Muffin Tin Turkey & Stuffing Cups
I always make these Muffin Tin Turkey & Stuffing Cups after a big holiday meal — they’re the easiest way to turn a pile of leftovers into handheld comfort food. Crisp, golden tops, savory turkey inside, and a spoonable gravy finish make them an instant family favorite for casual dinners, potlucks, or a cozy weeknight with minimal fuss. If you like quick makeovers for leftover meat (and want something kid-friendly), these cups are the recipe to keep on repeat — sort of the savory cousin to a muffin you can eat with your hands. For another speedy protein-focused meal idea on busy mornings, I sometimes pair their leftovers with a 15-minute protein breakfast bowl for next-day meal prep.
Why you’ll love this dish
This recipe turns leftovers into portion-controlled bites that are easy to serve, freeze, and reheat. It’s budget-friendly (uses what you already have), family-friendly, and forgiving with measurements — perfect when you’re short on time or working with whatever’s in the fridge. The muffin tin concentrates heat so the edges get nicely crisp while the centers stay moist. Make them for post-holiday lunches, a casual brunch, or to feed a crowd at a potluck.
“Best use of Thanksgiving leftovers — crunchy outside, soft inside, and the gravy makes everything feel brand new.” — a satisfied home cook
I also like linking party desserts and frostings when I plan menus; if you’re finishing a holiday spread with cupcakes, try pairing with an American buttercream frosting for a sweet contrast.
Step-by-step overview
- Preheat, grease, and get a muffin tin ready.
- Mix shredded turkey with stuffing mix, broth, beaten eggs, and seasoning.
- Pack the mixture into muffin cups so they hold shape.
- Bake until golden and set.
- Serve warm topped with hot gravy and fresh herbs.
This overview gives you a quick sense of timing: about 5–10 minutes prep, 20–25 minutes baking, and immediate serving for best texture.
What you’ll need
- Leftover cooked turkey, shredded (about 2 cups)
- Stuffing mix (one standard box or equivalent homemade stuffing, roughly 3–4 cups when fluffed)
- Chicken broth (about 1/2 to 3/4 cup — enough to moisten)
- 2 large eggs, beaten (binds the cups)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Gravy, heated, for serving
- Shredded cheese (optional — cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional — parsley or thyme)
Notes: If you don’t have boxed stuffing, use 3 cups of day-old bread cubes toasted and seasoned. Broth amount depends on how dry your stuffing mix is — aim for a moist but not soupy texture. If you’re planning a dessert spread afterward, consider a light cake like apple cider cupcakes with spiced buttercream frosting to keep the menu seasonal.
Directions to follow
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin.
- In a large bowl, add shredded turkey and the stuffing mix.
- Pour in chicken broth and add the beaten eggs. Season with salt and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly combined and the mixture holds together when pressed. If using cheese, fold it in now.
- Spoon the mixture into each muffin cup. Press down to compact so the cups hold their shape after baking.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the centers feel set.
- Remove from the oven and let the cups cool in the pan 5 minutes before removing with a small spatula or spoon.
- Serve warm, drizzled with heated gravy and topped with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Short, active verbs make the steps easy to follow. If your stuffing mix expands more than expected, slightly overfill the cups and pack well; they won’t overflow if packed tightly.
Best ways to enjoy it
- Serve 2–3 cups per person as a hearty side or 4–5 as an appetizer for cocktail parties.
- Pair with steamed green beans, cranberry sauce, or a simple mixed-green salad for a balanced meal.
- For brunch, top with a soft-poached egg and a drizzle of warm gravy for extra richness.
- If you want an indulgent twist, add a spoonful of cranberry chutney on top for contrast.
For an event, arrange on a platter garnished with sprigs of thyme and small ramekins of gravy alongside for easy self-service.
Storage and reheating tips
- Refrigerate: Place cooled cups in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 3–4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or until warmed through to maintain crisp edges.
- Freeze: Flash-freeze cups on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, covered with foil for the first half to prevent over-browning.
- Food safety: Cool to room temperature no more than two hours after cooking and refrigerate promptly. Always reheat to 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Helpful cooking tips
- Don’t over-moisten: A slightly dry mixture bakes better and holds shape; add broth slowly until you reach the right consistency.
- Use eggs as binder: If you need a vegetarian binder substitute, try 1/4 cup plain yogurt mixed with a tablespoon of cornstarch per egg.
- Grease well: Use nonstick spray and a light dusting of flour or breadcrumbs in the tin to make removal easier.
- Test one: Bake a single cup first if you’re trying a new stuffing mix or cheese addition — it’s quicker to adjust seasoning.
- Make-ahead: Mix and pack the muffin tin, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking for stress-free entertaining.
For more sweet finishing touches or frosting ideas when you plan a dessert board, check an easy American buttercream frosting recipe that pairs well with holiday cakes.
Creative twists
- Cheesy Jalapeño: Fold in diced jalapeño and pepper jack cheese for a spicy bite.
- Herb-and-Lemon: Add chopped rosemary and a little lemon zest to brighten up rich flavors.
- Gluten-free: Use a GF stuffing mix or crushed GF crackers in place of stuffing mix.
- Vegan version: Replace turkey with shredded jackfruit or seasoned sautéed mushrooms and use a vegan egg binder.
- Mini quiches: Mix in a few extra eggs to make a firmer, quiche-like cup for brunch.
Your questions answered
Q: How long does it take from start to finish?
A: Plan for about 30–40 minutes total: 5–10 minutes prep and 20–25 minutes baking.
Q: Can I use raw turkey instead of leftover cooked turkey?
A: It’s safest to use cooked turkey. If using raw, you’d need to cook the mixture thoroughly (longer baking) and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Leftover cooked turkey keeps the cups moist and speeds preparation.
Q: What if my stuffing cups fall apart after baking?
A: They usually need more binder; next time add an extra beaten egg or press the mixture more firmly into the tin before baking. Let the cups rest a few minutes in the pan to set before removing.
Q: Can I make these for a crowd?
A: Yes — multiply the ingredients and bake in batches. Muffin tins are stackable in the fridge, and frozen cups are great to prepare ahead.
Conclusion
These Muffin Tin Turkey & Stuffing Cups are the kind of make-ahead, crowd-pleasing recipe that gives leftovers new life while staying simple and satisfying. For more inspiration and alternative versions, see Kim Schob’s Muffin Tin Turkey & Stuffing Cups With Gravy and try the take on muffins at Just a Taste’s Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey and Stuffing Muffins.
Muffin Tin Turkey & Stuffing Cups
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Leftover cooked turkey, shredded
- 1 box Stuffing mix (or equivalent homemade stuffing, roughly 3–4 cups when fluffed)
- 0.5 to 0.75 cups Chicken broth Adjust based on dryness of stuffing mix.
- 2 large Eggs, beaten Acts as a binder.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Gravy, heated, for serving
- Shredded cheese (optional — cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional — parsley or thyme)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin.
- In a large bowl, add shredded turkey and the stuffing mix.
- Pour in chicken broth and add the beaten eggs. Season with salt and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly combined and the mixture holds together when pressed. If using cheese, fold it in now.
- Spoon the mixture into each muffin cup and press down to compact.
Baking
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the centers feel set.
- Remove from the oven and let the cups cool in the pan for 5 minutes before removing.
Serving
- Serve warm, drizzled with heated gravy and topped with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
