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I discovered these Sausage Stuffing Balls when looking for new holiday appetizers and they've become a family favorite. Taking all those cozy stuffing flavors and combining them with sausage bacon and cheese into perfect little bites was pure genius. Now my guests hover around the appetizer table waiting for these to come out of the oven.
Your New Go-To Party Appetizer
What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to throw together. You only need four main ingredients and you can use leftover stuffing or the boxed kind. I always make extra to stash in the freezer they're perfect for unexpected guests or when I need a quick appetizer for parties.
What You'll Need
- Breakfast sausage: I use pork but turkey or chicken sausage work great too.
- Bacon: Cook it nice and crispy for that amazing smoky flavor.
- Stuffing: Homemade or store bought both work perfectly here.
- Cheddar cheese: Freshly shredded melts best and holds everything together.
- Optional extras: Sometimes I add onions celery or fresh herbs to make them extra special.
Let's Get Cooking
- First Things First:
- Heat your oven to 350°F and line your baking sheet with parchment it makes cleanup so much easier.
- Bacon Time:
- Cook your bacon until crispy about 15-20 minutes at 400°F then let it cool and crumble it up.
- Stuffing Prep:
- Make your stuffing and let it cool a bit we don't want it too hot when mixing.
- Mix and Roll:
- Mix everything together in a big bowl then roll into little balls about a tablespoon each.
- Into the Oven:
- Bake them for about 25 minutes until they're cooked through and golden.
- Time to Share:
- Pop some toothpicks in them and serve with cranberry sauce on the side.
My Best Tips
- Keep Them Moist: If your mix seems dry add just a splash of water.
- Size Matters: A small cookie scoop makes perfect uniform balls.
- Add Some Fresh Herbs: Fresh sage or thyme makes them taste extra special.
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Make Life Easier
- Plan Ahead: Roll them up freeze them on a tray then pop them in a freezer bag. Just add 5 minutes to the baking time when cooking from frozen.
- Save Some: They'll keep in the fridge for about 4 days or freeze them for a couple months.
- Warm Them Up: Just pop them back in the oven until they're heated through about 15-20 minutes from the fridge or a bit longer if frozen.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why won't my stuffing balls hold together?
Make sure to pack them firmly when rolling. If they're still crumbly, let the mixture cool slightly so the cheese helps bind them.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
You can roll them up to a day ahead and refrigerate uncooked. Bake just before serving for the best results.
- → How do I know when they're done?
They should be golden brown outside and reach 160°F inside. Cut one open to make sure the sausage is fully cooked.
- → Can I freeze these stuffing balls?
Yes, freeze them after baking and cooling. Reheat in the oven until hot through, about 15-20 minutes at 350°F.
- → What kind of sausage works best?
Breakfast sausage gives the best flavor, but you can use any ground sausage you prefer. Italian sausage works well too.