Bacon-Wrapped Stuffing Balls

My family loves these. They can be served as an appetizer or a side dish. They can be stuffed with sliced Italian sausage, chunks of cheese, or other small savory treats.

• Preparation Time: 25 mins
• Cooking Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 50 mins
• Calories: 259 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 egg, beaten
• ½ cup chopped onion (Optional)
• 1 teaspoon olive oil (Optional)
• ½ cup chopped red bell pepper (Optional)
• ½ cup chopped celery (Optional)
• 2 cups stuffing mix (such as Kraft® Stove Top®)
• ½ (8 ounce) package softened cream cheese, cut into chunks
• ¼ cup softened butter, cut into chunks
• ⅔ cup very hot water
• ⅔ cup bread crumbs, or as needed
• 6 slices bacon, or more to taste (Optional)

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Step 2

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add red bell pepper, celery, and onion; cook and stir until softened, 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 3

Combine stuffing mix, cream cheese, butter, and beaten egg in a large bowl; add hot water and mix well until incorporated. Let sit until liquid is absorbed, about 10 minutes. Stir in red bell pepper mixture. Shape into 1-inch balls.

Step 4

Place bread crumbs in a shallow dish. Roll balls in bread crumbs; arrange them on a baking sheet. Flatten slightly into patties. Wrap patties in bacon.

Step 5

Bake in the preheated oven until bottoms are browned and crisp, about 10 minutes. Flip and continue baking until crisp on top, about 10 minutes more.