Sausage Stuffing Bites & Cranberry Dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that combines the rich flavors of savory sausage with the delightful sweetness of cranberry. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or just a cozy night at home. Paired with the creamy cranberry dip, they create a dish that’s not only simple to make but also bursting with flavor. Your guests will love reaching for these delicious morsels!
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: Approximately 220
- Protein: 10 grams
- Carbohydrates: 18 grams
- Fat: 14 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Sugar: 2 grams
- Sodium: 500 mg
Why Make This Sausage Stuffing Bites & Cranberry Dip
Sausage Stuffing Bites & Cranberry Dip is an easy and versatile dish that everyone can enjoy. The warm, hearty sausage stuffing brings comfort food vibes, while the cranberry dip adds a unique twist that complements the savory flavors. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or looking for a quick appetizer for game night, these bites are sure to impress. Plus, they are simple enough to whip up in just about 40 minutes!
How to Make Sausage Stuffing Bites & Cranberry Dip
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures your oven is hot enough to bake the sausage bites to a perfect golden brown.
Step 2: Mixing
In a skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned. This will infuse your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Once browned, transfer the sausage to a large bowl. In the same bowl, combine the cooked sausage, stuffing mix, and chicken broth. Mix everything together until well combined.
Step 3: Forming and Baking
Form the mixture into small balls about one inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easier cleanup. Bake the sausage stuffing bites for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn a lovely golden brown. The exterior should be crisp while the inside remains warm and flavorful.
Step 4: Finishing
For the cranberry dip, mix together the cranberries, cream cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This creamy dip will add a refreshing contrast to the savory bites.
How to Serve Sausage Stuffing Bites & Cranberry Dip
Serve the sausage stuffing bites warm for the best flavor. Place them on a large platter with a bowl of cranberry dip in the center. This presentation not only looks inviting but also encourages guests to help themselves. For an extra touch, garnish the dip with a sprinkle of additional green onions or a few whole cranberries.
How to Store Sausage Stuffing Bites & Cranberry Dip
To store leftovers, place the sausage stuffing bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to retain their crispy texture. The cranberry dip can also be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. Give it a good stir before serving again.
Expert Tips for Perfect Sausage Stuffing Bites & Cranberry Dip
- Use high-quality sausage for the best flavor; Italian sausage works particularly well.
- Feel free to mix in spices or herbs like sage or thyme to enhance the stuffing flavor.
- If you don’t have stuffing mix, try using breadcrumbs instead, adjusting the liquid as needed.
- For a spicy kick, add a dash of hot sauce to the cranberry dip.
- Make these bites ahead of time and freeze them before baking. Bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Delicious Variations
- Swap the sausage for turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based sausage.
- Try adding shredded cheese to the stuffing mix for a melty addition.
- Experiment with different types of dips, such as spinach-artichoke or a spicy mayo sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I make these sausage bites ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sausage stuffing mixture and form the balls ahead of time. Store them in the fridge or freeze them until you’re ready to bake. -
Can I use fresh cranberries in the dip?
Absolutely! Fresh cranberries will give a tart flavor, but make sure to sweeten the dip accordingly. -
What can I serve with the sausage stuffing bites?
Besides the cranberry dip, consider offering a variety of sauces like ranch or honey mustard for dipping. -
How can I prevent the sausage from being greasy?
Ensure to fully drain any excess fat after cooking the sausage. This step keeps your bites from becoming too greasy. -
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Simply adjust the amount of each ingredient while keeping the ratios the same to make a larger batch for a crowd.
Conclusion
Sausage Stuffing Bites & Cranberry Dip are a delightful addition to any gathering, perfectly balancing savory and sweet flavors. Not only are they easy to prepare, but they also cater to a variety of tastes. Serve these at your next event, and watch them disappear quickly! Whether for the holidays or a casual get-together, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the cooking process, and savor every bite!
Print
Sausage Stuffing Bites & Cranberry Dip
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Sausage Stuffing Bites & Cranberry Dip combines savory sausage with sweet cranberry, making it a perfect crowd-pleaser for gatherings and parties.
Ingredients
- 1 lb high-quality sausage (Italian recommended)
- 1 package stuffing mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup cranberries
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned, then transfer to a large bowl.
- In the bowl, combine the cooked sausage, stuffing mix, and chicken broth; mix well.
- Form the mixture into small balls, about one inch in diameter, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare the cranberry dip by mixing cranberries, cream cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions; season with salt and pepper.
- Serve sausage bites warm with the cranberry dip on a platter.
Notes
Use high-quality sausage for the best flavor. You can prepare the sausage bites ahead of time and freeze them before baking. For a vegetarian option, use sautéed mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
