2 weeks of Thanksgiving, Day 2 ~ Make-Ahead Apple, Bacon, and Onion Stuffing Muffins

A fun twist on traditional stuffing, these muffins are easy to transport, making them the ideal potluck recipe.

Makes: 12 servings

Prep: 45 mins  

Bake: 375°F 20 mins  

Cool: 10 mins

Ingredients

• 9 C bread cubes (12 slices bread)
• Nonstick cooking spray
• 9 slices bacon
• 2 TBS butter
• 1 1/2 C coarsely chopped red onions
• 3 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 tsp dried sage, crushed
• 1 tsp dried thyme, crushed
• 2 large Granny Smith or fuji apples, peeled (if desired), cored, and coarsely chopped (about 3 cups)
• 1 tsp minced garlic (6 cloves)
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 C chicken broth
• Small fresh sage leaves (optional)
  Directions
  

  1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Spread bread cubes in a 15x10x1-inch baking pan. Bake, uncovered, for 10 to 15 minutes or until cubes are dry, stirring twice; cool. (Cubes will continue to dry and crisp as they cool.) Or let bread cubes stand, loosely covered, at room temperature for 8 to 12 hours.

  2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly coat twelve 2-1/2-inch muffin cups with cooking spray; set aside.

  3. In an extra large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels; crumble bacon. Drain fat, reserving 2 tablespoons drippings in skillet.

  4. Add butter to skillet. Add onions, celery, and herbs; cook over medium heat for 7 to 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally. Add apples and garlic; cook and stir for 2 to 4 minutes or until apple is just softened. Transfer to an extra large bowl.

  5. Add bread cubes, crumbled bacon, and pepper to vegetable mixture; toss gently to combine. Add broth and toss until moistened.

  6. Spoon about 2/3 cup stuffing into each prepared muffin cup; press to pack tightly. If desired, top each cup with a fresh sage leaf. Bake, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes or until stuffing is hot and tops are light brown. Cool about 10 minutes. Carefully remove from pans; serve warm. Makes 12 servings.
  
  And don't forget to stop by and check out today's craft idea, wrapped votive cups.