Name: Delicious Beef Sausage Stuffing Balls Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 12-16 balls
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef sausage; 8 slices bacon, cooked and diced; 6 ounces boxed stuffing mix (or 3 cups homemade stuffing); 3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion; 1/4 cup finely chopped celery; 2 large eggs, lightly beaten; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon dried sage; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Stuffing balls with sausage are a holiday hero, a beloved appetizer that disappears faster than you can say “pass the gravy!” Whether you’re hosting a grand Thanksgiving feast or a cozy Friendsgiving gathering, these savory bites are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. What is it about these perfectly formed morsels that captures our hearts and taste buds year after year? Perhaps it’s the comforting aroma that fills the kitchen as they bake, a fragrant blend of herbs and spices that instantly evokes warm memories. Or maybe it’s the delightful contrast of textures: the slightly crisp exterior giving way to a wonderfully moist and flavorful interior, studded with savory bits of sausage. This recipe elevates the classic stuffing to a whole new level, transforming it into an irresistible, bite-sized indulgence that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Ingredients:

1 pound ground breakfast sausage
8 slices bacon, cooked and diced
6 ounces boxed stuffing mix (or 3 cups homemade stuffing)
3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
1/4 cup finely chopped celery
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon dried sage
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Preparing the Base for Your Stuffing Balls with Sausage

First things first, let’s get our flavor base ready. In a large skillet, melt the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the 1/2 cup of finely chopped yellow onion and the 1/4 cup of finely chopped celery. Sauté these aromatics for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are softened and translucent. This step is crucial for developing a sweet and savory foundation for our Stuffing Balls with Sausage. You want them tender, but not browned, as they will continue to cook later.

Next, add the 1 pound of ground breakfast sausage to the skillet with the softened onions and celery. Break up the sausage with your spatula and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s thoroughly browned and no pink remains. This typically takes about 8-10 minutes. Once the sausage is cooked, carefully drain off any excess grease. This will prevent your stuffing balls from becoming greasy and ensure they hold their shape.

Now, it’s time to incorporate our stuffing mix. If you’re using boxed stuffing, prepare it according to the package directions, which usually involves adding hot liquid. In this case, we’ll use the 1 cup of chicken broth (or vegetable broth). Pour the broth into the skillet with the cooked sausage, onion, and celery mixture. Bring this to a simmer, then stir in the contents of the 6 ounces of boxed stuffing mix. If you’re using homemade stuffing, simply add your prepared stuffing crumbs to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined.

Remove the skillet from the heat. Now, we’ll add the binders and the star cheese. Stir in the 2 large eggs, which have been lightly beaten. The eggs will help to bind all the ingredients together, making it easier to form the balls. Next, add the 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese will melt into the mixture, adding a wonderful richness and gooey texture to your Stuffing Balls with Sausage. Don’t forget to stir in the 1 teaspoon of dried sage and the 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper for that classic stuffing flavor. Make sure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Let the mixture cool for about 15-20 minutes. This cooling period is important because the mixture will be hot and potentially too sticky to handle immediately. Allowing it to cool slightly will make it more manageable for forming into balls. While it’s cooling, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This will prevent the stuffing balls from sticking to the pan and make cleanup a breeze.

Forming and Baking Your Delicious Stuffing Balls with Sausage

Once the stuffing mixture has cooled enough to handle comfortably, it’s time to form the balls. Take about a quarter-cup of the mixture at a time and roll it between your palms to form a compact ball, about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter. The mixture should be moist enough to stick together. If it seems a bit dry, you can lightly dampen your hands with water. If it’s too wet, you can add a tablespoon or two of extra stuffing crumbs or breadcrumbs to help absorb some moisture.

Place the formed stuffing balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one so they don’t stick together during baking. You should aim for roughly 12-16 stuffing balls, depending on how large you make them. As you form them, you might notice little bits of sausage and cheese peeking out – that’s perfectly fine and will only enhance the appearance and flavor of your finished Stuffing Balls with Sausage.

Now, it’s time to add the final touch of flavor and texture: the bacon. Gently press a few pieces of the 8 slices of cooked and diced bacon onto the top and sides of each stuffing ball. This adds a delightful smoky crunch and another layer of savory goodness. Don’t overload them with bacon, just enough to get a good distribution of that crispy goodness on each ball.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the baking sheet with the formed stuffing balls into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden brown and heated through. You’ll know they’re ready when the cheese is melted and slightly bubbly, and the exteriors are nicely crisped. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible!

Allow the Stuffing Balls with Sausage to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving. This allows them to firm up slightly. They are absolutely delicious served warm, and can be a fantastic appetizer, side dish, or even a light meal. Enjoy your homemade, flavor-packed Stuffing Balls with Sausage!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! Our delicious recipe for Stuffing Balls with Sausage is ready to impress. We’ve walked through each step, from creating the perfect savory stuffing base to forming and baking these irresistible morsels. These golden-brown delights are more than just a side dish; they’re a flavorful experience that brings comfort and joy to any meal. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, but honestly, why wait for a special occasion? These are fantastic for a cozy dinner any night of the week.

For serving suggestions, think beyond the Thanksgiving plate. Serve them alongside roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or even a hearty beef stew. They also make an excellent appetizer for your next party, perhaps with a side of cranberry sauce for dipping. Feeling adventurous? Consider variations like adding finely chopped celery and onion to the sausage mixture, or even incorporating dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make these Stuffing Balls with Sausage your own!

We hope you enjoy making and devouring these incredible stuffing balls as much as we do. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these stuffing balls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffing mixture and form the balls up to a day in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What kind of sausage is best for stuffing balls with sausage?

A good quality pork sausage, like Italian sausage or breakfast sausage, works wonderfully. You can also use a mild or spicy variety depending on your preference. Ensure it’s fully cooked and crumbled before mixing it into the stuffing.