What is it about the allure of an individual serving? You can bake these adorable Thanksgiving sides in a muffin tin, and there’s something so gratifying about popping them out. Chief among their charms is that you can sell nearly anything to a child in a round, miniaturized portion. And, for the “big kids,” there’s something undeniably elegant about having and personal and perfectly proportioned side gracing your plate. (Mac ‘n cheese? Of course, but also, fantastically, bacon, mushroom and sage “Stuffins,” which are just as fabulous as they sound.) Read on for a few of our favorite muffin-tin sides, ideal for Turkey Day.
1. Muffin Tin Mac ‘n Cheese
The busy host can sometimes feel like there’s not nearly enough room on the Thanksgiving table. Individual servings can help minimize piping-hot serving platters, which you can replace with plated, tiered beauties like these petite muffin tin mac ‘n cheeses. (Bank on two per person, including for each kid.)
2. Stuffins
Pro tip: Call these Stuffins “Doc McStuffins” and we would almost bet money that a child will at least try a bite. These are actually tiny stuffing cups. Bacon and mushroom make them super-savory, and their size makes them easy to pop in freezer bags and enjoy at the winter holidays, too, if you like. We love how each cup gets crisp on the outside but stays tender on the inside.
3. Focaccia and Cranberry Stuffins
We have a riff on our Stuffins (because of course we do, and can you have too many Thanksgiving sides?) These comprise our focaccia stuffing mix, which you can spike with a few savory flourishes and a handful of dried cranberries.
4. Baked Brie and Cranberry Relish Puff Pastry Bites
Four-ingredient magic in Thanksgiving side dish form, these little pretties can be revived for the winter holidays, too. (They’ve got a particularly Christmas-y palette going thanks to that cranberry relish and flurry of fresh rosemary.) We love pre-made frozen puff pastry for all things, but particularly when it mingles with Brie and our luscious cranberry relish.
5. Puff Pastry Knots With Parmesan
Only have our stunning Silpat silicone muffin “tin”? No worries; it’s just as good as the alternative for these killer puff pastry knots with Parmesan. You make your own puff pastry for these, but it’s worth it! They’re like a toothsome, saltier alternative to gougères.
6. Potato Stacks With Thyme
Break out the mandoline! You’ll want it in order to make these potato stacks with thyme pretty-as-a-picture. Potatoes similar in girth to the wells of your muffin tin will stack beautifully. With just four ingredients and a little bit of prep, these buttery potato stacks just might make the holiday menu every year.
