Sausage Stuffing Bites with Cranberry Sauce Recipe

If you’re looking for a little bite-sized magic to wow your guests or just treat yourself, this Sausage Stuffing Bites with Cranberry Sauce Recipe is an absolute game-changer. I first tried these at a holiday gathering, and let me tell you, they stole the show—crispy, juicy, and bursting with all those cozy fall flavors you love in stuffing but way more fun to eat. Whether you’re planning a party appetizer or a tasty snack, stick with me here—I’ll walk you through every step to nail it perfectly.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

When you combine sausage, classic stuffing mix, and a fresh cranberry sauce, you get the coziest bite-sized comfort food. I love using store-bought stuffing to save time, but adding fresh veggies and seasoning really pumps up the flavor to homemade-level deliciousness.

• Cooking spray: For greasing your baking sheets so the bites don’t stick and crisp up nicely.
• Eggs: They bind the mixture together so the bites hold their shape perfectly.
• Store-bought stuffing mix: I usually pick a savory one like Pepperidge Farms for convenience and great texture.
• Whole milk: Keeps the stuffing moist without making it soggy.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps soften the onions and celery for that classic stuffing flavor.
• Yellow onion: Finely chopped, it gives a sweet and aromatic base when sautéed.
• Celery stalk: Adds crunch and freshness—to me, it’s essential for that authentic stuffing taste.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Balance the flavors just right—season to taste!
• Bulk sweet Italian sausage: The star protein—choose good quality; the sausage brings so much depth.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped finely to brighten up the bites and garnish.
• Poultry seasoning: A blend that gives those comforting herb notes we associate with holiday stuffing.
• Whole berry cranberry sauce: For the tangy, sweet dipping sauce—homemade or store-bought, both work well.
• Honey: To add a subtle sweetness that balances the tart cranberries.
• Dijon mustard: Adds just a touch of sharpness and complexity to the cranberry sauce.

Variations

I like to switch things up depending on the season or what I have on hand. This recipe is super flexible, so feel free to make it your own!

• Spicy Sausage: When I want more kick, I swap sweet Italian sausage for spicy—it adds a wonderful heat that pairs beautifully with the cranberry sauce.
• Gluten-Free: You can use a gluten-free stuffing mix and gluten-free sausage, and it still turns out fantastic—my gluten-sensitive friend loved it!
• Vegetarian Twist: I’ve replaced sausage with a plant-based crumble and used vegetable broth instead of milk for a meat-free version that’s surprisingly satisfying.
• Herbs Upgrade: Fresh sage and thyme instead of poultry seasoning take these bites to the next level for a more herbaceous flavor.

How to Make Sausage Stuffing Bites with Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Soften the stuffing and prep the veggies

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease two baking sheets with cooking spray to keep the bites from sticking and help crisp them up. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, then add the stuffing mix and whole milk. Give it a good stir, then let that sit for about 10 minutes so the stuffing cubes soak up the moisture and get nice and soft. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the finely chopped onions and celery with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook them until they’re soft and fragrant—about 5 to 7 minutes—that little step makes a world of difference in flavor.

Step 2: Mix sausage, herbs, and seasoning

Once your veggie mixture has cooled a bit, crumble the uncooked sausage directly over your softened stuffing. Add the onions and celery, sprinkle in the fresh parsley and poultry seasoning, then season with salt and pepper to taste. I like to mix it gently with my hands—you want everything combined but don’t overwork it or the bites become dense.

Step 3: Shape and bake the bites

Here’s the fun part: roll the mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls, about 2 tablespoons each. I like to keep a small bowl of water nearby to wet my hands—it stops the mixture from sticking to your fingers. Arrange the balls evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheets. Bake in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes, rotating the sheets top to bottom halfway through for even browning. You’re aiming for golden brown, slightly crispy outsides with fully cooked sausage inside. That aroma that fills your kitchen? Pure heaven.

Step 4: Prepare the cranberry dipping sauce

While your bites bake, whisk together the whole berry cranberry sauce with honey and Dijon mustard in a medium bowl. Taste and add a pinch of salt and pepper to balance the sweetness and tang. This sauce is bright and lively—perfect to cut through the richness of the sausage stuffing.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy!

Once your sausage stuffing bites are out of the oven, transfer them to a serving platter, sprinkle with fresh parsley for color, and set out the cranberry sauce on the side. Everyone loves dipping these little balls into that sweet-tart sauce. I promise you’ll be reaching for seconds!

How to Serve Sausage Stuffing Bites with Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I usually toss some extra chopped parsley on top before serving—it adds freshness and a pop of color that makes these bites look as good as they taste. Sometimes a little sprinkle of finely chopped green onions or chives works great too if you want a subtle onion zing.

Side Dishes

These sausage stuffing bites pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts or green beans. For a heartier meal, mashed potatoes or creamy mac and cheese on the side make it feel like a full, comforting feast.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’ve brought these to holiday parties, I like to arrange them on a large wooden board with small ramekins of cranberry sauce for dipping, alongside toothpicks for easy grabbing. Dressing up the platter with fresh rosemary sprigs or festive napkins adds a charming touch that guests appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover sausage stuffing bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’re still tasty the next day and even better gently reheated in the oven to regain that crispy outside.

Freezing

Freezing works like a charm with this recipe! After baking and cooling the bites completely, I spread them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. This way you can pull out just what you need. They keep well frozen for about a month.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the bites in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Microwaving works in a pinch but can soften their crispy edges—oven’s your best bet to maintain that perfect texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how these Sausage Stuffing Bites with Cranberry Sauce Recipe turn out every time—crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful inside, with that cranberry sauce adding the perfect zing. I used to struggle with making stuffing portable and easy to serve, but these bite-sized treats changed all that. If you want something that feels like a holiday celebration but is quick and fuss-free, you’ve got to give this a try. Trust me, your friends and family will be asking for the recipe before the night is over!

Print