Sausage stuffing balls are the ultimate holiday side dish when oven space is tight and stress levels are high. These savory, cheesy bites deliver all the comforting flavors of traditional stuffing—without needing a big casserole dish or extra pans. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, planning a potluck, or just want something cozy for Sunday dinner, these sausage stuffing balls hit the mark. Packed with seasoned sausage, herby stuffing mix, and melted cheddar cheese, they’re a make-ahead dream and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, they bake up golden and crisp on the outside while staying moist and flavorful inside. This recipe brings simplicity and satisfaction to your holiday spread.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Parties: These bite-sized stuffing balls are ideal for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or game day snacks. No utensils needed!
- Quick & Easy: Simple prep and bake means they’re on the table in under an hour.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep them the night before or freeze a batch—bake straight from the fridge or freezer with no fuss.
- Classic Holiday Flavors: The combo of savory sausage, cheesy goodness, and stuffing herbs hits every nostalgic note.
- Customizable: Swap in different cheeses, sausage types, or seasoning blends to make them your own.
- Kid-Approved: Even picky eaters love these golden, crispy bites.
Ingredients
- 1 lb bulk pork sausage (Italian or breakfast style)
- 6 oz dry stuffing mix, prepared according to package directions
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tbsp dried)
- 2 tsp poultry seasoning
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 4 oz cream cheese for added richness
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare the stuffing mix according to package directions. Let it cool to room temperature.
- Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked sausage, prepared stuffing, shredded cheddar, beaten egg, parsley, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly by hand or with a sturdy spoon.
- Form into balls: Scoop the mixture and roll into golf ball-sized portions. Pack them tightly so they hold their shape.
- Chill (optional but recommended): Place the balls in the fridge for 30 minutes to help them firm up.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through. For crispier edges, add 2–3 minutes at the end.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4 (about 20–24 balls)
- Skill Level: Easy
- Estimated Cost: Low to moderate (depends on sausage and cheese used)
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 700–750
- Protein: 28–32 g
- Fat: 45–50 g
- Carbohydrates: 20–25 g
- Fiber: 1–2 g
- Sugar: 2–3 g
- Sodium: 900–1000 mg
Note: Nutritional values will vary based on the exact sausage, stuffing mix, and cheese used.
Tips & Variations
🔪 Cooking Tips
- Fully cook the sausage before mixing—it prevents greasy or undercooked centers.
- Don’t over-hydrate the stuffing. Too wet and the balls will be soggy; too dry and they won’t hold together.
- Chill before baking. Refrigerating the formed balls for at least 30 minutes helps them stay intact and bake evenly.
- Space them out on the baking sheet for even browning—no crowding!
🔄 Ingredient Swaps
- Cheese options: Try Swiss, mozzarella, pepper jack, or a shredded blend for new flavor profiles.
- Sausage alternatives: Use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version, or go spicy for a kick.
- Herbs: Fresh chives or green onions are great if you’re out of parsley.
💡 Make It Your Own
- Add a bit of cream cheese for a richer, softer center.
- Mix in some finely chopped celery or onion for extra texture.
- Want a crispier exterior? Brush with melted butter before baking.
Sausage Stuffing Balls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat and let cool slightly.
- Prepare stuffing mix according to package directions. Let it cool.
- In a large bowl, combine sausage, stuffing, cheddar, egg, parsley, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Form into golf ball-sized portions. Pack tightly.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes for better structure (optional).
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
– Substitute sausage with turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
– Freeze raw or baked; reheat from frozen at 350°F.
FAQs
What kind of sausage should I use?
Bulk pork sausage (the kind sold without casings) works best. Italian sausage—mild or spicy—is great, but breakfast sausage also gives a deliciously savory twist.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Form the balls and refrigerate them overnight, or freeze them raw. Bake straight from frozen—just add 5–10 extra minutes.
Can I freeze them after baking?
Absolutely. Let them cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes.
How do I keep them from falling apart?
Make sure the mixture is well-combined and not too dry. Chilling before baking helps them firm up and hold their shape.
What goes well with sausage stuffing balls?
They’re perfect alongside roasted turkey, glazed ham, mashed potatoes, or cranberry sauce. For balance, pair with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots.
Conclusion
Sausage stuffing balls are a flavorful, fuss-free way to serve stuffing that everyone will love. With crispy edges, gooey cheese, and herby sausage flavor in every bite, they’re a go-to holiday or party dish that’s easy to prep and always satisfying. Whether you’re serving them as a side or an appetizer, these little bites deliver big flavor and even bigger convenience.