Ingredients:
  • Egg, Stuffing: Egg helps bind the ingredients together, while stuffing provides a hearty base and additional seasoning for the muffins.
Preparation and Serving Ingredients:
  • Gravy: Warm turkey gravy adds moisture and enhances the overall taste of the muffins when served on top.

Making Turkey & Stuffing Muffins from Scratch

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350F (175C).

Grab a muffin pan and give it a generous spray of cooking oil to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Mix Turkey Magic

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and toss in:
  • Cooked stuffing
  • Chopped turkey pieces
  • Whisked egg

Stir everything together until the mixture looks evenly blended and ready for action.

Step 3: Create Muffin Bases

Press the turkey and stuffing mixture firmly into each muffin well.

Pack it down nice and tight so the muffins hold their shape like little flavor bombs.

Step 4: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the muffin pan into the preheated oven.

Let them bake for 20-25 minutes until the tops turn a beautiful golden brown color.

Step 5: Rest And Release

Once baked, let the muffins chill in the pan for 10 minutes.

Take a knife and gently run it around the edges to help them pop out smoothly.

Step 6: Serve With Delicious Gravy

Plate up your turkey stuffing muffins and drizzle warm turkey gravy over the top.

Watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement!

Muffin Tips for Moist, Flavorful Thanksgiving Bites

  • Cook stuffing and turkey in advance to reduce day-of cooking time and stress.
  • Add a splash of chicken broth to the mixture if it seems too dry, ensuring tender muffins.
  • Press mixture firmly into muffin wells and avoid overfilling to achieve golden, crisp exterior.
  • Perfect recipe for using up holiday meal remnants, transforming classic dishes into fun, portable bites.
  • Use gluten-free bread for stuffing to make these muffins celiac-friendly and accommodate different dietary needs.
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Turkey Stuffing Muffins Recipe

Turkey Stuffing Muffins Recipe


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4.8 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savory turkey stuffing muffins blend classic holiday comfort with portable charm, offering a delightful twist on traditional side dishes. Crisp edges and moist centers make these muffins an irresistible addition you’ll crave long after the feast ends.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 12 cups cooked, chopped turkey

Stuffing Base:

  • 23 cups cooked stuffing

Binding & Sauce:

  • 1 whisked egg
  • 1 cup prepared turkey gravy

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly coat a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or butter.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine finely chopped cooked turkey, prepared stuffing, and a lightly beaten egg, stirring until all ingredients are evenly incorporated and hold together.
  3. Carefully spoon the turkey-stuffing mixture into each muffin cavity, pressing down firmly to create compact, well-formed muffins that will maintain their shape during baking.
  4. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 22-27 minutes, watching for a golden-brown exterior and crispy edges that indicate complete cooking.
  5. Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the muffins rest for 8-12 minutes, allowing them to set and cool slightly before attempting to remove.
  6. Gently run a thin knife around the edges of each muffin to loosen, then carefully transfer to a serving platter.
  7. Drizzle warm turkey gravy over the muffins just before serving, ensuring each piece receives a rich, savory finish.

Notes

  • Customize your stuffing base with herbs like sage, thyme, or rosemary for enhanced flavor profiles.
  • Use leftover roasted turkey or rotisserie chicken as a convenient protein alternative to reduce cooking time.
  • Ensure ingredients are well-mixed and compressed into muffin wells to maintain structural integrity during baking.
  • Make these muffins gluten-free by substituting traditional bread stuffing with quinoa or gluten-free breadcrumbs for dietary flexibility.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 230 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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