Kittencal's Savory Cranberry and Sausage Stuffing Bites
These delightful cranberry and sausage stuffing bites are the perfect addition to your holiday table. Packed with savory pork sausage, tart cranberries, and a hint of Parmesan cheese, these bites are so scrumptious they'll be the star of your meal, rivaling even the main roast. The preparation involves a chilling period to ensure perfect shaping, and they can be baked or skillet-fried for a crispy finish. This versatile recipe is great for early preparation and provides an optimal mix of flavors with a touch of sage for herb enthusiasts. These bites can be served as a side or even a standalone appetizer.
15
Servings
160
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
pork sausage
3/4 lb (casings removed, small pieces)
butter
3 tablespoons (melted)
onion
1 small (very finely chopped)
celery
1 small (finely chopped)
garlic
1-2 tablespoons (fresh, minced (optional))
low sodium chicken broth
3/4 cup
turkey stuffing mix
1 package (120 g)
cranberries
1 cup (fresh or frozen, finely chopped)
parmesan cheese
1/3 cup (grated)
eggs
2 (slightly beaten)
ground black pepper
1 teaspoon (to taste)
seasoning salt or white salt
(optional and to taste)
melted butter
(for brushing)
Instructions
1
Begin by removing sausage from its casings and placing it in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the sausage, breaking it into very small pieces, until browned and cooked through, about 8 minutes. Set aside.
2
In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and celery. Sauté for approximately 5-6 minutes until they are very soft. If desired, add minced garlic during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
3
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture just to a simmer, while scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Transfer the sausage and onion mixture to a large mixing bowl.
4
In the bowl, add the package of stuffing mix, finely chopped cranberries, Parmesan cheese, and slightly beaten eggs. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. Season generously with ground black pepper and add salt if desired.
5
Cover the bowl and chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.
6
Prepare a shallow casserole dish by greasing it lightly. Using damp hands to prevent sticking, shape the chilled mixture into small, even-sized balls. Place them in the prepared casserole dish.
7
If the mixture is too moist and doesn't hold together, add a little dried breadcrumbs until the balls hold shape. Conversely, if it's too dry, add more broth or water.
8
Brush the formed balls with melted butter.
9
At this stage, you can refrigerate the balls, covered, for up to 24 hours if you plan to bake them later.
10
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
11
Bake the balls covered loosely with foil for softer results or uncovered if you prefer a crispy exterior. Bake for 12-15 minutes, adjusting the time slightly based on the size of the balls, until they are heated through and golden.
Nutrition Information
10.6g
Fat
9.6g
Carbs
5.3g
Protein
0.8g
Fiber
320mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recipe name?
Kittencal's Savory Cranberry and Sausage Stuffing Bites.
What protein is required?
The recipe calls for 3/4 lb of pork sausage with casings removed.
How do I prepare the sausage?
Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces until browned and cooked through.
What vegetables are included?
One small onion and one small celery stalk, both finely chopped.
How much butter is needed for sauteing?
Three tablespoons of butter are used to sauté the onion and celery.
Is garlic necessary?
Garlic is optional; you can add 1-2 tablespoons of fresh minced garlic during the last 2 minutes of sautéing.
What liquid is added to the mixture?
3/4 cup of low sodium chicken broth is added to the sausage and vegetable mixture.
What kind of stuffing mix is used?
One 120g package of turkey stuffing mix.
How many cranberries are needed?
One cup of fresh or frozen cranberries, finely chopped.
What type of cheese is added?
1/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
How are the eggs prepared?
Two eggs should be slightly beaten before being added to the mixture.
Why must the mixture be chilled?
Chilling for at least 2 hours allows flavors to meld and the texture to firm up for easier shaping.
How do I shape the stuffing bites?
Use damp hands to shape the chilled mixture into small, even-sized balls.
What if the mixture is too wet to form balls?
You can add a small amount of dried breadcrumbs until the mixture holds its shape.
What if the mixture is too dry?
Add a small amount of extra broth or water until it reaches the desired consistency.
How do I finish the balls before baking?
Brush the formed balls with melted butter.
Can I prepare these in advance?
Yes, the formed balls can be refrigerated, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking.
What is the baking temperature?
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long do they bake?
Bake for 12-15 minutes until heated through and golden.
How do I get a crispy exterior?
Bake the stuffing bites uncovered.
How do I keep the bites soft?
Bake them loosely covered with foil.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The recipe makes approximately 15 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 160 calories per serving.
What is the fat content?
Each serving contains 10.6g of fat.
How much sodium is in each bite?
There is 320mg of sodium per serving.
Can these be cooked in a skillet?
Yes, they can be skillet-fried for a crispy finish.
What seasoning is used?
Ground black pepper and optional salt or seasoning salt.
How much protein is in a serving?
Each serving contains 5.3g of protein.
Are these suitable for holidays?
Yes, they are specifically recommended for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
What is the fiber content?
Each serving contains 0.8g of fiber.