Leftover Stuffing Muffins Recipe

If you ever find yourself with extra stuffing after a big holiday meal, you’re going to want to bookmark this Leftover Stuffing Muffins Recipe. It’s a game-changer for transforming yesterday’s side dish into a totally new, delicious snack or breakfast that your family will gobble up fast. Trust me, these muffins are crispy, savory little bites of comfort that I’ve made more times than I can count—and I’m excited to share all my tips so you can nail them perfectly too.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

This Leftover Stuffing Muffins Recipe keeps it super simple yet flavorful by marrying classic stuffing with eggs and a touch of greens to add moisture and nutrition. Each ingredient supports that perfect balance of crispy edges and tender insides.

• Butter: Used for greasing, it helps the muffins pop out easily and adds a subtle richness.
• Prepared stuffing or dressing: The star of the show—mostly breadcrumbs with savory herbs and flavors that carry through the muffins.
• Chopped turkey or ham: Adds protein and a meaty texture to keep the muffins wholesome and filling.
• Frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed): A sneaky veggie boost that adds color, moisture, and nutrients without overpowering flavors.
• Eggs: The binding agent that holds everything together and puffs up nicely when baked.
• Milk: Keeps the eggs tender and not rubbery, making sure the muffins stay soft inside.
• Salt & Freshly cracked pepper: Essential to season the muffins just right and enhance all the other flavors.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how flexible this Leftover Stuffing Muffins Recipe is—you can make it your own by swapping in what’s in your fridge. Feel free to get creative and make it fit your style!

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and add mushrooms or roasted veggies like bell peppers or zucchini; I tried this once and my kids didn’t even miss the ham!
• Cheese Boost: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or parmesan on top before baking for a crispy, cheesy crust that’s out of this world.
• Herbal Upgrade: Fresh herbs like sage or thyme can spice things up; I add a little sage when I want a more classic holiday flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Dash in some smoked paprika or chili flakes if you like it with a bit of heat—I always make a batch this way for game day.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Leftover Stuffing Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Muffin Tin

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F. Greasing your muffin tin is crucial—even if you’re using a nonstick pan, I always rub a little butter in each cup to make sure those muffins slide right out once baked. It saves you from the “sticking” struggle later!

Step 2: Combine the Stuffing, Meat, and Spinach

In a large bowl, gently mix the stuffing with your chopped turkey or ham and the thawed, well-squeezed spinach. Keep it light on stirring—you want to keep big chunks of stuffing intact so the texture remains interesting instead of mushy.

Step 3: Fill the Muffin Cups

Spoon the stuffing mixture into each of the 12 muffin wells. Don’t pack it too tightly—leave a bit of space so the egg mixture can settle in and bind everything together. This is one of those details I learned the hard way; pack them too tight and the muffins get dense, which isn’t as enjoyable.

Step 4: Whisk and Pour the Egg Mixture

Whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and freshly cracked pepper until smooth. Pour about 2 tablespoons of the egg mixture into each muffin cup, then top up with the remaining egg mix evenly. The egg won’t cover all the stuffing initially but don’t worry—it will puff up and bake into place. This step keeps the muffins nice and moist on the inside.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Crisp

Bake for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for golden brown tops that are crisp but not burnt. If you want extra crispiness, switch to the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes and watch closely—it takes seconds to go from perfect to too dark. Once done, let the muffins cool slightly before gently running a knife around the edges to loosen them. Removing them warm helps retain shape without crumbling.

How to Serve Leftover Stuffing Muffins Recipe

Garnishes

I love to finish these muffins with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes, a dollop of cranberry sauce on the side brings a sweet tang that complements the savory flavors perfectly. If I’m feeling indulgent, a little drizzle of gravy over the muffins makes for a rich, comforting bite.

Side Dishes

These muffins work well as a snack, breakfast, or light meal. I often pair them with a simple green salad for a quick lunch or alongside some roasted vegetables to make a heartier dinner. For brunch gatherings, I like serving them with scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad for balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, arrange these Leftover Stuffing Muffins Recipe on a wooden board lined with parchment paper, garnished with sprigs of fresh rosemary or sage. You could even serve them mini-style in a muffin tin as passed appetizers at a party—guests love the portability and bold flavors. I’ve also layered some cranberry and cream cheese between two muffins for a fun sandwich twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, I store leftover stuffing muffins in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They keep their texture surprisingly well, especially if you reheat them properly. If they start to feel a bit soft, a quick re-toast in the oven revives that golden crisp crust.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze these muffins! I wrap each one individually in plastic wrap, then pop them all in a freezer bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat and keep that lovely crispy top, I preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the muffins on a tray for about 10-15 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch, but you’ll lose the texture I love most about these muffins.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Leftover Stuffing Muffins Recipe feels like a little gift to yourself after a big meal—it’s cozy, easy, and turns what could be boring leftovers into something exciting. I honestly look forward to making these every year and hope you enjoy them just as much. So next time you’ve got stuffing on hand, give this recipe a shot—it’s a delightful way to make leftovers feel brand new!

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