Pecan and Sage Stuffing Muffins Recipe
These Pecan and Sage Stuffing Muffins are a deliciously savory twist on traditional stuffing, combining the nutty crunch of pecans with fresh sage and sautéed vegetables. Perfectly baked in a muffin tin, they offer individual portions that are golden, crisp on top, and moist inside, making them an ideal side dish for holiday meals or cozy dinners.
- Author: Maya
- 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
Main Ingredients
- 8 cups cubed day-old bread
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and diced celery, sautéing until they become soft and translucent, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cubed day-old bread, chopped pecans, sautéed onion and celery, and chopped fresh sage. Mix these ingredients together to distribute flavors evenly.
- Add Broth and Season: Gradually stir in the chicken or vegetable broth until the mixture is moist but not soggy. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference.
- Spoon Mixture into Muffin Tin: Spoon the stuffing mixture into the prepared muffin tin cups, pressing down gently to compact slightly for shape retention.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the muffins turn golden brown and have a crisp top layer.
- Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving individual stuffing muffins as a flavorful side dish.
Notes
- Using day-old bread helps the stuffing hold its shape better and absorb the broth adequately.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or chestnuts for a different nutty flavor.
- Vegetable broth makes this recipe vegetarian-friendly; chicken broth offers richer flavor.
- Don’t over-soak the bread mixture to avoid soggy muffins – aim for moist but not wet.
- Fresh sage is preferred for vibrant flavor, but dried sage can be used (reduce amount to 1 tablespoon).
Keywords: stuffing muffins, pecan stuffing, sage stuffing, holiday side dish, savory muffins, bread stuffing, vegetarian stuffing