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For the Gravy: Recipe

For the Gravy: Recipe

4.8 from 20 reviews

These Gravy-Stuffed Stuffing Muffins are a delightful twist on traditional stuffing, offering a flavorful surprise of rich sausage gravy in the center. Perfect as a side for holiday meals or as a comforting snack, these golden-baked muffins combine savory herbs, seasoned sausage gravy, and a moist stuffing base for an irresistible bite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Gravy:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 pound 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

  1. Prepare the Gravy: Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned and crumbled, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in 2 tablespoons flour to create a roux and cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually add 1 1/2 cups milk while stirring constantly, allowing the mixture to boil and thicken. Season with 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let the gravy cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until thick and chilled.
  2. Prepare the Stuffing Mixture: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and butter a 12-cup muffin tin generously. Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion, celery, 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the vegetables are translucent and softened, about 4 to 5 minutes. Pour in 1 1/2 cups chicken or turkey broth and bring to a boil.
  3. Combine Stuffing Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix 6 cups bread cubes (or prepared stuffing mix) with 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon sage, and 1 teaspoon thyme. Pour the hot broth and vegetable mixture over the bread cubes, stirring well to combine. Quickly stir in 2 lightly beaten eggs until everything is evenly moistened.
  4. Assemble the Muffins: Spoon the stuffing mixture evenly into the buttered muffin cups, pressing down slightly. Use your finger or a spoon handle to create a 1-inch deep hole in the center of each muffin. Fill each cavity with about 2 tablespoons of chilled sausage gravy. Carefully mold additional stuffing over the gravy to cover it completely.
  5. Bake the Muffins: Brush the tops of the assembled muffins with the remaining 1 tablespoon melted butter to encourage browning. Place the muffin pan on the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the muffins feel firm to the touch. Remove from oven and allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to set the gravy filling.

Notes

  • Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, but dried herbs can be substituted at one-third the quantity.
  • For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper slightly in the gravy.
  • Ensure the gravy is well chilled before stuffing to prevent the stuffing from becoming soggy.
  • These muffins can be prepared a day ahead and reheated in a warm oven to preserve freshness.
  • Substitute milk with a lactose-free alternative if desired to accommodate lactose intolerance.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffing muffins, gravy stuffed muffins, holiday stuffing recipe, sausage gravy stuffing, Thanksgiving sides