Contents
- 1 A Happy Little Accident
- 2 Why These Little Bites Matter
- 3 Let’s Get Our Hands Dirty
- 4 The Magic of a Muffin Tin
- 5 Your Turn to Share
- 6 Ingredients:
- 7 My Cozy Bacon-Wrapped Stuffing Muffins
- 8 Three Fun Twists to Try
- 9 Serving Your Masterpiece
- 10 Keeping Your Muffin Bites Tasty
- 11 Simple Fixes for Common Hiccups
- 12 Your Quick Questions Answered
- 13 Until Next Time
- 14 Bacon Wrapped Stuffing Muffin Bites
A Happy Little Accident
I first made these by mistake. I was trying to use up Thanksgiving leftovers. I had a little stuffing and a few bacon strips left. So I just pressed them into a muffin tin. I still laugh at that.
The result was a huge hit. My grandson said they were the best part of the whole meal. Now I make them all the time, not just for holidays. It shows that the best recipes often come from just playing in the kitchen.
Why These Little Bites Matter
These muffin bites are more than just food. They are little packages of cozy feeling. The crispy bacon and soft stuffing feel like a warm hug from the inside.
That is why food like this matters. It brings people together. It makes an ordinary Tuesday feel a little special. What food makes you feel cozy and happy?
Let’s Get Our Hands Dirty
First, line your muffin tin with bacon. It’s like making a little bacon bowl. Doesn’t that smell amazing already? Then, you mix everything else in a big bowl.
Use your hands to mix it all up. Feeling the texture is the best part. *Fun fact: The celery and carrot add a tiny crunch. It’s a nice surprise next to the soft stuffing.
The Magic of a Muffin Tin
Using a muffin tin is a smart trick. It turns loose stuffing into perfect, single-serving bites. Everyone gets their own little treat. No messy spoons or serving dishes.
This matters because it makes sharing easy. You can just set the plate in the middle of the table. Hands will reach for them until they are all gone. Do you have a favorite kitchen tool that makes life easier?
I love hearing your stories. Did you add anything different to your bites? Maybe a little extra cheese or a different herb? Cooking is all about making a recipe your own.
Tell me, what is your favorite leftover to turn into something new? I am always looking for new ideas. I read every single one. I can’t wait to hear from you.
Ingredients:
Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
---|---|---|
bacon | 12 strips | |
stuffing mix (dry) | 6 ounces | |
carrot | 2 tablespoons | shredded |
celery | 2 tablespoons | chopped |
red onion | 2 tablespoons | minced |
unsalted butter | 3 tablespoons | melted |
low sodium chicken stock | 1 1/2 cups | |
Italian parsley | for garnish |
My Cozy Bacon-Wrapped Stuffing Muffins
Hello, my dear! Come sit with me for a moment. I want to tell you about these little muffin bites. They are pure comfort food. I first made them for my grandson’s football party. The whole batch vanished in minutes! I still laugh at that.
They are perfect for a busy weeknight or a fun gathering. The smell of bacon and stuffing baking together is just wonderful. It fills the whole house with a warm, happy feeling. Let’s get our hands messy and make some memories, shall we?
Step 1: First, turn your oven on to 350°F. Grease your muffin tin well. This keeps our little muffins from sticking. I use my favorite old tin, all speckled and worn. It has seen so many good meals.
Step 2: Now, take a strip of bacon. Gently press it around the inside of each muffin cup. It will look like a little bacon bowl. (A hard-learned tip: use regular-cut bacon, not thick. It gets nice and crispy for you.)
Step 3: Warm your chicken broth in the microwave. It just needs a minute to get hot. Be careful when you take the cup out. The bowl gets surprisingly warm. I have learned that the hard way, too!
Step 4: In a big bowl, mix your dry stuffing, carrots, celery, and onion. Pour in the melted butter and hot broth. Stir it all up until the bread is soft. Doesn’t that smell amazing already? It reminds me of Thanksgiving morning.
Step 5: Spoon the stuffing mix into your bacon-lined cups. Press it down gently. Fill them right to the top. They will not rise like a cake, so do not worry. What’s your favorite holiday food memory? Share below!
Step 6: Bake them for about 20 minutes. You will know they are done when the bacon is crispy. The tops will be a lovely golden brown. I like to watch them through the oven window. It is the best part.
Step 7: Take the tin out of the oven. Let the muffins rest for five minutes. This helps them hold their shape. Then, use a spoon to gently lift them out. Sprinkle with a little fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Yield: 12 servings
Category: Appetizer, Snack
Three Fun Twists to Try
Once you know the basics, you can get creative. I love playing with new ideas in my kitchen. It keeps things exciting. Here are a few simple twists my family adores.
The Cheesy Surprise: Hide a little cube of cheddar cheese in the center of each muffin. You get a wonderful, gooey middle.
The Apple Harvest: Swap the celery for finely chopped apple. It adds a sweet and cozy flavor, perfect for autumn.
The Spicy Kick: Add a tiny sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the stuffing mix. It gives them a little warmth that is so nice.
Which one would you try first? Comment below!
Serving Your Masterpiece
These muffin bites are wonderful all on their own. But I think food tastes better with friends. A simple side can make your plate feel like a special occasion. It is a lovely thought.
I love to serve them on a big platter for sharing. A small bowl of gravy for dipping is a real treat. For a full meal, a crisp green salad on the side is perfect. It balances everything out so nicely.
For a drink, a cold glass of apple cider is my favorite. Its sweetness is lovely with the salty bacon. Grown-ups might enjoy a pale ale with theirs. The bubbles cut through the richness. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Muffin Bites Tasty
These muffin bites are great for making ahead. Let them cool completely first. Then store them in a sealed container in the fridge.
They will stay good for about three days. You can also freeze them for a month. I once froze a whole batch for my grandson’s visit.
He was so happy to have a warm snack ready. To reheat, use your oven or toaster oven. This keeps the bacon crispy and delicious.
Batch cooking like this saves you time. It means a homemade treat is always close by. This matters on busy school nights.
Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Hiccups
Sometimes the bacon can be a bit soft. Make sure your oven is fully hot first. A hot oven makes the bacon crispy.
I remember when my first batch came out chewy. My oven needed more time to preheat. Getting this right builds your cooking confidence.
If your stuffing seems too dry, add a splash more broth. The mix should be moist but not soupy. This ensures every bite is full of flavor.
Struggling to get the bites out? Let them rest for five full minutes. Then gently twist each one to lift it out. This matters for keeping them pretty.
Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Questions Answered
Q: Can I make these gluten-free? A: Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free stuffing mix. It works just the same.
Q: Can I prepare them ahead of time? A: Absolutely. Assemble them the night before. Then just pop them in the oven.
Q: What if I don’t have celery? A: That is okay. You can use a bit more carrot or onion instead.
Q: Can I make a smaller batch? A: Of course. Simply cut all the ingredients in half. You will get six yummy bites.
Q: Any extra tips? A: A little sprinkle of cheese on top is lovely. *Fun fact: Adding cheese makes the tops extra golden.*
Which tip will you try first?
Until Next Time
I hope you love making these little bites. They always make my kitchen smell wonderful. Sharing food is one of life’s great joys.
I would be so happy to see your creations. It makes my day to see your kitchen adventures. Please share your photos with me.
Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!
Happy cooking!
—Elowen Thorn.
Bacon Wrapped Stuffing Muffin Bites
Description
This jalapeño popper grilled cheese recipe brings spicy peppers, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese together in one bold sandwich. Make it fast for lunch, dinner, or game day cravings!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and coat 12 well muffin tin with cooking spray.
- Line the outside of each muffin tin with a strip of bacon.
- Heat the chicken broth in a microwave safe bowl or measuring cup for 60 seconds.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the stuffing mix, carrot, celery, red onion, melted butter and heated chicken stock. Toss until all liquid has been absorbed by the bread cubes.
- Evenly divide the stuffing mixture to all 12 muffin wells.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until bacon is crispy and tops are lightly browned.
- Remove and allow to sit for 5 minutes before removing, garnishing with minced parsley.
- If you’ve tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or ratings!
Notes
- For added flavor, top with spicy Sriracha mayo, mango salsa, or use marinated tofu for a vegetarian option.