If you are looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that delivers waves of comforting flavor, this Stuffing Balls with Sausage Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine bite-sized, golden-baked morsels packed with savory breakfast sausage, crispy bacon, fluffy stuffing, and melty cheddar cheese – every mouthful is a delightful bite of autumn spirit and hearty goodness. These stuffing balls are surprisingly simple to make but explode with layered tastes that make them perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or even casual weeknight snacks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Stuffing Balls with Sausage Recipe lies in a handful of everyday ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, giving the balls their satisfying texture, rich flavor, and irresistible aroma. From the savory sausage to the creamy cheddar, these ingredients come together to create a comforting dish that’s both hearty and flavorful.
- 1 pound Ground breakfast sausage: This forms the savory and juicy base, giving the balls their meaty richness and flavor.
- 8 slices Bacon (cooked and diced): Adds a wonderful smoky crunch to balance the softness of the stuffing.
- 6 ounces Boxed stuffing mix: Acts as the binder and brings in that iconic stuffing flavor and fluffiness, making each ball perfectly tender inside.
- 3 cups Cheddar cheese (shredded): Melts beautifully throughout, offering creamy sharpness and a golden finish when baked.
How to Make Stuffing Balls with Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s hot and ready by the time your balls are shaped. Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step prevents sticking and helps achieve evenly crisped bottoms.
Step 2: Cook the Stuffing
Follow the boxed stuffing mix instructions to prepare it just right—fluffy and fully cooked but not soggy. If you’re using homemade stuffing, simply set it aside after it’s prepared.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together your ground sausage, diced bacon, prepared stuffing, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything thoroughly so the flavors marry well, and the cheese is evenly distributed. This step is crucial for ensuring each bite is loaded with goodness.
Step 4: Form the Balls
Using about a heaping tablespoon of the mixture for each, roll tightly into balls. Packing them firmly ensures they hold their shape instead of falling apart during baking – and that dense, satisfying texture is exactly what you want.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Arrange your sausage balls snugly on the parchment-lined baking sheet and pop them in the preheated oven. Bake for around 25 minutes until they’re cooked through, golden on the outside, and irresistibly inviting. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
How to Serve Stuffing Balls with Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
Start with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and fresh flavor that brightens the richness. You can also serve them with a small bowl of tangy mustard or cranberry sauce for dipping, which perfectly complements the savory notes.
Side Dishes
Stuffing balls are super versatile, so you can pair them with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or even mashed potatoes for a full meal. If you’re serving these at a party, offering a variety of dipping sauces alongside works wonders for variety and fun.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, arrange the balls on a wooden platter garnished with sprigs of rosemary or thyme. You can also skewer them individually or serve them in mini muffin tins for a neat, easy grab-and-go presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place your leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and ready to enjoy as a quick snack or part of another meal.
Freezing
To freeze, lay the cooked balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months and are perfect for meal prepping or saving for later.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated balls in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. This helps keep their crispy exterior intact while warming the inside nicely.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of breakfast sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage works fine and makes for a leaner option, though the flavor might be milder. Adding extra seasoning can help boost the taste if needed.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, by using a gluten-free stuffing mix, you can easily adapt this Stuffing Balls with Sausage Recipe to be gluten-free-friendly without sacrificing any flavor or texture.
Is it possible to prepare these ahead of time and bake later?
Yes, you can assemble the balls and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just keep them covered tightly until ready to bake for the freshest results.
Can I substitute the cheddar cheese with another cheese?
Definitely! Try swapping in mozzarella for mild creaminess or gouda for a smoky twist. Any melty cheese you love will work beautifully here.
How do I make sure the balls don’t fall apart while baking?
The key is to pack each ball tightly when shaping and ensure the stuffing mix is well combined with the sausage and cheese. Avoid using too much moisture when preparing the stuffing to keep the balls firm.
Final Thoughts
This Stuffing Balls with Sausage Recipe is a real gift for anyone who loves cozy, flavorful bites packed with texture and warmth. They’re easy to make, versatile to serve, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and find these stuffing balls as deliciously addictive as I do – they just might become your next favorite snack or party starter!
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Stuffing Balls with Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 48 balls (approx. 0.75 oz each)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and savory Stuffing Balls with Sausage, combining flavorful ground breakfast sausage, crispy bacon, cheesy cheddar, and hearty stuffing mix. Perfect as a party appetizer or savory snack, these bite-sized balls are baked to golden perfection, offering a perfect blend of crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior.
Ingredients
Meat and Protein
- 1 pound Ground breakfast sausage
- 8 slices Bacon (cooked and diced)
Other Ingredients
- 6 ounces Boxed stuffing mix (approximately 3 cups prepared stuffing)
- 3 cups Cheddar cheese (shredded)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the correct baking temperature for even cooking.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Stuffing: Prepare the boxed stuffing mix according to package instructions. If using homemade stuffing, you can proceed directly to the next step.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground breakfast sausage, cooked and diced bacon, prepared stuffing, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form Balls: Roll the mixture into balls approximately 1 heaping tablespoon each, packing them tightly so they hold together during baking.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place each sausage ball onto the lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until the sausage balls are cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
Notes
- Ensure the sausage balls are tightly packed to prevent them from falling apart during baking.
- Use cooked bacon to add a nice crunch and smoky flavor.
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with another cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor.
- These sausage balls can be made ahead and reheated in the oven for a warm snack.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the mixture.
