Savory Sausage Stuffing Balls

This savory stuffing balls recipe transforms holiday classics into irresistible bite-sized treats perfect for any gathering. The combination of seasoned sausage, crispy bacon, and traditional stuffing creates flavor-packed morsels that disappear quickly from any appetizer spread.

These stuffing balls became my signature holiday contribution after I brought them to a friendsgiving five years ago. Now my friends expect them at every gathering, and I've even started making double batches because they vanish so quickly.

Ingredients

• Ground breakfast sausage provides the savory base and holds everything together look for quality sausage with visible herbs and spices for maximum flavor
• Bacon adds smoky crispness and elevates the texture choose thickcut for best results
• Boxed stuffing mix makes this recipe quick and convenient herbed varieties work particularly well
• Cheddar cheese creates a gooey interior when melted sharp cheddar gives the strongest flavor impact

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the oven

Heat your oven to a perfect 350°F which allows for even cooking without burning the exterior of the balls. This moderate temperature ensures the sausage cooks thoroughly while the outside develops a golden crust.

Prepare the baking surface

Line your baking sheet completely with parchment paper which prevents sticking and makes cleanup significantly easier. Ensure the paper extends to all edges of the pan.

Prepare the stuffing

If using boxed stuffing follow package directions precisely including correct water and butter measurements. Allow it to cool slightly before mixing with other ingredients to prevent the cheese from melting prematurely.

Combine ingredients

In a large bowl mix the raw sausage bacon bits prepared stuffing and shredded cheese thoroughly using clean hands. Work the mixture until completely uniform ensuring even distribution of all components.

Form the balls

Scoop approximately one tablespoon of mixture and compress firmly between your palms rotating to create perfectly round balls. The tight packing is crucial for preventing them from falling apart during baking.

Position for baking

Arrange the formed balls on your prepared baking sheet leaving about an inch of space between each to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.

Bake to perfection

Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes until the balls are completely cooked through with an internal temperature of 160°F and a golden brown exterior.

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The bacon is my secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered its importance when I once tried making these without it and everyone noticed something was missing. The smoky flavor and textural contrast it provides is absolutely essential to what makes these stuffing balls so addictive.

Make-Ahead Magic

These stuffing balls can be fully prepared up to the baking stage and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking. Simply form the balls place them on a parchment-lined tray cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to serve allow them to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.

Creative Variations

Try switching the protein by using Italian sausage for a more herbal flavor profile or turkey sausage for a lighter option. The stuffing component is also highly adaptable use cornbread stuffing for a sweeter note or wild rice stuffing for an earthy gourmet twist. For the cheese experiment with pepper jack for heat gruyere for sophistication or a blend of cheeses for complex flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these stuffing balls with cranberry sauce for dipping to create a perfect balance of savory and sweet. They make excellent cocktail party fare when speared with decorative toothpicks. For a more substantial offering arrange them around a holiday roast as an interactive side dish. They also work beautifully as part of a holiday brunch spread alongside egg dishes.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make these stuffing balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture and form the balls up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving. You can also fully bake them, refrigerate, and reheat at 325°F for 10-15 minutes when ready to serve.

→ What type of sausage works best for this dish?

Ground breakfast sausage provides the best flavor, but you can substitute with Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. For a leaner option, turkey or chicken sausage works well too.

→ Can I freeze these stuffing balls?

Absolutely! Once baked and cooled, place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. They'll keep for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes.

→ What can I serve with these sausage stuffing balls?

These versatile appetizers pair wonderfully with cranberry sauce, maple syrup for dipping, or a mustard-based sauce. They also complement a holiday spread alongside other finger foods or can be served as part of a brunch buffet.

→ How do I know when the stuffing balls are fully cooked?

The balls should be golden brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure the sausage is fully cooked. They should feel firm to the touch and hold their shape well when picked up.

→ Can I use homemade stuffing instead of boxed mix?

Definitely! Homemade stuffing works wonderfully in this recipe. Use about 3 cups of prepared homemade stuffing as a substitute for the boxed mix. This allows you to customize the herbs and bread type to your preference.