Print

Easy Cheesy Sausage Stuffing Balls – Best Holiday Appetizer

easy cheesy sausage stuffing balls - featured image
Print Recipe

These golden, crispy stuffing balls are packed with savory Italian sausage, melted cheddar, and perfectly seasoned bread cubes. They’re the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer that will convert even the most stubborn stuffing skeptics.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
  • 3 cups seasoned bread cubes
  • 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • ½ cup yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon dried sage
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
  • Extra shredded cheddar (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Cook the sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through—about 6-8 minutes. Leave about a tablespoon of fat in the pan for flavor. Let cool for 5 minutes.
  3. Prep your aromatics: While the sausage is cooking, dice the onion and mince the garlic.
  4. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes, shredded cheddar, dried sage, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt (if using). Toss to distribute seasonings evenly.
  5. Add the wet ingredients: Add the cooked sausage, diced onion, minced garlic, beaten eggs, and chicken broth. Mix thoroughly with your hands, squeezing gently until the bread cubes absorb the liquid and the mixture holds together when pressed into a ball. If too dry, add another tablespoon of broth; if too wet, add a few more bread cubes.
  6. Shape the balls: Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into 1.5-inch balls (about the size of a golf ball). You should get 20-24 balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between each.
  7. Bake: Bake for 18-22 minutes, until deep golden brown on the outside and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For extra crispy tops, broil for the last 2 minutes, watching carefully.
  8. Rest and serve: Let the stuffing balls rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a serving platter. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra cheese if desired.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread cubes and check your sausage label. For a dairy-free version, swap the cheddar for dairy-free shreds and use unsweetened dairy-free milk alternative in place of broth. To make ahead, assemble the balls up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and add about 5 minutes to the baking time. For freezing, bake and cool completely, then freeze in a single layer and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen at 350°F for 15-18 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffing balls, sausage stuffing balls, cheesy stuffing balls, holiday appetizer, easy appetizer, game day snack, Thanksgiving appetizer, Christmas appetizer

Find it online: https://willarecipes.com/easy-cheesy-sausage-stuffing-balls-best-holiday-appetizer/