If you’re looking for a savory, bite-sized appetizer that’s perfect for holidays, game days, or any casual gathering, look no further than sausage balls with stuffing. These delightful treats combine the rich, smoky flavor of sausage with the comforting, familiar taste of stuffing, creating a unique twist that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, sausage balls with stuffing are easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests. Plus, they make excellent finger food that pairs wonderfully with a variety of dips and sauces.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and adaptable. You can customize the stuffing mix to your liking, experiment with different sausage types, or even add a bit of cheese for extra indulgence.
Get ready to elevate your appetizer game with this crowd-pleaser that brings together two classic flavors in one irresistible package.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with this sausage balls with stuffing recipe! First, the combination of savory sausage and herby stuffing is a match made in heaven—each bite bursting with flavor.
The recipe is simple to make, requiring no fancy techniques, and it uses ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Another benefit is versatility. These sausage balls can be served warm or at room temperature, making them ideal for parties or potlucks.
They also freeze well, so you can prepare them ahead of time and bake as needed. Finally, they’re wonderfully customizable—swap out pork sausage for turkey or chicken sausage to lighten up the dish, or add your favorite herbs and spices to make it your own.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground sausage (pork, turkey, or chicken)
- 2 cups stuffing mix (store-bought or homemade, seasoned or plain)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- Cooking spray or oil (for greasing the baking sheet)
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat (optional)
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Oven
- Cooling rack
- Knife and cutting board (if using fresh onion and garlic)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage, stuffing mix, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well to distribute the cheese and stuffing evenly through the sausage.
- Add the milk, eggs, chopped onion, minced garlic, dried sage, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until the ingredients are fully incorporated. The mixture should be moist but firm enough to hold shape.
- Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch balls. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about an inch apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through. An internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) confirms they are done.
- Remove from the oven and transfer the sausage balls to a cooling rack. Let them cool slightly before serving to avoid burning your mouth.
- Serve warm or at room temperature with your favorite dipping sauces. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations
“For extra cheesy sausage balls, add an additional 1/2 cup of shredded cheese to the mixture.”
Stuffing Choice: Feel free to experiment with different types of stuffing—herb-seasoned, cornbread, or even a gluten-free variety. Each will bring a unique flavor and texture.
Sausage Variations: Swap out traditional pork sausage for spicy Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or chicken sausage for a lighter or more robust flavor.
Make Ahead: Prepare the sausage balls in advance and freeze them unbaked. When ready to serve, bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Extra Flavor: Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary to brighten the flavor profile.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free stuffing to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing taste.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (3 sausage balls) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 |
| Protein | 12g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Carbohydrates | 6g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 460mg |
Serving Suggestions
Sausage balls with stuffing are incredibly versatile. Serve them as a warm appetizer alongside tangy mustard or honey mustard dipping sauce, or creamy ranch dressing.
For a holiday twist, cranberry sauce makes a surprising and delicious accompaniment.
They also pair well with fresh salads, such as a crisp green salad or a light coleslaw, to balance the richness. For a full meal, serve with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Looking for vegan or vegetarian sides to complement your snack? Check out some delightful options like Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas or hearty soups like the Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food.
Conclusion
Sausage balls with stuffing are a crowd-pleaser that combines comforting, familiar flavors with a satisfying texture. This recipe is easy to prepare, customizable, and perfect for any occasion—from casual get-togethers to holiday celebrations.
The combination of savory sausage, flavorful stuffing, and melty cheese creates a delicious bite that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
Whether you stick to the classic version or try some of the suggested variations, these sausage balls are guaranteed to impress your guests and bring smiles all around. For more savory and comforting recipes, explore other delicious options like the Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide or the 400 Calorie Vegetarian Dinner Recipe Ideas for Healthy Meals.
Happy cooking and bon appétit!
📖 Recipe Card: Sausage Balls with Stuffing Recipe
Description: Delicious sausage balls combined with savory stuffing make a perfect appetizer or snack. Easy to prepare and bake for a flavorful treat.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT40M
Servings: 24 sausage balls
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground pork sausage
- 2 cups dry bread stuffing mix
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried sage
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine sausage, stuffing mix, cheddar cheese, onion, garlic powder, black pepper, sage, and salt.
- Add milk and egg, then mix until well combined.
- Form mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 | Protein: 10g | Fat: 14g | Carbs: 5g
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