01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with baking paper liners.
02 - Arrange bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes until dry and golden. Set aside to cool.
03 - Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and celery and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
04 - Stir in the diced dill pickles and cook for 1 minute. Remove skillet from heat.
05 - In a large mixing bowl, combine toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetables and pickles, chopped parsley, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Gently toss until evenly distributed.
06 - In a separate bowl, whisk together broth, eggs, and optional pickle brine until well blended.
07 - Pour broth mixture over the bread and vegetable mixture. Toss gently until bread is thoroughly moistened but not soggy.
08 - If using, fold in shredded sharp cheddar cheese until just combined.
09 - Evenly spoon stuffing mixture into the prepared muffin tin, packing each cup gently to hold its shape.
10 - Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until tops are golden and muffins are firm to the touch.
11 - Let muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Run a knife around each to loosen and serve warm.