Sausage Stuffing Muffins: The Easiest Side Dish

You know how we're doing that Fall Snack break at work this year, right? Everyone's bringing a snack and if you know me well, you know there's no way I'm missing out on an opportunity to indulge in some good old stuffing. What is it about stuffing that's so irresistible? I have no clue, but boy, do I love it! So I got to thinking, how about mixing sausage with stuffing but in a way that's "Covid friendly", you know, grab and go style, no double-dipping or anything. And just like that, I whipped up this ridiculously easy, unbelievably simple recipe!

Picture this - stuffing, but portable. And not just any stuffing, but cheesy, sausage-filled stuffing baked into individual muffins. Mind blown, right? These little delights take the comfort of traditional stuffing to a whole new level. And the cherry on top? They're a breeze to whip up, thanks to a trusty box of stuffing mix.

In this post, we're diving headfirst into the world of sausage stuffing muffins. Get ready to discover why these gems deserve a spot on your holiday table and how you can put your unique spin on them. We'll walk you through the whole process, from browning the sausage to presenting these muffins in all their glory. So, are you ready to be the talk of your next get-together? Let's get started!

Why Make Stuffing Muffins?

Before we jump into the recipe itself, let's take a moment to consider why stuffing muffins are such a great alternative to traditional stuffing.

1. Individual Servings

When serving stuffing at a holiday meal, portioning out the dish from a casserole dish can be a hassle. Not only is it difficult to serve neat portions, but it’s also easy for the stuffing to fall apart when you try to scoop it. With stuffing muffins, each serving is perfectly portioned, making them easier to serve, plate, and eat.

2. Crispy Edges and Texture

One of the best parts of stuffing is the crispy bits around the edges. But when you make stuffing in a casserole dish, it can be difficult to achieve those crispy, golden edges evenly throughout the dish. In muffin form, each muffin has more surface area for crispy bits, so every bite is full of texture.

3. Customizable Flavors

Stuffing muffins are a great way to experiment with different flavors. You can add meats, cheeses, vegetables, herbs, or fruits to the mix, and each muffin can be slightly different from the next, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Sausage is the star of this recipe, but you could easily swap in other ingredients to suit your preferences.

4. Convenience

Making stuffing muffins allows you to prepare them ahead of time, saving precious oven space on the big day. You can assemble them the night before, store them in the fridge, and pop them in the oven when you're ready to serve. Plus, the muffins store well, so any leftovers can be easily reheated for the next meal.

The Recipe for Sausage Stuffing Muffins

This recipe uses a boxed stuffing mix as the base, which makes the process quick and easy without sacrificing flavor. The addition of sausage gives the muffins a savory, hearty taste that complements the traditional stuffing flavors. The result is a delicious side dish that’s both flavorful and fun to serve.

Ingredients (for 12 stuffing muffins)

• 1 box of stuffing mix (14-16 oz, such as Stove Top or any brand of your choice)

• 1/2 lb sausage (Italian sausage, breakfast sausage, or your preferred variety), crumbled and cooked

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

• 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth if you prefer)

• Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan)

  
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sausage and Vegetables

Start by cooking your sausage. You can use Italian sausage, breakfast sausage, or even a mild chicken sausage, depending on your preferences. The key is to crumble the sausage as it cooks so that it’s broken into small pieces, which will evenly distribute throughout the stuffing muffins.

• In a large skillet, heat the sausage over medium heat.

• Use a spatula to break up the sausage as it cooks. Stir occasionally until the sausage is fully cooked and browned (about 5-7 minutes).

• If you like, you can add some diced onions or garlic to the sausage while it cooks for added flavor. Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet and set it aside.

  
  

Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing Mix

While the sausage is cooking, you can prepare the boxed stuffing mix. Most boxed stuffing mixes are easy to prepare — simply add hot liquid, let it soak for a few minutes, and then fluff it with a fork.

• In a large bowl, combine the stuffing mix with chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version). Follow the directions on the box, but usually, you’ll want to pour 2 cups of broth over the mix and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the bread cubes have absorbed the liquid.

• Fluff the stuffing mixture with a fork to break up any clumps, and make sure the bread cubes are evenly coated with broth.

  

Step 3: Add the Sausage and Cheese (Optional)

Now that your sausage is cooked and your stuffing mix is ready, it’s time to combine the two.

• Add the cooked sausage to the bowl of stuffing and mix until evenly distributed.

• If you're using cheese, stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheese at this point. Cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan all work beautifully in stuffing muffins. The cheese adds richness and a wonderful meltiness to the muffins as they bake.

  
  

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Butter

In this step, you’ll bring everything together to ensure the muffins hold their shape once baked.

• Pour the melted butter into the mixture. The butter will add moisture and flavor, helping to keep the stuffing muffins from drying out.

• Crack the eggs into a small bowl and beat them lightly before adding them to the stuffing mix. The eggs will help bind everything together and give the muffins a fluffy texture.

  
  

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin

Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or butter. You can also use paper liners if you prefer easy cleanup.

• Spoon the stuffing mixture into each muffin cup, packing it down gently as you go. You want each cup to be filled to the top to get those deliciously crispy edges as the stuffing bakes.

• If desired, sprinkle a little extra cheese on top of each muffin for a cheesy crust.

  
  

Step 6: Bake the Stuffing Muffins

Now it’s time to bake the muffins. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and crispy. You can test them by inserting a toothpick into the center of a muffin — it should come out clean when they’re done.

• For extra crispy tops, you can broil the muffins for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, but keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

  
  

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once baked, let the stuffing muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before carefully removing them. Use a spoon or knife to gently loosen the edges if needed.

Serve these sausage stuffing muffins warm, either as part of your holiday meal or as a delicious side dish for a weeknight dinner. The crispy exterior and savory filling will be a hit with your family and guests!

Variations and Add-Ins

One of the best things about stuffing muffins is how easily you can customize them to suit your tastes. Here are some variations to consider:

1. Sausage and Cranberry Stuffing Muffins

For a touch of sweetness, add 1/2 cup dried cranberries to the mixture. The tartness of the cranberries will complement the savory sausage and add a pop of color to the muffins.

2. Apple and Sausage Stuffing Muffins

For a subtle sweetness and freshness, 1 diced apple (preferably a tart variety like Granny Smith) can be added to the stuffing. The apple will soften as the muffins bake, offering a burst of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sausage.

3. Extra Cheesy Sausage Stuffing Muffins

If you're a cheese lover, why not go all in and add extra shredded cheese to the stuffing mixture? You can also sprinkle more cheese on top of the muffins before baking for a cheesy, crispy crust.

4. Herb-Infused Sausage Stuffing Muffins

Herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage are classic additions to stuffing. Adding 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary or thyme will give your muffins a fragrant, earthy flavor that enhances the savory sausage.

5. Gluten-Free Sausage Stuffing Muffins

If you're serving guests with dietary restrictions, you can make these stuffing muffins gluten-free. Simply swap out the boxed stuffing mix for a gluten-free variety, and use a gluten-free broth.

Tips for Perfect Stuffing Muffins

1. Don’t Overmix: When combining the stuffing mixture, be careful not to overmix. You want the stuffing to be moist, but overworking it can make the muffins dense and dry.

2. Use High-Quality Sausage: The flavor of the sausage is key to the taste of your muffins. Choose a good-quality sausage, whether you prefer spicy Italian sausage or a milder breakfast sausage.

3. Make Ahead: Stuffing muffins can be made ahead of time. Simply prepare them up until the point of baking, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before placing them in the oven.

4. Crispy Edges: If you want extra crispy edges, try placing the muffin tin on the top rack of the oven. You can also finish the muffins under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to get a golden, crispy top.

   

Now, you could totally stick to the recipe, but where's the fun in that? Throw in some cranberries, apples, or even extra herbs, and let your taste buds go wild. I mean, who wouldn't want to dig into these flavor-packed delights at the dinner table?

Not only are these muffins a breeze to whip up and serve, but they're also guaranteed to take your family meals to a whole new level. So, ready to shake things up in the kitchen? Trust me, these sausage stuffing muffins are going to be a game-change