Stuffing Biscuits: The Ultimate Guide to Delicious Holiday Sides

Stuffing Biscuits: Prepare to be amazed! Imagine the savory, comforting flavors of Thanksgiving stuffing, but in a warm, fluffy, and perfectly portable biscuit form. Yes, you read that right! These aren’t your average biscuits; they’re a delightful fusion of two beloved comfort foods, creating a culinary experience that’s both familiar and excitingly new.

While not steeped in centuries of tradition like classic stuffing, these stuffing biscuits draw inspiration from the heart of American holiday meals. Stuffing, in its various forms, has been a staple at Thanksgiving and Christmas tables for generations, a symbol of abundance and togetherness. It’s a dish that evokes memories of family gatherings, cozy kitchens, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal.

So, why are these biscuits so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures and tastes. The buttery, flaky biscuit provides a delightful contrast to the savory, herb-infused stuffing within. They’re incredibly easy to make, perfect for using up leftover stuffing, or for creating a quick and satisfying side dish any time of year. The aroma alone, as they bake, is enough to make your mouth water! Whether you’re looking for a unique addition to your holiday spread or a comforting snack on a chilly evening, these stuffing biscuits are guaranteed to be a hit.

Ingredients:

• For the Biscuits:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 3/4 cup cold buttermilk
• For the Stuffing:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups cubed stale bread (about 6 slices), crusts removed
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup melted butter

Preparing the Stuffing:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: First, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped celery and onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t rush this step; letting the vegetables soften properly is key to a flavorful stuffing.
2. Add Herbs and Spices: Now, stir in the chopped fresh parsley, dried sage, dried thyme, and black pepper. Cook for another minute, allowing the herbs to release their fragrant oils. This will really boost the flavor of your stuffing.
3. Combine Bread and Broth: In a large bowl, combine the cubed stale bread and chicken broth. Toss gently to moisten the bread evenly. You want the bread to be damp but not soggy. If it seems too dry, add a little more broth, a tablespoon at a time. If it seems too wet, let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the excess moisture.
4. Mix Everything Together: Add the sautéed vegetables and herb mixture to the bread mixture. Pour the melted butter over the top. Gently toss everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as you want the bread to retain some texture.
5. Taste and Adjust: Give the stuffing a taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your preference. Remember, the flavor will intensify as it bakes, so don’t overdo it.

Making the Biscuit Dough:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined to ensure even rising.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be in small pieces, about the size of peas. This is crucial for creating flaky biscuits. The colder the butter, the better!
3. Add Buttermilk: Gradually add the cold buttermilk to the flour mixture, stirring gently with a fork until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. The dough should be slightly shaggy and sticky. Overmixing will result in tough biscuits.
4. Turn Out and Knead: Lightly flour a clean work surface. Turn the dough out onto the floured surface. Gently knead the dough a few times, just until it comes together. You don’t want to develop the gluten too much.
5. Pat and Cut: Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Use a 2-inch biscuit cutter or a sharp knife to cut out the biscuits. Try not to twist the cutter, as this can seal the edges and prevent the biscuits from rising properly.

Assembling the Stuffing Biscuits:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Biscuits: Take one biscuit round and gently flatten it slightly with your fingers.
3. Add Stuffing: Place a generous spoonful (about 2-3 tablespoons) of the prepared stuffing in the center of the flattened biscuit.
4. Fold and Seal: Gently fold the biscuit dough over the stuffing to form a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges together to seal tightly. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch and to ensure a good seal.
5. Place on Baking Sheet: Place the assembled stuffing biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
6. Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the stuffing is heated through.
7. Cool Slightly: Let the stuffing biscuits cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the stuffing to set slightly and prevent it from being too messy.

Tips for Perfect Stuffing Biscuits:

• Use Cold Ingredients: Cold butter and buttermilk are essential for creating flaky biscuits. The cold butter creates pockets of steam in the dough as it bakes, resulting in a light and airy texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the biscuit dough will develop the gluten, resulting in tough biscuits. Mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined.
• Stale Bread is Key: Using stale bread for the stuffing is important because it absorbs the broth and flavors without becoming mushy. If you don’t have stale bread, you can toast fresh bread in a low oven until it’s dried out.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste the stuffing before assembling the biscuits and adjust the seasonings as needed. Remember, the flavor will intensify as it bakes.
• Seal the Edges Well: Make sure to seal the edges of the biscuits tightly to prevent the stuffing from leaking out during baking.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to customize the stuffing with your favorite ingredients. You can add sausage, cranberries, nuts, or different herbs and spices.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You can also make the biscuit dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
• Reheating: If you have leftover stuffing biscuits, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may not be as crispy.

Variations:

Sausage Stuffing Biscuits:

Add 1 pound of cooked and crumbled sausage to the stuffing mixture for a heartier and more flavorful biscuit.

Cranberry Walnut Stuffing Biscuits:

Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries and 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts to the stuffing mixture for a festive and flavorful twist.

Herb and Cheese Stuffing Biscuits:

Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh rosemary to the stuffing mixture for a savory and cheesy biscuit.

Spicy Stuffing Biscuits:

Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stuffing mixture for a little kick.

Mushroom Stuffing Biscuits:

Sauté 1 cup of chopped mushrooms with the celery and onion for an earthy and flavorful stuffing.

Conclusion:

Okay, friends, let’s be honest – you’ve scrolled this far because you’re intrigued, right? And you should be! These Stuffing Biscuits are truly something special. They’re not just biscuits; they’re a warm, comforting hug in every bite, a delightful twist on traditional stuffing that’s perfect for any occasion. Forget dry, crumbly stuffing; these biscuits are moist, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. They’re the kind of recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe, of course!). Why is this a must-try? Because it’s a game-changer! It simplifies the stuffing process, making it accessible even on busy weeknights. It elevates the humble biscuit to a savory, satisfying side dish that complements everything from roasted chicken and turkey to hearty stews and even a simple salad. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while these bake is pure bliss – a tantalizing preview of the deliciousness to come. But the best part? The versatility! These Stuffing Biscuits are a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Want to add a little kick? Throw in some diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Craving something sweeter? A handful of dried cranberries or chopped apples would be divine. Feeling extra fancy? Crumble some cooked sausage or bacon into the mix for an added layer of savory goodness. You can even experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own signature blend. Think rosemary and thyme for a classic Thanksgiving flavor, or sage and onion for a more traditional stuffing profile. Serving suggestions are endless! These biscuits are fantastic served warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of gravy. They’re also delicious as part of a breakfast sandwich with a fried egg and some cheese. Leftovers (if there are any!) can be crumbled and used as a topping for casseroles or salads. You could even use them as a base for mini pizzas!

Serving Suggestions:

• Warm with butter or gravy
• As part of a breakfast sandwich
• Crumbled as a topping for casseroles or salads
• As a base for mini pizzas

I truly believe that once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s the perfect way to impress your family and friends without spending hours slaving away in the kitchen. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and it’s a whole lot of fun to make! So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of Stuffing Biscuits. I promise you won’t be disappointed. And when you do make them, please, please, please share your experience! I’d love to hear what variations you tried, what you served them with, and what your family and friends thought. Tag me in your photos on social media – I can’t wait to see your creations! Let’s spread the love of these amazing biscuits far and wide! Happy baking! Print