Name: Bite-Sized Sausage Stuffing Cups for Holidays
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb mild or spicy ground sausage; 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter; 1 small onion, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried sage (or 1 tablespoon fresh); 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh); ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 4 cups cubed day-old bread (white or sourdough); 1 ½ cups chicken or turkey broth; 1 large egg, beaten; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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Meet your new holiday hero: Mini Sausage Stuffing Cups! This recipe is the ultimate Description of how a classic can be reinvented into the cutest, most satisfying bite-sized bundles of savory joy. Imagine golden muffin-sized portions brimming with flavorful sausage, aromatic herbs, and perfectly toasted bread, all held together for easy serving and sharing. This Description transforms the beloved stuffing side dish into a crave-able appetizer or crowd-pleasing side, making every gathering just a little more delightful. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a party, these mini stuffing cups promise flavor, nostalgia, and a perfect excuse to go back for seconds…and thirds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Description is in its simplicity—each ingredient brings its own magic to the mix, ensuring every bite is packed with taste, texture, and that irresistible holiday feeling. There’s nothing fancy here, just wholesome, pantry-friendly staples working together to create something truly special.

Ground Sausage: Brings savory richness and hearty flavor, the star that ties the stuffing cups together.
Olive oil or butter: Helps sauté the veggies, adding both depth and a touch of silkiness.
Onion: Gives sweet, aromatic undertones that melt into the background but bring every bite to life.
Celery: Adds a classic crunch and unmistakable stuffing flavor, balancing the richness of the sausage.
Garlic: Delivers a warm, subtle kick that makes this Description especially mouthwatering.
Dried sage (or fresh): The quintessential holiday herb, it infuses the cups with earthy, nostalgic notes.
Dried thyme (or fresh): Layers in that unmistakable warmth, rounding out the flavor profile beautifully.
Salt: Essential for brightening every ingredient and letting the other flavors shine.
Black pepper: Adds just the right hint of mild heat without overpowering the dish.
Day-old bread cubes: The heart and texture of the stuffing—perfectly absorbing all that delicious broth and flavor.
Chicken or turkey broth: Moistens the bread and ties everything together with savory goodness.
Large egg: Binds the mixture so your mini cups hold together perfectly.
Fresh parsley: For a burst of vibrant color and freshness to finish off these delightful Description bites.

How to Make

Step 1: Prep Your Tools and Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a muffin tin—you want those stuffing cups to pop out easily when they’re done. Dice your onion and celery, mince your garlic, cube your bread, and have your sausage and other pantry staples ready. Getting everything prepped ahead makes the next steps a breeze and keeps your kitchen running smoothly.

Step 2: Sizzle Up the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until nicely browned and crumbly. Transfer it to a roomy bowl with a slotted spoon so any extra fat stays behind. This step is where the hearty, savory foundation of your Description takes shape—be generous and make sure you really break up the sausage as it cooks for even bites in every cup.

Step 3: Soften the Vegetables

Using the same skillet (and all the lovely sausage fond left behind), add your olive oil or butter. Sauté the onion and celery for about five minutes, just until soft and aromatic. Toss in the garlic, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper, and cook for one more minute. This is where those irresistible holiday smells start wafting through your kitchen!

Step 4: Mix It All Together

Scrape the cooked veggies and herbs into the bowl with your sausage. Fold in the bread cubes gently so you don’t squish them—then pour in your broth, stirring until the bread is just moistened but not soggy. Blend in the beaten egg and chopped parsley, ensuring the mixture is evenly combined. This Description step is all about building layers of flavor and moisture so your cups hold together and taste amazing.

Step 5: Fill and Bake

Spoon the stuffing mixture evenly into your greased muffin tin, pressing gently so each cup is nicely packed but not overly tight. Pop them into the oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and delightfully crispy. Let the cups cool just enough to handle before gently running a knife around each and popping them onto a platter—now they’re ready for the spotlight!

How to Serve

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a little extra sage on top brings color and a final, aromatic flourish to your Mini Sausage Stuffing Cups. For a fancier touch, you can even add a few dried cranberries or tiny curls of lemon zest. The Description is all about presenting these tasty bites like precious gems—they deserve to look as special as they taste!

Side Dishes

Serve these stuffing cups alongside roast turkey, glazed ham, or prime rib for a classic holiday feast. They also pair beautifully with lighter sides like green salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, or cranberry sauce—the Description here is to add variety and color to your table, letting everyone mix and match their favorite bites.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, try arranging the cups on a wooden board with toothpicks or festive napkins for easy grabbing. You can even serve them as open-faced sliders with a dollop of cranberry relish. The Description of these cups as both an appetizer and a side dish means you’re free to get creative—stack them, serve with mini forks, or plate them with seasonal garnishes for serious wow-factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Mini Sausage Stuffing Cups keep surprisingly well. Simply pop any extras into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to three days. The Description here is that the flavors actually deepen as they sit, making tomorrow’s snack just as irresistible as the main event!

Freezing

To freeze, allow the stuffing cups to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge—this Description trick means you can prep ahead for busy holidays or unexpected gatherings.

Reheating

To reheat, just place the cups on a baking sheet and warm at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. A quick mist or brush of broth before reheating keeps them extra moist. This Description ensures your stuffing cups stay crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, just like when first baked.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! Mild, spicy, sweet Italian, or even chicken sausage all work. Every version brings a slightly different flavor twist, so use your favorite to personalize the Description to your taste.

What bread is best for stuffing cups?

Day-old white or sourdough bread is ideal because it holds up to the broth without getting mushy. For extra flair, try cornbread cubes for a Southern Description, or your favorite hearty country loaf for rustic texture.

Can these be made ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble the cups up to a day in advance, cover them well, and refrigerate. Just bake when you’re ready to serve—making this Description an effortless part of your entertaining routine.

Are Mini Sausage Stuffing Cups gluten-free?

They can be! Swap in your favorite gluten-free bread and double-check that your sausage and broth are also gluten-free. This Description adapts beautifully for guests with dietary restrictions.

How do I keep the cups from sticking to the muffin tin?

Generously grease the muffin tin with oil, butter, or nonstick spray, and allow the cups to cool for a few minutes before removing. For extra insurance, you can line the cups with parchment paper or silicone liners. With these tips, the Description of sticking won’t be a problem at all!

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably special about a recipe that brings people together, and these Mini Sausage Stuffing Cups are a Description you’ll want to share again and again. Whether you’re planning a big holiday meal or a friendly get-together, this fun, flavorful twist on classic stuffing promises to be the hit of the table. Give the Description a try and watch everyone reach for just one more!