Sausage Stuffing Bites
The perfect bite of Thanksgiving!
The perfect bite of Thanksgiving!
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 pound lean turkey breakfast sausage, uncooked (i use je
- 4 large carrots (finely chopped (about 1 1/2 cups))
- 3 stalks celery (finely chopped (about 1 cup))
- 1 medium sweet onion (finely chopped (about 3/4 cup))
- 1 tsp thyme (dried)
- 1 tsp ground sage (dried)
- 2 6 oz packages already prepared stuffing mix (i
- 3/4 cup reduced fat shredded cheddar (i use sargento shar
- 1/2 cup egg whites or egg substitute
- Carbohydrate 0.2394 g
- Cholesterol 0.3192 mg
- Fat 0.331968 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 1.410864 g
- Saturated Fat 0.098952 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (46g)
- Sodium 260.28168 mg
- Sugar 0.2394 g
- Trans Fat 0.0127680000000001 g
- Calories 10 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- In a large hot skillet add your turkey sausage and break apart with spatula. When the meat is broken up add all of the chopped vegetables, thyme, sage, and kosher salt. Continue to cook over medium-high heat until meat is cooked and vegetables are softened.
- In a large mixing bowl add stuffing mix, cooked sausage and vegetables, chicken broth, shredded cheese, and egg whites.
- Dig in and mix with your hands! This needs to be combined VERY well. (If for some reason the mixture seems a little dry add a bit of chicken broth.)
- Form into 40 golf ball sized balls. Place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Place in preheated oven for about 15 minutes. Serve with a toothpick stuck in them for a fun appetizer feel! Enjoy!
Sausage Stuffing Bites: A Thanksgiving Delight
Thanksgiving – a time for family, friends, and of course, food! And while the turkey takes center stage, it's the little details, the sides, the appetizers, that truly elevate the Thanksgiving experience. This year, I wanted to share a recipe that’s not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious: Sausage Stuffing Bites. These little morsels are the perfect blend of savory sausage, fluffy stuffing, and perfectly seasoned vegetables, all rolled into one bite-sized package.
As a busy working mom, I appreciate recipes that don't require hours in the kitchen. This recipe perfectly fits the bill. I love how versatile it is; you can easily adjust the ingredients based on your preferences and what you have on hand. I often use whatever stuffing mix I can find on sale – sometimes it’s herb, sometimes it’s classic, and it always tastes amazing! The best part is that these stuffing bites can be prepared ahead of time, freeing you up to focus on other Thanksgiving preparations. You can even get the kids involved in the fun – rolling the stuffing into balls is a simple task that even the little ones can help with, making it a fun family activity.
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. The combination of savory turkey sausage, tender carrots, crisp celery, and aromatic herbs is a classic Thanksgiving flavor profile that everyone loves. The stuffing adds a delightful textural contrast, while the shredded cheese provides a creamy richness. It's the perfect balance of flavors and textures that make these stuffing bites a crowd-pleaser. Serve them as an appetizer before the main meal, or enjoy them as a satisfying snack throughout the day. They are just as delicious warm from the oven or even at room temperature.
This year, I'm making a double batch – one for our Thanksgiving gathering and another to take to my parents' house. They’re always looking for easy appetizers, and these fit the bill perfectly. Plus, they're so easy to transport. I simply place them in a disposable aluminum pan and cover it with foil. They travel well and taste just as good cold or reheated. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, these Sausage Stuffing Bites are a surefire way to add a touch of festive flair to your Thanksgiving celebration.
Beyond the Basics: Variations and Tips
While this recipe is delicious as is, feel free to experiment and make it your own. Here are a few ideas:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, parsley, or even a touch of oregano.
- Cheese variations: Try different cheeses like parmesan, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.
- Add some nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts would add a wonderful crunch.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the sausage with crumbled vegetarian sausage or sautéed mushrooms.
Making Ahead and Storage
These Sausage Stuffing Bites can be made ahead of time. Form the balls and place them on a baking sheet, then cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.
I hope you enjoy these Sausage Stuffing Bites as much as I do. They are a simple, delicious, and crowd-pleasing addition to any Thanksgiving feast. Happy Thanksgiving!
