3 Ingredient Cheesy Sausage Stuffing Balls
If you’re looking for a delightful appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering, then these 3 Ingredient Cheesy Sausage Stuffing Balls are just what you need! They are the kind of finger food that brings smiles to faces and warmth to hearts. The combination of savory sausage, cheesy goodness, and stuffing creates a flavor explosion that everyone will love. Whether it’s a holiday party, a family get-together, or just a cozy night in, these little bites are sure to impress.
What I adore about this recipe is how simple it is. With just three core ingredients, you can whip up a batch ahead of time and have them ready to bake whenever you need them. They’re great for busy weeknights or festive occasions alike. Trust me; once you serve these at your next event, they’ll be the talk of the table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With only three ingredients, preparation is a breeze. You’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your loved ones.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of sausage and cheddar cheese makes these balls irresistibly delicious. Everyone will be coming back for seconds!
- Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare these ahead of time and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Perfect for stress-free entertaining!
- Kid-Friendly: These cheesy bites are sure to be a hit with kids (and adults too!). They’re fun to eat and full of flavor.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve them on mini skewers or with toothpicks for easy grabbing. They make snacking effortless!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple and wholesome, making it easy to create something special without a lot of fuss. Here’s what you’ll need for your 3 Ingredient Cheesy Sausage Stuffing Balls:
- 1 lb Jimmy Dean sausage
- 1 (6oz) box StoveTop stuffing (chicken or turkey)
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup water
Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with different flavors and ingredients. Here are some fun variations you can try:
- Swap the protein: Substitute the sausage with turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
- Add some spice: Mix in some chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Herb it up: Toss in some fresh herbs like parsley or chives to elevate the flavor profile.
- Cheese overload: Experiment with different types of cheese such as mozzarella or pepper jack for extra gooeyness.
How to Make 3 Ingredient Cheesy Sausage Stuffing Balls
Step 1: Prepare the Stuffing
In a medium saucepan, bring one cup of water to a boil. Add the contents of the stuffing mix and stir well. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly. This step helps ensure that your stuffing is moistened just right, setting up a fantastic base for your sausage balls.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked sausage with the prepared stuffing and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything together until fully combined—this is where all those delicious flavors mingle!
Step 3: Form the Balls
Now it’s time to roll! Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into bite-sized balls about an inch in diameter. Make sure they’re packed tightly so they hold their shape while baking.
Step 4: Chill Out
Place your formed sausage balls in the refrigerator for at least an hour—or overnight if you prefer. Chilling helps them firm up, making baking easier and preventing them from falling apart.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange your chilled sausage balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake them for approximately 25 minutes or until they’re cooked through and golden brown on top.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once baked, let them cool for just a few minutes before serving. These little gems are perfect at room temperature too! Set out some toothpicks, sit back, and watch them disappear as guests rave about how tasty they are!
Pro Tips for Making 3 Ingredient Cheesy Sausage Stuffing Balls
Making these sausage stuffing balls is a breeze, but a few tips can help you nail the recipe!
- Use chilled ingredients: Starting with cold sausage and cheese helps the mixture hold together better when baking, ensuring that your balls maintain their shape.
- Don’t skip the refrigeration step: Allowing the rolled balls to chill for at least an hour helps them firm up, making it easier to achieve that perfect golden brown exterior while baking.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: If you like a little heat, feel free to add some crushed red pepper flakes or your favorite seasoning blend. Tailoring the flavors will make these stuffing balls truly your own!
- Experiment with different cheeses: While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, mixing in mozzarella or pepper jack can add different flavors and textures that take your stuffing balls to new heights.
- Make ahead and freeze: You can freeze uncooked sausage balls before baking. Just pop them straight from the freezer into the oven when you’re ready to serve – great for spontaneous gatherings!
How to Serve 3 Ingredient Cheesy Sausage Stuffing Balls
These cheesy sausage stuffing balls are not only delicious but also versatile in how you present them. Whether it’s a festive gathering or a cozy family dinner, here’s how you can serve them up!
Garnishes
- Fresh herbs: Chopped parsley or chives sprinkled on top can add a burst of color and freshness.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt dip: A creamy dip balances out the savory flavors of the sausage and adds an extra layer of taste.
- Sweet chili sauce: Drizzling some sweet chili sauce over the top offers a delightful contrast that guests will love.
Side Dishes
- Crispy Veggie Platter: Pair these sausage balls with an assortment of fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers. The crunchiness provides a nice contrast to the soft texture of the balls.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy garlic mashed potatoes make for a comforting side dish that complements the hearty flavors of the stuffing balls beautifully.
- Garden Salad: A refreshing garden salad tossed with vinaigrette adds brightness and balances out the richness of the sausage.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The slight bitterness of roasted Brussels sprouts pairs wonderfully with cheesy snacks, providing an earthy flavor profile that rounds out your meal perfectly.
With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your 3 Ingredient Cheesy Sausage Stuffing Balls will not only taste incredible but also impress your guests! Enjoy every bite!
Make Ahead and Storage
These 3 Ingredient Cheesy Sausage Stuffing Balls are fantastic for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch ahead of time, making them perfect for busy days or holiday gatherings.
Storing Leftovers
- Store any leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes before serving.
Freezing
- To freeze, place the uncooked sausage balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
- Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- For cooked sausage balls, reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 30-60 seconds if you’re short on time.
FAQs
Got questions? You’re not alone! Here are some common queries about these delightful bites.
Can I use a different type of sausage for the 3 Ingredient Cheesy Sausage Stuffing Balls?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors of sausage. Turkey or chicken sausages work great as alternatives and will still give you that delicious taste you crave.
How do I make sure my 3 Ingredient Cheesy Sausage Stuffing Balls hold together while baking?
The key is to pack the mixture tightly when rolling into balls. Also, chilling them before baking helps them maintain their shape during cooking.
Can I bake these sausage stuffing balls from frozen?
Yes! If you decide to bake them from frozen, just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time and ensure they are cooked through.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making these delightful 3 Ingredient Cheesy Sausage Stuffing Balls as much as I do! They’re perfect for any occasion and always bring smiles to faces. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or just a cozy family night, these tasty bites are sure to be a hit. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your experience with friends and family!
3 Ingredient Cheesy Sausage Stuffing Balls
If you’re in search of a delicious and simple appetizer, look no further than these 3 Ingredient Cheesy Sausage Stuffing Balls! Perfect for any gathering, these savory bites blend the heartiness of sausage with the creamy goodness of cheddar cheese and stuffing mix. Whether it’s a holiday celebration or a casual family get-together, this recipe promises to delight your guests and have them coming back for more. With just three ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch ahead of time, making them ideal for busy days or last-minute parties. Serve them warm or at room temperature for a snack that everyone will love!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken sausage (or turkey sausage)
- 1 (6 oz) box stuffing mix (chicken or turkey flavor)
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Add the stuffing mix and stir well. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine uncooked sausage, prepared stuffing, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until fully combined.
- Roll mixture into bite-sized balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and pack tightly.
- Chill balls in the refrigerator for at least an hour to firm up.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for approximately 25 minutes until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 balls (60g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
