Looking for an easy, hassle free stuffing recipe you can make in advance? Look no further than these sausagemeat, sage and cranberry stuffing balls!
I believe that all the little “extra” side dishes make Christmas dinner truly exceptional, and stuffing is no exception. It just wouldn’t feel right without it!
I have 3 favourite recipes – Nigella Lawson’s amazing gingerbread stuffing, chestnut stuffing (recipe coming soon!) and this sausagemeat, sage and cranberry stuffing.
I’ve always been a fan of the sage and onion combination and when you throw sausagemeat into the mix, that’s pretty much my idea of heaven.
Cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves in the form of ground allspice (not to be confused with mixed spice!) adds a little warmth and dried cranberries add a fruity festive touch.
I love the way the cranberries peek out of the stuffing balls, shining like little jewels. Perfect for your Christmas dinner!
make in advance
To make this stuffing ahead of time, simply make the stuffing mix up and roll into balls. Place the uncooked stuffing in an airtight container or dish wrapped in cling film and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
When you’re ready to cook the stuffing, remove the stuffing from the fridge for about 15 minutes or so before cooking. Make sure the stuffing is golden and piping hot before serving.
Not a fan of cranberries?
If cranberries aren’t your thing, then some chopped dried apricots would be a good alternative.
More Christmas dishes –
Easy Brined Roast Turkey Crown
Rolled turkey breast with apricot and cranberry stuffing
Honey Mustard Roasted parsnips & carrots
More delicious side dishes
Brussels sprouts with pancetta and chestnuts
Perfect, HUGE Yorkshire Puddings
Pin these sausagemeat, sage and cranberry stuffing balls for later…
Sausagemeat Sage and Cranberry Stuffing Balls
These sausagemeat, sage and cranberry stuffing balls make a delicious accompaniment to your Christmas dinner - you can make the stuffing mix 24 hours in advance to save time on the big day!
Ingredients
- 25g butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 450g good quality sausagemeat
- 1 medium egg
- 2 tablespoon fresh chopped sage, or 2 teaspoons dried
- 150g fresh white breadcrumbs
- 50g dried Cranberries
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- Good grinding of freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Heat the butter and oil in a small pan. Add the onion and cook for about 10 minutes or until softened.
- Add the ground allspice and cook for a further minute. Set aside to cool down a little.
- Preheat the oven to 200C/180Fan/400F.
- In a large bowl, combine the sausagemeat, egg, sage, breadcrumbs, cranberries, salt and pepper. Add the cooled onion mixture.
- Wet your hands (I find it so much easier to roll them if my hands are slightly wet) and roll the mixture into balls.
- Place the stuffing balls on a greased baking tin and bake for 30-35 minutes until cooked through, golden and piping hot.
Notes
If you prefer, you can make this stuffing in a greased 22cm baking tin for 40-45 minutes. Â
If making ahead, prepare the stuffing mix as directed, place into a sealable container and chill for up to 24 hours in advance. Â
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 15 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 79Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 230mgCarbohydrates: 11gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 2g
Calories and Nutritional information are provided by a third party application and should be used as a rough guide only.
Yes please to these! I much prefer individual balls of stuffing and some great flavours in these.
Thanks Claire!
Nikki, this looks deliciously straightforward and great with not only Christmas food but a winter buffet, too 🙂
This looks deliciously simple and straightforward, and would be perfect for a winter buffet, too 🙂
This looks amazing! I want some, if not all of it right now.
This is such a delicious and festive idea!
Ooh another recipe I’ve been looking for, thanks Nikki I think my family will love these stuffing balls!
Thank you Kellie – yes they would make great finger food for a buffet, maybe with a spicy ketchup!
Thank you! ?
Thank you so much! Merry Christmas ? x
You’re welcome Lucy, I hope you enjoy them! Merry Christmas ?
These look delicious! I will definitely try them.
I hope you like them!
Will this freeze before cooking?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked stuffing balls and cook from frozen – just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.