Bacon-wrapped stuffing bites turn Thanksgiving leftovers into an appetizer, except you don’t have to wait until after the holiday to make them! All you have to do is make your stuffing into balls, wrap them in bacon, and bake until the bacon gets crispy and the stuffing inside stays soft. They’re basically all the best parts of Thanksgiving dinner in one bite.
I started making these because I always have leftover stuffing and never know what to do with it, besides reheating it as a side dish nobody asks for. Wrapping it in bacon and serving it as an appetizer solves that problem while also making people think you’re more creative than you actually are.
Now that I know how good these are, I make these year-round; after all, there is no need to wait for leftovers! Make a simple box of store-bought stuffing, and you can enjoy these anytime.
The bacon does two things here. It holds everything together so the stuffing doesn’t fall apart, and it adds that salty, crispy contrast against the soft center. You get texture in every bite, not just a mushy ball of bread. That’s what makes these worth making instead of just serving stuffing on a plate!
I’ll show you exactly how to make this simple and delicious appetizer. Plus, I’ve included some helpful tips to make sure they turn out amazing every single time!
Looking for more easy appetizers? Try my recipes for Rotel sausage balls, stuffed meatballs, or baked buffalo chicken dip.
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Ingredient Notes
For exact amounts needed see the recipe card below
- Stuffing mix: Any brand of boxed stuffing mix works well here.
- Butter
- Bacon
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Stuffing Bites
- Start by making the stuffing according to the package directions, using the butter and water. This usually takes about 5 minutes. Let it cool completely.
- While the stuffing cools, cut each strip of bacon in half crosswise. You’ll end up with 16 shorter pieces, perfect for wrapping.
- Once the stuffing has cooled, scoop out about 1-ounce portions (about 2 tablespoons) and roll into balls. I like to use a small cookie scoop to keep them uniform.
- Place each stuffing ball at one end of a half-strip of bacon. Roll it up, making sure the bacon wraps completely around. Secure with a toothpick, pushing it through the center.
- Place the wrapped bites on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven. Bake for 20-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You want the bacon to be crispy on all sides.
- These are best enjoyed warm, right from the oven. I usually place them on a paper towel-lined plate for a minute to absorb any excess bacon grease before serving.
Serving Ideas
I love serving these bacon-wrapped stuffing balls at holiday parties because they combine two favorite foods into one perfect bite-sized appetizer.
These tasty bites pair wonderfully with:
- A cranberry dipping sauce for a holiday twist
- Ranch dressing
- Honey mustard sauce
- As part of a larger appetizer spread with cheese and crackers
- Alongside other party snacks like meatballs or wings
How to Store
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Tips & Tricks
Be sure to check out the step by step instructions
- Let the stuffing cool completely before shaping. It doesn’t roll well when it is warm.
- I use a cookie scoop (about 1 ounce) to measure the stuffing balls.
- Regular-cut bacon is the way to go here. Thick-cut takes forever to crisp up and can leave your stuffing dried out.
- When inserting toothpicks, go all the way through the stuffing ball for maximum stability. Nothing’s worse than trying to flip these halfway through cooking and having them fall apart!
Reader Questions
You can prepare the stuffing a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. However, I recommend wrapping the bacon around the stuffing balls just before baking for the best results. I’ve tried making them completely ahead, and the bacon doesn’t stay as crispy.
If you’re having trouble keeping the bacon wrapped, try stretching it slightly before wrapping. The slight stretch helps it cling better to the stuffed ball. And don’t skip the toothpick!
The bacon should be crispy and golden brown all around. If you’re unsure, it’s better to cook them a little longer than to serve them with undercooked bacon.
Absolutely! Just make sure it’s not too moist or the balls won’t hold their shape.
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Bacon-Wrapped Stuffing Bites Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups stuffing mix 1 box
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 ½ cup water
- 8 strips bacon thin-cut
Instructions
- Prepare stuffing according to the box and cool. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.2 cups stuffing mix, ¼ cup butter, 1 ½ cup water
- Cut each strip of bacon in half.8 strips bacon
- Scoop an ounce of cooled stuffing and roll it into a ball.
- Put the ball on top of a half piece of bacon. Wrap the bacon around the ball and secure it with a toothpick.
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, turning the stuffing bites over halfway through so the bacon is fully cooked.
Notes
- Let the stuffing cool completely before shaping. It doesn’t roll well when it is warm.
- I use a cookie scoop (about 1 ounce) to measure the stuffing balls.
- Regular-cut bacon is the way to go here. Thick-cut takes forever to crisp up and can leave your stuffing dried out.
- When inserting toothpicks, go all the way through the stuffing ball for maximum stability.
- You can prepare the stuffing a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. However, I recommend wrapping the bacon around the stuffing balls just before baking for the best results.
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Nutrition Information
Nutrition facts are estimates.
