Oh, I simply adore this recipe for Turkey & Stuffing Muffins! There’s something so heartwarming about combining tender turkey with savory stuffing, all baked into muffin form. It feels like a cozy hug in every bite! The first time I made these, I had a mountain of leftover turkey after Thanksgiving and was looking for something fun to do with it. Little did I know, I was about to strike culinary gold! The minute I pulled them from the oven and saw those golden tops, I knew I was onto something special.
These lovely muffins remind me of my childhood, where family gatherings were filled with laughter, warmth, and that unmistakable aroma of turkey and stuffing wafting through the air. Now, I make these muffins as part of my tradition, and they have since become a delightful dish that my friends and family can’t get enough of. Plus, they’re perfect for any day of the week—not just on turkey day!
What’s in Turkey & Stuffing Muffins?
Let’s break down what you’ll need for these tasty muffins:
Cooked Turkey: The star of the show! I usually use shredded turkey, but you can certainly chop it for a chunkier texture. Leftovers from your holiday feast work wonders here!
Stuffing Mix: This is the soul of the muffin. I love using a traditional bread stuffing mix, but feel free to choose your favorite brand to make it your own.
Chicken Broth: This keeps our stuffing nice and moist and carries all the flavors beautifully. I usually go with low-sodium broth to control the saltiness.
Celery and Onion: These aromatic veggies are sautéed to add a lovely depth of flavor. They’re crucial for that classic stuffing taste.
Butter: Because everything is better with butter! It helps to sauté the veggies and adds richness to the mixture.
Garlic Powder and Dried Thyme: These add an aromatic kick that ties all the flavors together. Fresh herbs can substitute here if you have them on hand!
Salt and Pepper: Just a pinch of each to enhance the overall flavor.
Gravy: Because what’s a turkey muffin without a luscious drizzle of gravy? Homemade is best, but jarred works in a pinch!
Fresh Parsley: This isn’t just for looks—it brings a fresh pop of color and brightens the flavors nicely.
Is Turkey & Stuffing Muffins Good for You?
Oh, the goodness of these muffins! While they’re definitely a comforting dish, they offer some great health benefits too.
Turkey: This lean meat is packed with protein, which is great for muscle repair and keeping you feeling full.
Celery: Low in calories and high in fiber, celery adds a satisfying crunch and aids in digestion.
Onion: Rich in antioxidants, onions add both flavor and those healthy benefits—goodbye, sniffles!
However, be mindful of the stuffing mix and gravy’s sodium content, especially if you’re watching your salt intake. Using low-sodium options makes it easy to keep things in check.
If you’re in the mood for a balance, pair them with a side of fresh veggies or a light salad, and you’ve got a well-rounded meal!
Ingredients List
– 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
– 4 cups stuffing mix
– 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup celery, diced
– 1/2 cup onion, diced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup gravy (for serving)
– Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
*Serves: 12 muffins*
How to Make Turkey & Stuffing Muffins?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin generously with cooking spray or butter. Don’t skimp on this step; we want our muffins to pop right out!
2. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the diced celery and onion and sauté until they’re softened, about 5 minutes. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
3. In a large bowl, mix the stuffing, cooked turkey, sautéed veggies, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir until it’s well combined.
4. Pour the chicken broth over the mixture. Stir it all together until everything is moist—no dry bits allowed!
5. Scoop the stuffing mixture into the muffin tins, pressing it down gently to pack each one. Fill those cups to the top!
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and pull them out when the tops are golden brown and lovely.
7. While the muffins are baking, warm the gravy in a saucepan. Get ready for that luxurious drizzle!
8. Once baked, let the muffins cool for a few minutes before carefully removing them from the tin. Use a butter knife to help loosen them, if needed.
9. Serve warm, drizzled with gravy, and sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for that nice finishing touch.
Delicious Tips and Variations for Turkey & Stuffing Muffins
Here are a few extra ideas to elevate your turkey muffins:
– **Add-ins:** Feel free to toss in some dried cranberries, chopped nuts, or even sautéed mushrooms for a flavor twist!
– **Make-Ahead:** You can prepare the stuffing mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just mix and bake when you’re ready!
– **Freezing:** These muffins freeze beautifully! Just let them cool completely, then wrap them well and pop them in the freezer. Reheat them when you’re ready for a quick meal.
There you have it! I hope you give these Turkey & Stuffing Muffins a try. I can’t wait for you to experience that delicious flavor explosion they offer. Trust me when I say they’re perfect for lunchboxes or a cozy dinner at home. Let me know how they turn out for you; I’d love to hear your stories and any fun variations you come up with! Happy cooking!
