Turkey & Stuffing Muffins: Easy Thanksgiving Recipe for Kids

Thanksgiving dinner is a feast many look forward to all year, but sometimes the traditional spread can feel a little overwhelming, especially for younger eaters.

This recipe for Turkey & Stuffing Muffins offers a delightful solution, transforming classic holiday flavors into fun, individual portions that are perfect for kids and adults alike.

These easy-to-make muffins take the beloved taste of turkey and stuffing and bake it into convenient, bite-sized servings. They’re ideal for a kid-friendly Thanksgiving menu, a smaller holiday gathering, or even as a clever way to use up leftover turkey and a box of stuffing mix.

Print

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to simplify their holiday cooking without sacrificing flavor. It’s incredibly kid-friendly, making it a fantastic option for encouraging little ones to enjoy the Thanksgiving meal. The individual muffin portions are easy for small hands to manage, and the familiar flavors of turkey and stuffing are presented in an approachable way. It’s also perfect for those who prefer a smaller batch of stuffing or want to avoid the fuss of a large casserole dish. You can serve these as a main course for kids, a delightful appetizer, or a unique side dish for any fall gathering, not just Thanksgiving. The quick prep and bake time also make it a stress-free addition to a busy holiday menu.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients ahead of time makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. You’ll find most of these items are pantry staples or readily available at your local grocery store, ensuring a hassle-free cooking experience.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 box (6 ounces) stuffing mix (any flavor, such as chicken or turkey)
• 1 ½ cups hot water or chicken broth
• ½ cup cooked turkey, finely diced or shredded
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup finely chopped celery (optional, for added texture)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (optional, for added flavor)
• Cooking spray or muffin liners

You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. For the stuffing mix, feel free to use any brand or flavor you enjoy – cornbread, herb, or savory chicken will all work wonderfully. If you don’t have cooked turkey, cooked chicken can be a great substitute, making this a versatile recipe for any time of year. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the turkey and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. If you’re not a fan of celery or onion, they are entirely optional and can be left out without impacting the core of the recipe. However, they do add a nice layer of flavor and texture, so consider including them if you can.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

This recipe is designed for efficiency, perfect for busy days or when you need a quick side dish.

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20-25 minutes
• Total time: 30-35 minutes

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Making these turkey and stuffing muffins is straightforward, even for beginner cooks. Follow these steps for perfect results every time.

1. Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or line it with paper muffin liners. This ensures your muffins won’t stick and will come out easily.
2. Combine Stuffing Mix: In a large mixing bowl, empty the contents of the stuffing mix. Pour in the hot water or chicken broth and stir gently until the stuffing mix is moistened. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to absorb the liquid fully, becoming soft and fluffy.
3. Add Wet Ingredients and Turkey: To the softened stuffing, add the melted butter and the lightly beaten egg. Stir these ingredients in thoroughly until everything is well combined. Then, gently fold in the finely diced or shredded cooked turkey. If you’re using optional celery and onion, add them at this stage as well.
4. Fill Muffin Cups: Evenly distribute the stuffing mixture among the 12 prepared muffin cups. You can use a spoon or an ice cream scoop for easy portioning. Don’t overfill them; about two-thirds full is ideal to prevent overflow during baking.
5. Bake Until Golden: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The muffins are done when they are golden brown on top and feel firm to the touch. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
6. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven. Let the muffins cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This brief cooling period in the tin helps them set and makes them easier to remove. Serve warm.

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

These turkey and stuffing muffins are incredibly versatile and can be adapted for various tastes and occasions. For a fun twist, you can add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking for a cheesy crust. If you like a little sweetness, a tablespoon of dried cranberries or chopped apples can be folded into the mix with the turkey.

These muffins are fantastic served as a side dish with roasted chicken or turkey, or even alongside a simple weeknight meal. For a kid-friendly meal, pair them with some steamed green beans or a side of applesauce. At a holiday buffet, arrange them on a platter with a small bowl of cranberry sauce or gravy for dipping. They also make a great grab-and-go snack or a quick lunch when packed in a lunchbox. For an extra touch of flavor, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley can be added just before serving.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even simple recipes can have small pitfalls. Being aware of these common mistakes can help you achieve perfect turkey and stuffing muffins every time.

• Over-moistening the Stuffing: Adding too much liquid to the stuffing mix can result in mushy muffins that don’t hold their shape well. Stick to the recommended amount of water or broth, and if your stuffing mix seems overly wet after sitting, you can add a tablespoon or two of breadcrumbs to absorb excess moisture.
• Over-mixing the Batter: While not as critical as with traditional cake batter, over-mixing after adding the egg can sometimes lead to a tougher texture. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Overfilling Muffin Cups: Filling the muffin cups too high can cause the mixture to spill over the sides during baking, making a mess and potentially leading to unevenly cooked muffins. Aim for about two-thirds full.
• Not Greasing the Muffin Tin Properly: If you skip the cooking spray or muffin liners, your delicious muffins might stick to the tin, making them difficult to remove and potentially tearing them apart. Always ensure your tin is well-prepared.
• Baking at the Wrong Temperature or Time: An oven that’s too hot can burn the outside before the inside is cooked, while one that’s too cool can result in dry, crumbly muffins. Always preheat your oven fully and check for doneness around the 20-minute mark to avoid over-baking.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

These turkey and stuffing muffins are excellent for making ahead, which is a huge plus during busy holiday seasons. To store them, allow the muffins to cool completely to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

For longer storage, these muffins freeze beautifully. Once completely cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour until solid. This prevents them from sticking together. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

To reheat, thaw frozen muffins in the refrigerator overnight if possible. Then, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual muffins for 30-60 seconds, though the oven will give you a crisper exterior. Reheating in the oven helps maintain their pleasant texture.

Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe

Can I use homemade stuffing instead of a box mix?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade stuffing recipe, you can certainly use it. Just ensure it’s prepared to a similar consistency as a box mix would be after adding liquid, and adjust the moisture if needed.

What kind of turkey works best?

Leftover roasted turkey, baked turkey breast, or even deli-sliced turkey (diced) will work well. The key is that it’s already cooked and finely diced or shredded so it blends seamlessly into the muffins.

Can I make these without the turkey?

Yes, you can omit the turkey entirely for a vegetarian stuffing muffin. If you do, consider adding some sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor

FAQs

• Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
• How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
• Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
• Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.