Oh, the joy of holiday gatherings! There’s just something magical about coming together with friends and family, sharing laughter, and of course, delicious food. One dish that always steals the show at my gatherings is my Holiday Cornbread Stuffing Muffins. They’re these delightful little bites that perfectly complement the turkey and cranberry sauce, and they fill the room with an irresistible savory aroma. I remember the first time I made them; I was experimenting in the kitchen, and they turned out to be a huge hit! Everyone was asking for the recipe, and I knew I had stumbled upon something special. Trust me, these muffins will add a festive touch to your table and bring smiles all around. So, let’s dive into making these scrumptious bites together!
Ingredients
- 4 cups cornbread, crumbled
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
How to Prepare Holiday Cornbread Stuffing Muffins
Preheat and Sauté
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial for the perfect bake! While that’s warming up, grab a skillet and melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. The scent of melting butter is just heavenly! Once it’s nice and bubbly, toss in the chopped onion and celery. Sauté those veggies for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re soft and fragrant. You want them to caramelize just a bit to bring out their natural sweetness—trust me, it makes all the difference!
Mix Ingredients
Now, in a large mixing bowl, combine your crumbled cornbread, those sautéed veggies, dried sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to ensure everything is evenly distributed. Next, pour in the chicken broth and add the beaten eggs. This is where the magic happens! Mix everything together until it’s well combined. You want to make sure the cornbread is fully moistened but don’t overdo it. A little bit of texture is what we’re after!
Bake the Muffins
Time to fill up those muffin tins! First, grease each cup generously so your muffins pop out easily. I like to use a non-stick spray, but you can also use butter. Spoon the cornbread mixture into each cup, filling them about 3/4 full. Pop the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving—if you can wait that long, because the smell is incredible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in just 40 minutes!
- Festive flavor that pairs beautifully with any holiday meal.
- Easy to serve—just grab a muffin and enjoy!
- Can be made ahead, so you can spend more time with loved ones.
- Vegetarian-friendly, making it perfect for everyone at the table.
Tips for Success
To really elevate your Holiday Cornbread Stuffing Muffins, using high-quality cornbread is key. If you can, I highly recommend making your own—it adds such a personal touch! But if you’re short on time, store-bought works just fine. For a fun twist, consider mixing in some chopped dried cranberries or nuts; they add a nice pop of flavor and texture. And remember, the more you mix, the denser your muffins will be, so stir just until everything is combined.
Make sure to fill each muffin cup about 3/4 full to give them room to rise without overflowing. If you’re baking in batches, keep an eye on the second batch, as they may bake a little faster. Trust me, these little tips will help you create the best stuffing muffins that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious Holiday Cornbread Stuffing Muffins, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days, so don’t worry if you have a few left over! When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to warm them up. You can even microwave them for a quick reheat, but I recommend the oven for that lovely crispiness. Trust me, they’re just as tasty the second time around!
Nutritional Information
Each Holiday Cornbread Stuffing Muffin is packed with flavor while being mindful of your dietary needs. Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per muffin:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
These values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying during your festive feasts!
FAQ Section
Can I use store-bought cornbread?
Absolutely! Store-bought cornbread is a great time-saver, and it works perfectly in this recipe. Just crumble it up, and you’re good to go!
How can I customize the flavors?
There are so many fun ways to make these muffins your own! You can mix in dried cranberries for a sweet touch, or add nuts for a little crunch. Fresh herbs, like parsley or rosemary, can also elevate the flavor. Get creative!
What can I serve with these muffins?
These muffins pair wonderfully with roasted turkey, ham, or any holiday centerpiece. They also make a great addition to a cozy soup or salad. Honestly, they’re versatile enough to shine alongside just about any dish!
Call to Action
I’d love to hear about your experience with these Holiday Cornbread Stuffing Muffins! Did you add your own twist? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and if you enjoyed the recipe, please rate it! Don’t forget to share your festive creations on social media—I can’t wait to see them!
For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!
For a delightful side dish, consider making honey-glazed carrots to accompany your muffins!
For more information on the health benefits of cornbread, visit Healthline.
Print
Holiday Cornbread Stuffing Muffins for Joyful Gatherings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive side dish perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cornbread, crumbled
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and celery, sauté until soft.
- In a large bowl, combine cornbread, sautéed vegetables, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in chicken broth and beaten eggs until well mixed.
- Grease a muffin tin and fill each cup with the mixture.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use homemade or store-bought cornbread.
- Add dried cranberries or nuts for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Holiday Cornbread Stuffing Muffins, cornbread stuffing, holiday side dish