Leftover Stuffing Muffins – A Creative Way to Enjoy Holiday Flavors

Transforming leftover stuffing into Leftover Stuffing Muffins is one of the most satisfying ways to give your holiday meals a second life. Stuffing, with its savory herbs, buttery crumbs, and comforting aromas, is a classic accompaniment to holiday feasts, but it often ends up sitting in the fridge after the main event. By turning it into muffins, you not only reduce waste but also create a portable, crowd-pleasing snack or side dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or even as a hearty appetizer.

These muffins are a clever mix of old and new—preserving the traditional flavors of sage, thyme, and savory bread while adding structure and ease of serving. Crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside, leftover stuffing muffins elevate simple leftovers into something creative and irresistible. They’re also highly customizable, allowing you to sneak in vegetables, cheese, or even a touch of protein like sausage or tofu. Perfect for post-holiday meals, potlucks, or casual family dinners, these muffins bring warmth, flavor, and practicality to the table.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s a table of ingredients for Leftover Stuffing Muffins with approximate calorie counts:

Ingredient	Quantity	Approx. Calories
Leftover stuffing	3 cups	600 kcal
Eggs	2 large	140 kcal
Milk	¼ cup	30 kcal
Shredded cheddar cheese	½ cup	220 kcal
Olive oil or melted butter	2 tbsp	240 kcal
Salt	½ tsp	0 kcal
Black pepper	¼ tsp	2 kcal
Optional add-ins (diced vegetables, cooked sausage, nuts)	½ cup	100 kcal

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or butter.

2: Prepare the Egg Mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, olive oil or melted butter, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

3: Combine with Stuffing

Place leftover stuffing in a large mixing bowl. Pour the egg mixture over the stuffing and gently fold until all ingredients are evenly coated.

4: Add Cheese and Optional Ingredients

Fold in shredded cheddar cheese and any optional add-ins, such as sautéed vegetables, cooked sausage, or nuts, for added flavor and texture.

5: Fill the Muffin Tin

Spoon the mixture into the prepared muffin tin, packing lightly into each cup. Fill almost to the top for nicely shaped muffins.

6: Bake

Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown on top and set in the center. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.

7: Cool and Serve

Allow muffins to cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then gently remove and serve warm.

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

1. Add Protein: Incorporate cooked sausage, diced turkey, or tofu to make these muffins more filling.
2. Add Vegetables: Fold in finely chopped spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
3. Make Them Cheesy: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or parmesan.
4. Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or fresh herbs to enhance flavor.
5. Make Ahead: Prepare the mixture in advance and bake when needed for a quick meal.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per muffin – 12 muffins)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	108 kcal (without optional add-ins)
Protein	5 g
Carbohydrates	12 g
Fat	5 g
Fiber	1 g
Sodium	250 mg

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm as a side dish with roasted vegetables or soup.
• Include in a breakfast spread alongside scrambled eggs or vegan alternatives.
• Pack as portable snacks for work, school, or picnics.
• Drizzle with a light gravy or cranberry sauce for extra holiday flair.

FAQs

1. Can I make Leftover Stuffing Muffins ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the mixture in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving for fresh, golden muffins.

2. Can I freeze these muffins?

Absolutely! Bake the muffins, let them cool completely, and freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

3. What can I use instead of leftover stuffing?

If you don’t have leftovers, you can use freshly made stuffing or a combination of cubed bread, sautéed onions, and herbs.

4. Can I make them vegan?

Yes. Replace eggs with a flax or chia seed egg substitute, use plant-based milk, and swap butter or cheese with vegan alternatives.

5. How long do these muffins last?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

Conclusion

Leftover Stuffing Muffins are an inventive, practical, and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of your holiday meals long after the main feast. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these muffins are easy to make, highly customizable, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or snacks. They showcase how leftovers can be transformed into something exciting and crowd-pleasing while minimizing food waste and maximizing flavor.