Ah, the joy of holiday meals! There’s something so magical about gathering around the table with family and friends, sharing laughter and creating memories over a delicious feast. Now, let me tell you about my absolute favorite addition to any holiday spread: Holiday Cornbread Stuffing Muffins! These little gems are not just your average stuffing; they’re bursting with flavor and are perfectly portioned for everyone to enjoy. I remember the first time I made them—my family couldn’t get enough, and they kept asking for the recipe! The combination of sweet cornbread and savory vegetables creates a delightful harmony that’s simply irresistible. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up! Trust me, these muffins will elevate your holiday meal and leave your guests raving about your culinary skills. Get ready to impress!
Ingredients
You’ll want to gather these simple yet flavorful ingredients to make your Holiday Cornbread Stuffing Muffins. Trust me, each one plays a vital role in achieving that perfect taste and texture!
- 2 cups crumbled cornbread (make sure it’s fresh and fluffy!)
- 1 cup vegetable broth (this adds moisture and depth of flavor)
- 1/2 cup diced celery (for that lovely crunch)
- 1/2 cup diced onion (sweet and savory—just what you need!)
- 1/4 cup melted butter (because everything’s better with butter!)
- 1 teaspoon dried sage (this is where the holiday magic happens)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (adds a lovely earthy note)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (to enhance all those delicious flavors)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (just a little kick!)
- 2 large eggs, beaten (this helps bind everything together)
With these ingredients on hand, you’ll be well on your way to baking up a storm! Don’t worry if you’re not sure where to find something; just let me know, and I can help! Happy cooking!
How to Prepare Holiday Cornbread Stuffing Muffins
Getting ready to make these delicious Holiday Cornbread Stuffing Muffins is half the fun! Follow these steps, and you’ll be chowing down in no time!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven warming up! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because we want our muffins to bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
Step 2: Combine Cornbread and Broth
In a large bowl, take your crumbled cornbread and pour in the vegetable broth. This helps moisten the cornbread and gives it that delightful texture we all love. Gently mix them together until the broth is absorbed. You want it to be nice and fluffy!
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Seasonings
Now, it’s time to amp up that flavor! Add in your diced celery and onion, along with the melted butter, dried sage, thyme, salt, and black pepper. I love the aroma that fills my kitchen at this point! Mix everything together thoroughly so that those savory veggies and spices are well incorporated throughout the cornbread mixture.
Step 4: Incorporate Eggs
Next up, stir in your beaten eggs. This will really help bind everything together. Make sure to mix until it’s fully incorporated—no one wants a surprise egg chunk in their muffin!
Step 5: Prepare Muffin Tin
Grab your muffin tin and give it a good greasing with butter or oil. This step ensures that your muffins pop out easily once they’re baked. Fill each muffin cup with the cornbread mixture, making sure to pack them in a bit for that perfect shape!
Step 6: Bake
Slide your muffin tin into the preheated oven and let those beauties bake for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they bake—you’ll know they’re done when they turn a lovely golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean!
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked to perfection, let the muffins cool slightly in the tin before transferring them to a wire rack. Trust me, they’re best served warm! You can enjoy them as a delightful side dish or just as a tasty snack. Yum!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Holiday Cornbread Stuffing Muffins come out absolutely perfect, here are some of my tried-and-true tips! First, don’t overmix the batter once you add the eggs—just stir until everything is combined. This helps your muffins stay light and fluffy! Keep an eye on your baking time; every oven is a little different, so check for that golden brown color at around the 20-minute mark. If you want to mix things up, feel free to add in some chopped nuts or dried cranberries for an extra layer of flavor and texture. And if you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of cheese on top before baking can give them a delightful savory twist! Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve made these delightful Holiday Cornbread Stuffing Muffins, you might find yourself with some leftovers—if you’re lucky! To store them, simply place the muffins in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days, ready for you to enjoy whenever the craving hits. If you want to keep them longer, these muffins freeze beautifully! Just wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and pop them into a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to indulge again, just thaw them overnight in the fridge. For a quick warm-up, you can pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This will bring back that fresh-baked texture and flavor that we all love!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into these delightful Holiday Cornbread Stuffing Muffins! Each muffin is estimated to contain around 150 calories, making them a satisfying yet light addition to your holiday meal. You’ll get about 7 grams of fat, which includes 4 grams of saturated fat—a little indulgence never hurt anyone, right? Each muffin also has approximately 4 grams of protein, helping to keep you full and satisfied. In terms of carbohydrates, you’re looking at about 18 grams, with just 2 grams of sugar and 1 gram of fiber. Remember, these numbers are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying. So go ahead, savor these muffins guilt-free—they’re a delicious part of your holiday feast!
FAQ Section
Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Absolutely! These Holiday Cornbread Stuffing Muffins can be made a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll be ready to serve when you need them. Just warm them up a bit before serving for that fresh-baked taste!
Can I use regular bread instead of cornbread?
While I love the unique flavor of cornbread, you can definitely substitute with regular bread if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to adjust the broth quantity as needed to maintain the right texture.
What can I add to the stuffing muffins for extra flavor?
Oh, so many options! You can mix in some cooked sausage for a hearty twist, or add nuts and dried fruits for a bit of sweetness and crunch. Fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary can elevate the flavors even more!
How do I know when they’re done baking?
You’ll know your muffins are ready when they’re golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them around the 20-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
Can I freeze the muffins?
Yes, these muffins freeze beautifully! Just wrap each one in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months, making them a perfect make-ahead option for your holiday gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy holiday schedules
- Flavorful blend of cornbread and savory seasonings
- Perfectly portioned muffins, great for serving guests
- Vegetarian-friendly, making them a hit with everyone at the table
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite add-ins
- Deliciously moist and fluffy, a delightful side dish
- They freeze well, so you can make them ahead of time!
Holiday Cornbread Stuffing Muffins: 7 Flavorful Secrets
- 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
Delicious cornbread stuffing muffins perfect for holiday meals.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cornbread, crumbled
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon sage, dried
- 1 teaspoon thyme, dried
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cornbread crumbs and vegetable broth.
- Add celery, onion, melted butter, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Stir in the beaten eggs until fully incorporated.
- Grease a muffin tin and fill each cup with the mixture.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- These muffins can be frozen for later use.
- Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits for variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Holiday Cornbread Stuffing Muffins, cornbread, stuffing, muffins, holiday recipes