Kittencal's Cranberry Sausage Stuffing Balls Recipe

"Amounts may be doubled leaving the garlic amount the same, a small amount of dried sage may be added is desired, plan ahead the mixture must be chilled for a minimum of 2 hours before shaping into balls, make certain to crumble the pork very finely while browning, also make certain to finely chop the onion and celery, it will make shaping the balls easier, the yield is only estimated it will depend on the size you shape the balls, the balls may be shapes and refrigerated up to 24 hours ahead"

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Remove the sausage from casings, then place the sausage in a skillet; brown over medium heat breaking up the meat into very small pieces while cooking (about 8 minutes) set aside.

Step 2

Melt 3 tablespoons butter in the same skillet; add in onion and celery and sauté for about 5-6 minutes or until very soft (adding in the garlic the last 2 minutes of cooking).

Step 3

Add in the cooked sausage back to the skillet then add in the chicken broth; bring just to a simmer scraping up any browned bits in the bottom of the skillet then place the sausage/onion mixture into a large bowl.

Step 4

Add in the stuffing mixture packet along with the chopped cranberries, Parmesan cheese and eggs; mix until well combined.

Step 5

Season with lots of black pepper and a little salt.

Step 6

Using moistened hands form the mixture into small even balls and place the balls into a shallow greased casserole dish.

Step 7

If you find that the mixture is too moist and will not hold together well just add in a little dried bread crumbs, if it is too dry add in more broth or water, add in just enough to hold the balls together when shaped.

Step 8

Brush or drizzle the balls with melted butter.

Step 9

At this point you can cover the balls and refrigerate for up to 24 hours to bake later. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 10

Bake covered loosely with foil or bake uncovered (the balls with be more crispy on the outside if baked uncovered) for about 12-15 minutes (the baking time will vary slightly, it will depend on the size you shape the balls