Introduction
Christmas appetizers should be easy to make, easy to serve, and impossible to resist and that’s where these Sausage Stuffing Balls come in. Crispy on the outside, cheesy and savory inside, they combine everything we love about holiday stuffing and party bites into one warm, satisfying mouthful. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or bringing a dish to share, they’re the kind of finger food that vanishes fast. Made with sausage, bacon, cheese, and seasoned stuffing, these are rich, flavorful, and surprisingly simple. Just mix, roll, and bake. Your holiday guests will never guess how little time they took.
Sausage Stuffing Balls – A Holiday Appetizer That Everyone Grabs First
Why These Are Perfect for Christmas Parties
You know it’s a good Christmas party when people are standing around the appetizer table with plates already full and these Sausage Stuffing Balls are always the first to go. They’re warm, satisfying, and packed with the familiar flavors of the season: savory sausage, smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and classic herbed stuffing. There’s something about turning comfort food into finger food that makes people feel instantly at home.
Best of all, they’re easy to eat while mingling. No forks, no fuss—just grab and go. That makes them perfect for casual holiday gatherings, office potlucks, or any festive get-together where you want to serve something hearty without needing a full sit-down meal.
The golden, slightly crisp exterior gives way to a soft, cheesy middle with little bursts of bacon in every bite. They feel indulgent without being over-the-top, which is exactly what a holiday crowd wants in an appetizer.
Sausage, Bacon, and Cheese: The Flavor Trio That Works
There’s a reason this combination works so well—each ingredient adds something essential. The sausage brings a rich, meaty base that anchors the flavor. Choose a breakfast-style ground sausage for a little sweetness and spice, or go bold with something hot or Italian for extra punch.
The bacon brings salt and smokiness, adding texture and depth to the stuffing mixture. It also helps keep the inside moist while giving every bite a little pop of flavor.
Then there’s the cheddar. Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds that creamy, slightly tangy balance to all the richness. Combined with the seasoned stuffing, it holds the mixture together and gives each ball a soft, satisfying bite.
No extra sauce or dip required—but if you do want something on the side, a swipe of cranberry mustard or a spoon of spicy aioli wouldn’t hurt.
Stuffing Balls with Sausage
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground breakfast sausage
- 8 slices Bacon cooked and diced
- 6 ounces Boxed stuffing mix this equals approximately 3 cups of homemade stuffing
- 3 cups Cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Line baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Prepare boxed stuffing according to package instructions. If using homemade stuffing you can skip to the next step.
- Combine sausage, cooked bacon, cooked stuffing, and cheese in a large bowl. Mixing until thoroughly combined.
- Roll into balls, approximately 1 heaping tablespoon each. Make sure to pack the balls tightly so they hold together as they bake.
- Place sausage balls on prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until cooked through.
Notes
Serving: 1ball | Calories: 88kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 160mg | Potassium: 43mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 114IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 70mg | Iron: 1mg
Making the Perfect Sausage Stuffing Balls
Tips for Binding and Shaping
Getting your sausage stuffing balls to hold their shape without crumbling or becoming dry is all about the right texture—and the right technique. Start by mixing the cooked stuffing with the sausage, bacon, and shredded cheddar while everything is still slightly warm. This helps the cheese soften just enough to bind the mixture without needing extra egg or filler.
Pack each ball tightly—don’t just scoop and drop. A heaping tablespoon is a great size for bite-size servings, but you can go bigger if you’re serving them as a side rather than an appetizer. Use clean hands to roll them firmly; the tighter they’re packed, the better they’ll hold up in the oven.
As you roll, place them on a parchment-lined baking tray to keep things nonstick and easy to clean. Give each ball a little space—crowding them will steam the sides instead of crisping them up. If you’re prepping ahead, you can chill the balls for an hour or so before baking. This helps them firm up even more and makes baking cleaner and faster on party day.
Choosing the Right Stuffing and Sausage
Boxed stuffing mix makes this recipe even quicker—especially when holiday cooking is already in full swing. Just prepare it as directed (usually with hot water or broth and a bit of butter), then let it cool slightly before mixing. If you have homemade stuffing leftover, even better. Just make sure it’s not too wet. A dry, crumbly base is easier to shape and holds its form better once baked.
As for sausage, choose what fits your flavor profile. A classic breakfast sausage adds a bit of sweetness that complements the cheddar and bacon. If your crowd leans toward bolder flavors, try spicy sausage or Italian sausage for more depth. Just make sure it’s raw when you mix it in cooking happens in the oven, which allows the fat to render inside the ball and keep everything moist.
Bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside, and a meat thermometer reads at least 160°F inside. Let them cool just slightly before serving they hold together best when they’ve rested for a few minutes.
Flavor Variations and Holiday Serving Ideas
Swaps for Cheese, Herbs, or Meat
Once you’ve nailed the base recipe, there’s a lot of room to play. Sausage stuffing balls are easy to customize based on what you have on hand or the flavor mood you’re in for the holiday.
Not a cheddar fan? Swap it with mozzarella for a milder melt or try pepper jack for a subtle kick. Aged gouda adds a buttery richness that pairs beautifully with bacon. Even Parmesan works as a supporting cheese if you want to keep things sharp and salty.
If bacon isn’t your thing or you’re already serving it in another dish, you can skip it—or sub in finely diced ham or pancetta. These still add savory depth without overwhelming the stuffing. For a herb-forward version, chopped rosemary or sage folded into the mix will give a more classic Christmas roast vibe. A sprinkle of thyme also pairs well with turkey if you’re serving these alongside your main meal.
To turn these into a true crowd-pleaser for picky guests, use half mild sausage and half hot. It delivers flavor without overpowering the bite, and it makes the balls more balanced across different palates.
How to Plate for Holiday Buffets
Presentation counts during the holidays. After baking, transfer your sausage stuffing balls to a festive platter or wooden board. If you’re serving them warm, keep them on a heat-safe tray and garnish with a few sprigs of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to give that holiday centerpiece feel.
You can also spear each ball with a decorative cocktail pick this makes them easy to grab without utensils, especially at a Christmas buffet or appetizer table. Want a dipping sauce? A side of cranberry mustard or maple-Dijon makes a perfect sweet-savory combo without stealing the spotlight.
If serving these as part of a sit-down meal, arrange 2–3 on each plate beside sliced turkey, green beans, or mashed potatoes. They hold their own and help round out the meal with extra texture and flavor.
Whether you go rustic or elegant, these sausage stuffing balls look as good as they taste and that’s what makes them a standout on any holiday table.
Make-Ahead, Freeze, and Reheat
How to Prep in Advance Without Drying Them Out
When holiday prep piles up, make-ahead appetizers are a lifesaver—and these sausage stuffing balls are one of the best. You can assemble them up to 24 hours ahead of time and keep them refrigerated, unbaked, on a parchment-lined tray covered with plastic wrap. The chilled time actually helps them firm up and hold their shape even better in the oven.
If you’ve already baked them and want to reheat later, store them in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to four days. When it’s time to serve, preheat the oven to 325°F and reheat them for about 10–12 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible—while fast, it softens the outer texture, and you’ll miss that crisp bite.
To keep them tasting fresh, add a light sprinkle of shredded cheese or a brush of olive oil before reheating. This helps revive both flavor and moisture without needing extra ingredients.
Freezing and Reheating for Party-Ready Perfection
Want to get even further ahead? These freeze beautifully—both before and after baking. If freezing unbaked, roll the stuffing balls and place them on a tray to freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top freezer bag or sealed container. Label with the date and baking instructions. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
To bake from frozen, simply add 5–7 minutes to the total time, keeping a close eye after the 25-minute mark. There’s no need to thaw first—just spread them on a baking tray, and roast at 350°F until golden and cooked through.
If you’re freezing after baking, allow the balls to cool completely, then store them the same way. Reheat straight from frozen at 325°F for about 15–18 minutes, checking to make sure the centers are hot and the edges are crisp.
This flexibility makes them perfect for party season. Whether you’re prepping trays for a big Christmas Eve gathering or want to stock the freezer for drop-in guests, sausage stuffing balls are a reliable, make-ahead favorite that reheats beautifully without compromising texture or flavor.
FAQ: Sausage Stuffing Balls
Can sausage stuffing balls be made ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble them the day before and refrigerate unbaked or bake them in advance and reheat just before serving.
What’s the best sausage to use for stuffing balls?
Breakfast sausage is a great all-purpose choice, but spicy or Italian sausage can add extra flavor depending on your holiday menu.
How do you keep stuffing balls from falling apart?
Pack the balls tightly when forming and avoid overly wet stuffing. Slightly warm ingredients help the cheese bind everything together.
Can you freeze sausage stuffing balls before baking?
Absolutely. Freeze on a tray, then store in bags or containers. Bake from frozen at 350°F, adding 5–7 minutes to the cook time.
Conclusion
Sausage Stuffing Balls are the kind of holiday recipe that checks every box: flavorful, easy, festive, and endlessly flexible. With just a few simple ingredients—sausage, bacon, cheese, and stuffing—you can create a savory bite-sized appetizer that fits any Christmas occasion, from a cozy dinner to a full-blown buffet. They can be prepped ahead, frozen, reheated, or served fresh from the oven. However you serve them, they bring warmth, comfort, and just the right amount of holiday cheer to your table.
