Sausage Stuffing Balls Recipe

Why Sausage Stuffing Balls Are the Ultimate Holiday Appetizer

There’s something about the holidays that brings out the best in comfort food, and sausage stuffing balls are one of those bite-sized delights that instantly steal the show. Whether you’re hosting a cozy Thanksgiving dinner, bringing a tray to a Christmas potluck, or simply craving something savory and satisfying, these golden, crispy stuffing balls are the perfect crowd-pleaser.

I remember the first time I made these—I had leftover stuffing and a roll of ground sausage sitting in the fridge after Thanksgiving. On a whim, I combined them, rolled the mixture into balls, and baked them until they were crisp on the outside and tender inside. My guests devoured them before I even got the gravy warmed up! Since then, they’ve become a staple at every family gathering.

What makes sausage stuffing balls so irresistible is their versatility. They’re equally perfect as an appetizer, a side dish, or even as a hearty snack during a busy week. They can be prepped in advance, frozen, and reheated—making them ideal for stress-free entertaining.

Plus, they’re incredibly customizable. Whether you want to go classic with herb stuffing or add cheese and cranberries for a festive twist, the base recipe is your canvas.

So if you’re looking for a savory, make-ahead, hand-held holiday treat that will disappear faster than Santa’s cookies, sausage stuffing balls should be at the top of your list!

What Are Sausage Stuffing Balls?

Sausage stuffing balls are a delicious twist on traditional holiday stuffing. Instead of baking stuffing in a casserole dish, the ingredients are rolled into bite-sized balls and baked until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

The core idea is simple: mix seasoned stuffing mix, ground sausage, and a binding agent like egg or broth to create a flavorful mixture that holds together when rolled and baked. The result? A savory snack or side that delivers all the comforting flavors of stuffing in a fun, portable form.

These golden morsels are hand-held, freezer-friendly, and perfect for dipping. They also solve a common problem—what to do with leftover stuffing or sausage. Whether served at a holiday feast, tailgate party, or weekday dinner, sausage stuffing balls are a creative way to add warmth and flavor to your menu.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb lean ground sausage (pork, turkey, or chicken)

• 1 box stuffing mix (herb-seasoned or cornbread)

• 2 large eggs

• ½ to ¾ cup chicken or vegetable broth

• Optional add-ins:

  • Shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella

  • Chopped fresh parsley or sage

  • Dried cranberries or sautéed onions

Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Sausage Stuffing Balls

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Stuffing

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Prepare your stuffing mix according to the package instructions, but reduce the liquid slightly to prevent it from being too wet—aim for a moist, scoopable texture.

Tip: Let the stuffing cool a bit before mixing to avoid scrambling the eggs later.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cooked stuffing, raw sausage, and eggs. Add a splash of broth if needed to moisten the mixture further. Mix gently with clean hands or a spoon until just combined.

Pro Tip: Don’t overmix! Overworking the sausage can make the balls dense and tough.

At this point, fold in any optional add-ins like shredded cheese, herbs, or cranberries for a personalized touch.

Step 3: Shape the Balls

Scoop out portions of the mixture using a cookie scoop or tablespoon and roll them into 1.5-inch balls. You should get around 20–24 balls, depending on size.

Size evenly so they bake uniformly and look appealing on a platter.

Place each ball onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between them to allow for even cooking.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the sausage is fully cooked and the outsides are golden brown and slightly crisp.

Optional: Flip halfway through baking to ensure even browning.

Let them cool for a few minutes before serving with your favorite dipping sauces or as-is—they’re that good!

Alternative Cooking Methods

• Air Fryer: Preheat to 375°F and air fry in batches for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway.

• Skillet (less common): Pan-fry with a bit of oil, turning to brown evenly. Finish in the oven to ensure full cooking.

Serving Ideas: How to Serve Sausage Stuffing Balls at Parties or Holidays

These sausage stuffing balls are more than just a holiday dish—they’re an all-occasion flavor bomb! Here are a few delicious ways to serve them:

As an Appetizer

• Perfect on a party platter or charcuterie board

• Serve with dips like cranberry sauce, gravy, honey mustard, or garlic aioli

• Skewer them with toothpicks for easy grab-and-go bites

As a Side Dish

• Pair with roast turkey, chicken, or ham

• Serve alongside mashed potatoes and green beans

• Add to a Thanksgiving or Christmas buffet table

For Game Day or Potlucks

• Make smaller versions for finger food

• Serve warm with spicy dipping sauces like sriracha mayo or ranch

• Transport easily in a foil tray for on-the-go snacking

Presentation Tips

• Sprinkle with fresh parsley or thyme for color

• Serve on a rustic wooden board for a cozy holiday feel

• Keep warm in a slow cooker on low if serving buffet-style

Serve them warm—the flavors and textures shine best when freshly baked and toasty!

Flavorful Sausage Stuffing Balls Variations You’ll Love

One of the best things about sausage stuffing balls is how easily you can customize them to suit your flavor cravings or dietary needs. Here are some delicious twists to inspire your next batch:

Cheesy Sausage Balls

Fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda for an extra-rich bite. Cheese helps with moisture too—great for reheating.

Spicy Kick

Swap regular sausage for hot Italian or spicy chorizo. Add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne, or red pepper flakes for added heat. Perfect for game day!

Cranberry Twist

Mix in ¼ cup dried cranberries or chopped fresh ones. The sweet-tart flavor contrasts beautifully with savory sausage and herbs, making it perfect for holiday spreads.

Gluten-Free Option

Use a gluten-free stuffing mix or cooked wild rice blend in place of traditional breadcrumbs. Make sure any sausage used is also labeled GF.

Vegan Version

Go plant-based with your favorite vegan sausage crumbles, flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water), and a vegan stuffing mix. Add extra herbs or nutritional yeast for flavor.

Tip: When experimenting, bake a test ball first to adjust seasoning, texture, and moisture as needed.

These variations keep the core idea intact while letting you adapt to any palate or occasion. Try mixing and matching to create your own signature sausage stuffing ball!

How to Store and Reheat Sausage Stuffing Balls

Holiday prep can get hectic—so make-ahead options are a lifesaver! Sausage stuffing balls are perfect for prepping in advance, storing, and reheating without losing flavor or texture.

Make-Ahead Prep

Mix and shape the stuffing balls up to 24 hours in advance. Store them on a tray covered with plastic wrap in the fridge. Bake when ready to serve.

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze sausage stuffing balls either raw or fully baked:

• Raw: Place shaped, uncooked balls on a tray and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag.

• Baked: Cool completely before freezing in airtight containers or freezer bags.

Label your bags with the date and reheating instructions for easy use later.

They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating for Best Results

• Oven: Bake at 350°F for 10–15 minutes until heated through.

• Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 6–8 minutes for crispy exteriors.

Avoid microwaving—they tend to lose their crisp texture and become soggy.

These tips make sausage stuffing balls a go-to recipe for stress-free entertaining!

Sausage Stuffing Balls Mistakes to Avoid for Perfect Results

Even simple recipes can go sideways if a few key steps are missed. Here are the most common pitfalls when making sausage stuffing balls—and how to avoid them:

Overmixing the Meat

Too much handling makes the sausage dense and rubbery. Mix gently just until combined.

Dry Stuffing Mix

If your stuffing mix is too dry, your balls won’t hold together. Be sure to moisten it well with broth.

Oversized Balls

Larger balls might look impressive but take longer to cook and risk being raw in the center. Stick to about 1.5-inch balls for even baking.

Crowding the Tray

If the balls are too close together, they steam instead of crisp. Leave space between them for proper airflow.

Skipping Seasoning

Even with sausage and stuffing mix, taste matters. Add herbs, garlic, or onion powder if your mixture feels bland before baking.

Avoid these missteps and you’ll have perfectly crisp, flavorful stuffing balls every time.

What to Serve with Sausage Stuffing Balls

These savory bites pair beautifully with classic holiday dishes or stand alone as irresistible appetizers. Here are a few serving ideas:

As a Side Dish

• Serve alongside roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or herb-roasted chicken.

• Complement with mashed potatoes, green beans, or roasted vegetables.

As Appetizers

• Offer with cranberry sauce, honey mustard, or gravy for dipping.

• Add to your appetizer spread with other finger foods and festive bites.

On a Charcuterie Platter

• Combine with cured meats, cheese wedges, nuts, and sliced apples.

• These stuffing balls offer a warm, savory contrast to cold cheeses and fruit.

Dips That Work Well

• Spicy aioli, garlic ranch, or a tangy Dijon cream sauce are perfect for dunking.

Presentation tip: serve them in a basket lined with parchment and garnish with chopped parsley or thyme for a festive touch!

FAQs About Sausage Stuffing Balls

Can I use leftover stuffing to make sausage stuffing balls?

Absolutely! This is a great way to use up leftovers. Just reduce the amount of broth you add since the stuffing is already moist. Mix with sausage and egg, shape, and bake.

Can these be made without eggs?

Yes. Eggs help bind the mixture, but you can substitute:

• Flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water)

• Mashed potato (¼ cup works well)

• Or simply add a bit more broth and cheese for structure.

Can I cook these in the air fryer?

Definitely! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and cook in batches for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway. You’ll get crispy outsides without needing extra oil.

What kind of sausage works best?

Classic ground pork sausage (mild or spicy) works beautifully. You can also use turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even flavored blends like maple or Italian.

How do I keep them from falling apart?

Moisture is key! Make sure your stuffing isn’t too dry. Add just enough broth to hold things together without making it soggy. And don’t skip the egg or binder.

Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Holiday Favorite

If you’re searching for a dish that’s flavorful, crowd-pleasing, and easy to make ahead, sausage stuffing balls are it. Whether you serve them as a cozy side, a party appetizer, or a holiday snack, they never disappoint.

With endless variations and freezer-friendly convenience, this recipe is sure to become a year-round favorite in your kitchen.

Have you tried making these yet? Let us know your favorite variation in the comments below!