Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey & Stuffing Muffins Recipe

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Posted on 4 November 2024

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After the whirlwind of Thanksgiving, you’re often left with mountains of delicious leftovers. While turkey sandwiches are great, why not transform your leftovers into something fresh, flavorful, and downright fun? Enter the Thanksgiving leftover turkey & stuffing muffins recipe. These golden, crispy muffins are the perfect way to reinvent your Thanksgiving staples into an easy-to-make, handheld treat. They’re savory, satisfying, and pair wonderfully with a drizzle of warm turkey gravy.

Whether you’re serving these muffins for breakfast, lunch, or as a snack, this recipe ensures nothing from your Thanksgiving feast goes to waste while giving your leftovers a delicious makeover.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These muffins check all the boxes for a post-Thanksgiving meal:

Simple to Make: With just a few ingredients, you’ll have these ready in no time.
Great for Leftovers: It’s a creative way to use up turkey, stuffing, and gravy.
Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to your family’s preferences. Add in cranberries, vegetables, or even cheese to make it your own.
Freezer-Friendly: These muffins freeze well, so you can enjoy Thanksgiving flavors long after the holiday is over.

Ingredients for Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey & Stuffing Muffins

Here’s what you’ll need to make these flavorful muffins:

Ingredient	Quantity
Cooked stuffing	2–3 cups
Cooked turkey (chopped)	1–2 cups
Large egg (whisked)	1
Turkey gravy (prepared)	1 cup (plus extra for serving, if desired)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a muffin tin with non-stick spray or a small amount of butter to prevent sticking.

2. Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked stuffing, chopped turkey, and whisked egg.
Mix the ingredients thoroughly until the stuffing is evenly moistened and the mixture holds together slightly when pressed.

3. Fill the Muffin Tin

Spoon the stuffing mixture into the prepared muffin tin.
Press each portion down gently to pack it into the cup. This ensures the muffins hold their shape as they bake.
Fill each cup evenly to achieve consistent-sized muffins.

4. Bake the Muffins

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes.
Bake until the tops are golden brown and slightly crispy.

5. Serve with Gravy

Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before carefully removing them from the tin.
Serve the muffins warm with a drizzle of turkey gravy on top or on the side for dipping.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

Maximizes Leftovers: This recipe transforms Thanksgiving leftovers into something new and exciting.
Perfectly Portable: These muffins are great for grab-and-go meals, lunchboxes, or as party appetizers.
Deliciously Crispy: The edges of the muffins bake into a golden, crispy texture while the centers remain soft and flavorful.
Customizable: Add your favorite Thanksgiving flavors like cranberries, diced veggies, or herbs for a personalized twist.

Tips for Perfect Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey & Stuffing Muffins

Don’t Overmix: Stir the ingredients just enough to combine. Overmixing can make the muffins dense.
Pack the Muffin Cups Firmly: Gently press the mixture into the muffin tin to help the muffins hold their shape during baking.
Reheat Properly: If you have leftovers, reheat the muffins in the oven to maintain their crispy edges.
Use Extra Gravy: A drizzle of warm gravy takes these muffins to the next level of deliciousness.
Experiment with Add-Ins: Mix in leftover cranberry sauce, shredded cheese, or chopped veggies for added flavor and texture.

Nutritional Benefits of Thanksgiving Leftover Muffins

These muffins aren’t just tasty—they also offer some nutritional benefits:

Protein-Packed: Turkey provides a lean source of protein to keep you full and energized.
Rich in Fiber: Stuffing made from whole grains or vegetables adds fiber, aiding in digestion.
Satisfying and Filling: The balance of protein, carbs, and fats makes these muffins a hearty meal option.

Serving Suggestions

These muffins are versatile and pair well with many sides and sauces. Here are a few ideas:

Breakfast: Pair with scrambled eggs and a side of cranberry sauce for a festive morning meal.
Lunch or Snack: Serve alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced lunch.
Appetizer: Arrange them on a platter with small bowls of gravy and cranberry sauce for dipping.

FAQs About Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey & Stuffing Muffins

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture and fill the muffin tin in advance. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake when ready.

2. Can I freeze these muffins?
Absolutely. Once baked and cooled, store the muffins in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.

3. What if I don’t have enough stuffing?
No problem! You can supplement with breadcrumbs or crumbled dinner rolls to reach the required amount. Add a bit of turkey gravy to keep the mixture moist.

4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free stuffing and gravy to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

5. Can I add vegetables?
Definitely. Chopped green beans, carrots, or leftover roasted vegetables work wonderfully in this recipe.

6. What other sauces can I serve with these muffins?
While turkey gravy is the classic choice, you can also serve these muffins with cranberry sauce, a dollop of mashed potatoes, or even a creamy herb dip.

Why This Dish Deserves a Spot on Your Table

Thanksgiving leftover turkey & stuffing muffins are more than just a recipe—they’re a way to make the most out of your holiday feast while creating something new and exciting. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and deliver all the classic Thanksgiving flavors in a single bite-sized package. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a snack, these muffins are guaranteed to become a post-holiday tradition in your home.

Call to Action

Ready to reinvent your Thanksgiving leftovers? Gather your turkey, stuffing, and gravy and whip up a batch of these Thanksgiving leftover turkey & stuffing muffins today. Whether for a casual meal or a creative way to use up your feast, this recipe is sure to delight your family and friends. Don’t let your leftovers go to waste—turn them into something extraordinary!