– **Title**: Sausage Stuffing Bites with Cranberry Dipping Sauce
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
– 2 cups stuffing mix (dry)
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
– 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– **For the Cranberry Dipping Sauce**:
– 1 cup cranberry sauce (canned or homemade)
– 1 tablespoon orange juice
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon until it is fully browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Add the chopped onion and celery to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the stuffing mix, chicken broth, cooked sausage mixture, garlic powder, thyme, salt, black pepper, and shredded cheese. Stir until well mixed.
5. Using your hands, form bite-sized balls from the mixture and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown and heated through.
7. While the sausage bites are baking, prepare the cranberry dipping sauce. In a small bowl, mix cranberry sauce with orange juice and cinnamon (if using). Stir until well combined.
8. Once the sausage stuffing bites are done, let them cool slightly before serving.
9. Serve warm with the cranberry dipping sauce on the side, garnished with fresh parsley.
Enjoy these delicious bites for a holiday appetizer or party snack!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sausage: You can go for breakfast sausage for a milder flavor or Italian sausage for a little zip! If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey sausage works great too. It still has good flavor but with less fat.
Stuffing Mix: While I used traditional dry stuffing mix, feel free to use cornbread stuffing for a sweet twist! If you’re gluten-free, plenty of gluten-free stuffing mixes are available at grocery stores.
Celery and Onion: These veggies add nice crunch and flavor. If you don’t have celery, chopped bell peppers could be a good stand-in. Or for a milder option, scallions work well in place of onion!
Cranberries: Dried cranberries are easy and add sweetness, but fresh berries offer a bright flavor. If you don’t have cranberries, chopped apples or raisins can work as sweet substitutes too!
Parsley: Fresh parsley garnishes the dish beautifully. If you don’t have it, try chives or even green onions for a similar look and mild flavor. Dried herbs can also work in a pinch!
How Do I Get the Sausage Stuffing Bites to Stick Together?
Getting the stuffing bites to hold their shape is key. Proper mixing and moisture are essential here. After combining your dry ingredients with sausage, add the chicken broth slowly, mixing as you go.
- Start with less broth and increase it until the mixture is moist but still holds its shape when you form a ball.
- If it feels too wet, add a little extra stuffing mix to absorb the moisture.
- Lastly, be sure to pack the mixture tightly when forming the balls for better cohesion.
How to Make Sausage Stuffing Bites with Cranberry Dipping Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sausage Stuffing Bites:
- 1 pound sausage (breakfast sausage or Italian sausage)
- 2 cups stuffing mix (dry)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cranberries (dried or fresh, finely chopped if fresh)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sage (optional)
For the Cranberry Dipping Sauce:
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (canned or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional for added sweetness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty recipe will take you about 10 minutes to prepare and another 20-25 minutes to bake. Altogether, you’ll need about 35-40 minutes until you can enjoy these delightful bites!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, turn your oven on to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps keep the sausage bites from sticking. Set the baking sheet aside.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a big mixing bowl, combine the sausage, stuffing mix, celery, onion, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and sage if you’re using it. Take a moment to stir everything together until it’s well mixed. This is where all the yummy flavors come together!
3. Add the Chicken Broth:
Next, slowly pour in the chicken broth. Mix it in gently until the stuffing is moist but not soggy. It should hold together well when you form it into balls.
4. Form the Bites:
Using your hands, grab some of the mixture and roll it into small balls, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. Place each ball on your prepared baking sheet, giving them a bit of space between each one.
5. Bake the Sausage Bites:
Now, it’s time to bake! Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and let the sausage stuffing bites cook for about 20-25 minutes. They should be cooked through and golden brown on the outside by the end of this time.
6. Make the Dipping Sauce:
While the sausage bites are baking, let’s make the cranberry dipping sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the cranberry sauce and honey or maple syrup if you like it sweeter. Stir it well and set it aside for a moment.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once the sausage bites are done baking, carefully take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. When they’ve cooled slightly, transfer them to a serving platter, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color, and get ready to enjoy!
8. Enjoy!
Serve the sausage stuffing bites warm, alongside the sweet and tangy cranberry dipping sauce. They make the perfect snack or appetizer for any occasion! Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use a Different Type of Sausage?
Absolutely! You can use any type of sausage that you like, such as turkey sausage for a leaner option, or spicy sausage for an extra kick. Just make sure to cook the sausage thoroughly before mixing it with the other ingredients if you’re using raw sausage.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by swapping the sausage for a plant-based sausage or omitting it altogether. Just increase the stuffing mix and add more vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for added flavor and texture!
How to Store Leftover Sausage Stuffing Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but they won’t get as crispy.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Dipping Sauce?
If you find the cranberry sauce too tart, you can add more honey or maple syrup until you reach your desired sweetness. Start with small increments and mix well after each addition to ensure it blends smoothly.
