Crispy Stuffing Bites Recipe

Cozy Mini Stuffing Bites Recipe: Snackable Comfort in Every Bite

Bite-sized comfort calls with these delectable stuffing bites that pack a punch of holiday flavor in every crispy morsel.

Golden-brown edges promise a crunch that will make taste buds dance with delight.

Each miniature bite delivers the rich, savory essence of traditional stuffing in a convenient, pop-able format.

Herbs and seasonings mingle perfectly, creating a nostalgic taste that transports you straight to the warmth of a festive gathering.

Perfectly sized for snacking, these irresistible morsels work beautifully as an appetizer or side dish.

Simple ingredients come together to create a crowd-pleasing treat that disappears faster than you can say “seconds, please!” Dive into this recipe and transform your next meal into a memorable culinary experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 154 kcal

Servings: 13

What You’ll Need for Savory Stuffing Bites

For Base:
  • Bread Cubes: Select day-old crusty bread for maximum texture and better absorption of flavors, ensuring crispy exterior when toasted.
  • Olive Oil: Creates rich, smooth sautéing base and adds subtle Mediterranean warmth to vegetable mixture.
For Protein and Aromatics:
  • Italian Sausage: Provides deep, meaty flavor and hearty texture, choose fresh ground sausage for best taste.
  • Onion, Celery: Classic aromatic blend that builds foundational savory notes, select crisp, firm vegetables for maximum crunch.
  • Sage, Thyme: Traditional herbs that deliver earthy, woodland-inspired seasonings, opt for fresh herbs when possible.
For Binding and Moisture:
  • Chicken Broth: Infuses additional depth and ensures stuffing remains moist and tender.
  • Eggs: Act as crucial binding agent, helping ingredients stick together and creating cohesive texture.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance overall flavor profile.

Gear That Helps Make Stuffing Bites Effortless

  • Sheet pan: Large, flat baking tray for toasting bread cubes evenly.
  • Skillet: Essential for browning sausage and sautéing vegetables with perfect heat control.
  • Large mixing bowl: Spacious container for combining all stuffing ingredients thoroughly.
  • Muffin tin: Crucial for creating individual, perfectly portioned stuffing bites.
  • Butter knife: Helpful tool for gently removing stuffing bites from muffin cups.
  • Measuring cups: Precise for measuring chicken broth and other ingredients.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.

How to Prep and Bake Stuffing Bites the Easy Way

  • Bread Preparation

Spread bread cubes on a sheet pan and toast lightly in the oven until edges turn golden. Let cool completely.

  • Sausage and Vegetable Base

Brown Italian sausage in a skillet, then transfer to a mixing bowl. In the same pan, sauté onions and celery with herbs until soft and fragrant.

  • Mixture Creation

Combine toasted bread cubes, cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, and seasonings. Gently fold in eggs and chicken broth until mixture holds together.

  • Baking Process

Carefully fill muffin cups with stuffing mixture. Bake in a preheated oven until edges are crispy and tops are beautifully golden brown.

  • Serving

Gently remove stuffing bites from muffin tin using a butter knife. Serve warm as a delightful appetizer or side dish that will impress your guests.

Tips to Add Crunch or Cream to Stuffing Bites

  • Bread Texture Magic: Toast bread cubes lightly to create a perfect crispy exterior while maintaining a soft inner core for these delightful stuffing bites.
  • Sausage Swap Trick: Experiment with different meat options like ground turkey, chorizo, or even vegetarian sausage to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Make-Ahead Marvel: Prepare the stuffing mixture up to a day in advance and store covered in the refrigerator, which helps develop deeper flavor and saves precious cooking time on busy days.
  • Herb Garden Boost: Play with fresh herb combinations by adding rosemary, parsley, or thyme to elevate the aromatic profile and create a unique flavor signature for your stuffing bites.
  • Crispy Topping Hack: Sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese or breadcrumbs on top before baking to achieve an extra golden and crunchy surface that adds irresistible texture.

Serving Stuffing Bites as Snacks or Sides

  • Festive Party Platter: Arrange these golden stuffing bites on a rustic wooden board with sprigs of fresh rosemary and cranberry sauce for dipping, creating an eye-catching appetizer that'll wow your guests.
  • Holiday Breakfast Buddy: Serve alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a hearty morning meal that transforms traditional stuffing into a delightful breakfast companion.
  • Thanksgiving Leftover Remix: Slice these bites in half and create mini sandwiches with leftover turkey, cranberry spread, and a touch of gravy for a creative post-holiday lunch treat.
  • Cocktail Hour Star: Pair these crispy stuffing bites with a classic autumn cocktail like an apple martini or spiced old-fashioned, making them perfect finger food for elegant gatherings.

Storing and Reheating Stuffing Bites for Later

  • Smart Portioning: Divide stuffing bites into individual servings using airtight containers for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week.
  • Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Cool completely, then freeze in sealed freezer bags for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen at 350 degrees F for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
  • Refrigeration Tactics: Store leftover stuffing bites in sealed containers for 3-4 days. Maintain crispness by reheating in a toaster oven or air fryer instead of microwave.
  • Prep-Ahead Wisdom: Assemble stuffing bites a day before baking and refrigerate overnight. This technique allows flavors to meld and saves precious cooking time during busy meal preparations.
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Crispy Stuffing Bites Recipe

Crispy Stuffing Bites Recipe


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4.8 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Mouthwatering stuffing bites blend classic Thanksgiving flavors into crispy appetizer perfection. Golden-brown edges and creamy interiors make guests crave these irresistible party snacks you’ll want to savor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (226 g) Italian sausage, removed from casing
  • 8 cups (1.89 L) white bread, cubed
  • 1.5 cups (354 mL) low-sodium chicken stock
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • ½ yellow onion, finely diced
  • 4 celery stalks, finely diced
  • 6 large fresh sage leaves, minced
  • 6 sprigs of fresh thyme, minced
  • 2 tsps (10 mL) olive oil
  • Kosher salt
  • ½ tsp freshly ground pepper

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F and lightly grease a muffin tin with butter or cooking spray.
  2. Bread Toasting: Spread bread cubes on a sheet pan, toasting until golden, approximately 10 minutes. Cool completely after removing from oven.
  3. Meat Preparation: Brown Italian sausage in a skillet until fully cooked, transferring to a large mixing bowl. In the same skillet, sauté onions and celery with olive oil, adding sage, thyme, and black pepper until vegetables are fragrant and tender.
  4. Mixture Assembly: Combine toasted bread cubes, cooked sausage, and seasoned vegetables. Whisk eggs separately, then fold into the mixture to create a moist, cohesive stuffing.
  5. Filling and Baking: Pack the stuffing mixture firmly into muffin cups, pressing gently to create compact bites. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until the surface develops a rich golden-brown crust with crisp edges.
  6. Serving: Allow stuffing bites to rest briefly after removing from oven. Gently extract from muffin tin using a butter knife and serve warm as an appetizing side dish or standalone bite-sized treat.

Notes

  • Bread Selection Matters: Choose day-old or slightly stale bread for optimal texture and better absorption of flavors and moisture.
  • Sausage Seasoning Tip: Select a well-seasoned Italian sausage to enhance the overall depth and richness of the stuffing bites.
  • Moisture Management: Avoid overmixing the stuffing to prevent dense, tough bites; gentle folding ensures a light, tender result.
  • Storage Strategy: These stuffing bites can be prepared ahead and refrigerated, then reheated in the oven for a crispy exterior and warm center.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 154
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 280 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 37 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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