Introduction

Gravy-Stuffed Stuffing Muffins are a delightful twist on classic stuffing, featuring a savory sausage gravy center baked right inside individual muffin portions. Perfect for holiday meals or comforting dinners, these muffins combine flavorful herbs, moist stuffing, and rich gravy for a crowd-pleasing side dish.

Two small, round, golden-brown corn muffins sit on a white plate with a white marbled texture. Each muffin is topped with a thick layer of creamy light brown gravy that drips slightly onto the plate. Crumbled bits of crispy, golden-brown stuffing with a rough texture cover the gravy on top of each muffin. Fresh green chopped herbs are sprinkled over the gravy and stuffing, adding color contrast. The muffins have a soft, slightly crumbly texture inside with a browned crust on the outside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

For the Gravy:

2 tablespoons butter
1/2 pound sausage (Italian or breakfast sausage)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups milk
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Stuffing Muffins:

5 tablespoons butter, divided
1 onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 1/2 cups chicken or turkey broth
6 cups bread cubes or stuffing mix
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon chopped fresh sage
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the gravy by melting butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook until browned and crumbled, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes to form a roux.
Step 2: Gradually add milk while stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and boils. Season with cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Let the gravy cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until thick and chilled.
Step 3: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Butter a 12-cup muffin tin. Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion, celery, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until vegetables are translucent, about 4–5 minutes.
Step 4: Add broth to the pan and bring to a boil. In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, parsley, sage, and thyme. Pour the hot broth mixture over the bread and mix well. Stir in the beaten eggs until combined.
Step 5: Fill each muffin cup with the stuffing mixture, pressing down slightly. Use your finger to create a hole about 1 inch deep in the center of each muffin.
Step 6: Spoon 2 tablespoons of the chilled gravy into the hole in each muffin. Cover the gravy by molding additional stuffing over the top, sealing it in.
Step 7: Brush the tops of the muffins with the remaining melted butter. Bake on the middle rack for 20 minutes until golden brown and firm. Let muffins cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use day-old bread cubes for better texture in the stuffing muffins.
Try different herbs like rosemary or marjoram to customize flavor.
For a vegetarian version, omit sausage in the gravy and use vegetable broth.
Make the gravy a day ahead to save time on cooking day.
Brush muffin tops with melted butter for a richer, golden finish.

Storage

Store leftover stuffing muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven until warmed through. These muffins can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Two golden brown biscuit bases are topped with a light brown, chunky mixture that looks crispy on the edges and soft inside. A smooth, shiny light brown gravy covers most of the topping, with small chopped green herbs sprinkled on top and around the biscuits on a white plate. The plate sits on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-packaged stuffing mix instead of bread cubes?

Yes, pre-packaged stuffing mix works well and saves prep time. Just use the same quantity and follow the recipe steps as directed.

How do I make sure the gravy stays inside the muffins?

Create a deep enough hole in the center of each muffin before adding the chilled gravy, and press additional stuffing on top to seal it well. Chilling the gravy helps it hold shape during baking.