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Sausage Stuffing

Sausage Stuffing Bites with Cranberry Dipping Sauce

These Sausage Stuffing Bites turn a classic holiday side into bite-sized perfection. Crispy on the outside, tender inside, and packed with savory Italian sausage, buttery onions, and herbs, they’re the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer. Served with a tangy cranberry-honey-Dijon dipping sauce, this recipe delivers rich, festive flavor in every bite — perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or cozy gatherings.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 20 bites
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Stuffing Bites
  • Cooking spray for greasing baking sheets
  • 2 large eggs lightly beaten
  • 2 cups store-bought stuffing mix like Pepperidge Farm
  • 0.75 cup whole milk
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 0.5 medium yellow onion finely chopped (about ½ cup)
  • 1 stalk celery finely diced (about ½ cup)
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 lb sweet Italian sausage bulk or casings removed
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 0.75 tsp poultry seasoning
For the Cranberry Dipping Sauce
  • 1 cup whole-berry cranberry sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Extra chopped parsley for serving

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Prepare the oven and stuffing base
    Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease two baking sheets with cooking spray. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, then stir in the stuffing mix and milk. Let sit for 10 minutes to soften the cubes.
  2. Step 2: Sauté the vegetables
    In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add onion and celery with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes until tender and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Combine everything
    Add sausage, sautéed vegetables, parsley, and poultry seasoning to the softened stuffing mixture. Season lightly and mix until evenly combined, without overmixing.
  4. Step 4: Shape the stuffing bites
    Roll about 2 tablespoons of mixture per ball (around 1½ inches in diameter). Arrange on baking sheets with space between each for even browning.
  5. Step 5: Bake until golden
    Bake for 20 minutes, rotating pans halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through with crisp edges and tender centers.
  6. Cranberry Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk cranberry sauce, honey, and Dijon mustard. Season to taste. Serve alongside warm sausage stuffing bites for dipping.

Notes

To Serve: Arrange bites on a platter with cranberry sauce in the center. Garnish with parsley.
Storage: Refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze up to 1 month.
Reheat: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until warmed through.
Make Ahead: Form stuffing bites up to a day ahead, refrigerate, then bake before serving.
Variations: Use hot Italian sausage for a spicy twist or add diced apples or chestnuts for extra texture.