When the savory richness of ground sausage meets the tart burst of cranberries, something magical happens—these festive sausage cranberry stuffing balls are a testament to that delightful contrast. Tucked within a comforting blanket of breadcrumbs and aromatic herbs, they capture the essence of holiday gatherings in just one bite. Sautéed onions and crisp celery add a lovely texture, while chicken broth and eggs bring everything together with cohesion. Baked to golden-brown perfection, these morsels release irresistible scents that fill any home with warmth. Whether served as an appetizer or a side, they’re sure to become a favorite at your festive spread.
Ground sausage (spicy or mild, based on preference)
Fresh cranberries (bright red; frozen works too)
Dried breadcrumbs (seasoned or plain)
Onion, diced and sautéed until soft
Celery, finely diced
Chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
Large eggs, beaten
Herbs: thyme and/or sage, fresh or dried
Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Sauté veggies: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onion and celery in a little olive oil until softened and fragrant (about 5 minutes).
Cook sausage: Add the ground sausage to the skillet and cook until fully browned and cooked through.
Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the sausage–veggie mixture with fresh cranberries, breadcrumbs, herbs, and chicken broth until well blended.
Bind with egg: Pour in the beaten eggs and stir thoroughly to bind the mixture.
Shape balls: Form golf ball–sized portions and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the balls are golden brown on top and cooked through.
The original recipe page does not provide specific nutritional information or a detailed recipe card with measurements. However, based on typical ingredients, here's a general estimate per serving (one stuffing ball, small/golf-ball size):
Calories: ~100–150 kcal
Fat: ~6–10 g (depending on sausage fat content)
Carbohydrates: ~8–12 g (from breadcrumbs and cranberries)
Protein: ~5–8 g (from sausage and eggs)
Sodium: Variable—moderate to high depending on sausage and broth