Sausage stuffing balls are the ultimate bite-sized comfort food perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy Sunday dinners. Packed with savory flavor, crispy edges, and cheesy goodness, these little gems offer everything you love about traditional stuffing—without taking up precious space in your oven. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or prepping ahead for a weeknight meal, these stuffing balls are easy to make, freezer-friendly, and guaranteed to impress even the pickiest eater. From Thanksgiving tables to game day platters, sausage stuffing balls bring rich, hearty flavors in every bite-sized portion. Let’s get rolling on your new favorite go-to appetizer or side dish!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s a reason sausage stuffing balls show up on repeat during the holidays—and beyond. Here’s what makes this recipe a true crowd-pleaser:
- Perfect for parties – These grab-and-go bites are ideal for buffets, potlucks, or game day spreads. No forks needed!
- Quick & simple – Ready in under an hour, with minimal prep and easy clean-up.
- Make-ahead friendly – Freeze them raw or baked, then reheat whenever you need a fast side dish or snack.
- Comfort food flavors – Juicy sausage, cheesy stuffing, and fragrant herbs hit all the cozy notes.
- Customizable – Whether you’re switching up the sausage or swapping the cheese, this recipe is flexible to fit your pantry.
Once you try them, you’ll find reasons to make them all year round—not just for the holidays.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these flavorful sausage stuffing balls. Most are pantry staples—perfect for last-minute prepping!
For the Sausage Mixture:
- 1 lb bulk pork sausage (or Italian sausage, mild or spicy)
- 6 oz dry stuffing mix (prepared as per package instructions)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Seasoning:
- 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
🔁 Optional Substitutions:
- Sausage: Try turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option.
- Cheese: Swap with Swiss, mozzarella, or cream cheese for variety.
- Herbs: Dried parsley (1 tbsp) or chopped green onions also work well.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create perfectly golden and flavorful sausage stuffing balls every time.
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. - Prepare the Stuffing Mix
Follow the directions on your stuffing mix package to prepare it. Let it cool slightly before mixing with other ingredients. - Mix the Sausage Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine:- Cooked stuffing mix
- Raw pork sausage
- Beaten egg
- Shredded cheddar
- Chopped parsley
- Poultry seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mix thoroughly until evenly combined (hands work best here).
- Shape the Balls
Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized portions. Pack tightly to help them hold their shape. Place them evenly spaced on your baking sheet. - Chill Before Baking (Optional, but recommended)
Refrigerate the formed balls for 20–30 minutes. This helps them stay intact while baking. - Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked. For extra crispiness, let them bake an additional 2–3 minutes at the end. - Serve
Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. They’re delicious hot, but also great at room temp for parties.
Recipe Details & Nutrition
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15–20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 40–50 minutes
- Servings: 4 (makes about 18–20 balls)
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Best For: Holidays, potlucks, appetizers, freezer meals
Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)
Based on 4 servings. Values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients used.
- Calories: ~700
- Protein: 28–32 g
- Fat: 45–50 g
- Carbohydrates: 20–25 g
- Fiber: 1–2 g
- Sugar: 2–3 g
- Sodium: Varies by sausage and stuffing mix
🧠 Pro Tip: Using leaner sausage or reduced-fat cheese can slightly cut down the fat and calorie content without sacrificing flavor.
Tips & Variations
These simple tips and tweaks will help you make the best sausage stuffing balls every time — and adapt them to your taste or dietary needs.
✅ Pro Tips for Success
- Brown the sausage first (optional) – Pre-cooking the sausage ensures it’s fully cooked and reduces excess grease in the final mix.
- Don’t over-moisten the stuffing – Prepare stuffing according to package directions. If it’s too wet, the balls may fall apart.
- Chill before baking – A 30-minute rest in the fridge helps the balls firm up and hold their shape during baking.
- Space evenly on the tray – Give each ball room to crisp up on all sides. Overcrowding leads to steaming, not browning.
🔄 Easy Variations
- Cheesy Upgrade – Swap cheddar for pepper jack, gouda, or add cream cheese for extra creaminess.
- Spicy Twist – Use hot Italian sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Make it breakfast – Use breakfast sausage and serve with maple syrup or hot honey for a sweet-savory combo.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free stuffing mix and double-check all seasoning blends.
Sausage Stuffing Balls
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
Ingredients
- – **1 lb** bulk pork sausage
- – **6 oz** stuffing mix prepared as directed
- – **1** large egg beaten
- – **3 cups** shredded cheddar cheese
- – **¼ cup** chopped fresh parsley
- – **2 tsp** poultry seasoning
- – **Kosher salt** to taste
- – **Freshly ground black pepper** to taste
Instructions
- **Preheat oven** to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- **Prepare stuffing** according to package directions. Let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, **combine sausage, prepared stuffing, egg, cheese, parsley, and seasoning**. Mix thoroughly.
- Roll into **golf ball-sized balls**. Pack tightly and place on prepared sheet.
- **Optional**: Chill balls in the fridge for 20–30 minutes.
- **Bake** for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- **Serve hot or warm** with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside holiday sides.
Notes
– Swap cheddar with mozzarella, Swiss, or cream cheese.
– Chill before baking to prevent them from falling apart.
FAQs
Can I make sausage stuffing balls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can form them up to a day ahead and store them covered in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze them raw or baked (see below).
How do I freeze and reheat them?
- To Freeze (Raw): Place uncooked balls on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
- To Freeze (Cooked): Let cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container.
- To Reheat:
- From fridge: 10–15 minutes at 350°F.
- From frozen (cooked): 20–25 minutes.
- From frozen (raw): Bake for 30–35 minutes.
What kind of sausage works best?
Bulk pork sausage or ground Italian sausage is ideal. Mild, sweet, or spicy—choose what suits your crowd. If using links, just remove the casing first.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes, use a plant-based sausage alternative and veggie stuffing mix. You may need to increase the seasoning to boost flavor.
What’s the best dipping sauce?
These are flavorful on their own, but ranch, honey mustard, cranberry sauce, or a spicy aioli make great pairings.
Conclusion
Sausage stuffing balls are everything you want in a party appetizer or hearty holiday side—savory, cheesy, easy to make, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner or meal-prepping for the week, these golden, bite-sized beauties deliver serious flavor with minimal fuss. Try a batch today, and don’t be surprised when they disappear in minutes!