Sausage Stuffing Bites with Cranberry Dipping Sauce are a perfect bite-sized appetizer for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday gathering. Combining the savory flavors of sausage stuffing with a touch of sweetness from dried cranberries, these bites are paired with a tangy cranberry-orange dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s easy to make and serve.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Parties: Bite-sized and easy to serve, these are great for mingling guests.
- Holiday Flavors: Classic Thanksgiving stuffing flavors paired with a festive cranberry sauce.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep these bites in advance and bake them fresh before serving.
- Versatile: Ideal as an appetizer, snack, or even a fun addition to your holiday table.
Ingredients
Sausage Stuffing Bites
- 2½ cups homemade stuffing (or store-bought if preferred)
- ½ pound hot Italian sausage
- ½ pound mild Italian sausage
- Sea salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries, minced
- 2 eggs, beaten
- ¼–½ cup chicken broth
Cranberry Dipping Sauce
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry, homemade or canned)
- ¼ cup orange juice
- Pinch of sea salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sausage Stuffing Bites
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the stuffing, hot and mild sausages, cheddar cheese, dried cranberries, and salt and pepper.
- Add the beaten eggs and ¼ cup of chicken broth to the mixture. Mix thoroughly with your hands. If the mixture feels too dry, gradually add more chicken broth until it holds together.
Step 2: Form and Bake the Bites
- Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into bite-sized balls (about 1½ inches in diameter).
- Place the sausage bites on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. This recipe should yield about 40 bites.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the sausage bites are browned on top and cooked through.
Step 3: Prepare the Cranberry Dipping Sauce
- While the bites are baking, prepare the sauce.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberry sauce, orange juice, and a pinch of sea salt.
- Stir frequently to help break down the cranberry sauce, and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly (about 5 minutes).
Step 4: Serve
- Transfer the dipping sauce to a small serving bowl.
- Arrange the sausage stuffing bites on a platter around the sauce for dipping.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Cookie scoop or hands for shaping bites
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Small saucepan
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve the bites warm with the cranberry dipping sauce in the center. Garnish with fresh herbs for a festive touch.
- Storage: Store leftover sausage bites and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the bites in a 350°F oven for 5–10 minutes until warmed through.
Variations
- Spicy Option: Use all hot Italian sausage for a spicier version.
- Cheese Alternatives: Try shredded Gruyere or mozzarella for a twist on flavor.
- Stuffing Mix: Experiment with cornbread stuffing or other flavored varieties.
- Nutty Add-In: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
Helpful Notes and Tips
- Binding the Mixture: Make sure the mixture is moist enough to hold together but not overly wet. Adjust chicken broth as needed.
- Cranberry Sauce Texture: For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture after simmering.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the sausage bites and freeze them raw on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and bake from frozen, adding 5 minutes to the cooking time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
Yes, but you may need less baking time. Ensure the mixture is evenly combined.
What can I substitute for dried cranberries?
Chopped dried cherries or raisins can be used as substitutes.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free stuffing mix and double-check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of sausage?
Yes, but the flavor will be milder. Add extra spices like sage or fennel for flavor.
How do I prevent the bites from sticking?
Use parchment paper or lightly grease your baking sheet to ensure easy removal.
Sausage Stuffing Bites with Cranberry Dipping Sauce are a delightful holiday appetizer that packs all the festive flavors into a convenient, bite-sized treat. Perfectly paired with the tangy dipping sauce, they’ll be the highlight of your holiday spread!
