Crispy bacon-wrapped stuffing balls made with Stove Top or your favorite homemade stuffing. These savory bites are an easy make-ahead holiday appetizer or a crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving side that disappears fast.
A few years ago we went to a Christmas potluck hosted by a friendly Irish couple. When the turkey emerged from the oven, it was covered in bacon—and the stuffing had been rolled into balls and wrapped in bacon too. That first bite of bacon-topped turkey and stuffing won us over, and the idea stuck. These bacon-wrapped stuffing bites are my take on that delicious tradition.
They make a terrific make-ahead appetizer or a savory holiday side. You can use boxed stuffing like Stove Top for a shortcut or prepare your favorite homemade dressing. Wrap each portion in bacon, bake until golden and crisp, and serve warm. Bacon really does elevate simple stuffing into an irresistible finger food.
Why You’ll Love These Bacon-Wrapped Stuffing Bites
- All your guests love the classic combo of bacon and stuffing.
- Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, holiday parties, or potlucks.
- Make them ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Works with either homemade dressing or boxed stuffing for convenience.
- Versatile—serve as a side dish or as bite-sized appetizers.
Ingredients for this Recipe
For best results, prepare your stuffing so it’s cohesive enough to shape into balls. You can use an old-fashioned homemade stuffing or a boxed variety such as Stove Top.
- Prepared stuffing (old-fashioned homemade stuffing or 1 box Stove Top, rehydrated and cooled)
- Bacon slices (6 slices cut in half for about 12 bites)
- Nonstick spray or parchment paper for the baking sheet
Tip: About 3 cups of prepared Stove Top stuffing yields roughly 12 bites.
Step-by-Step Instructions
These directions are straightforward—shape, wrap, and bake. The full printable-style recipe card appears below for quick reference.
Helpful Tips
- Make the bites a day ahead: shape them, cover, and refrigerate until you are ready to bake.
- Try to keep each ball the same size so they cook evenly.
- If you have extra bacon, you can drape it across the turkey or ham before roasting—the Irish way!
- Stoneware or metal pans tend to crisp the bacon faster than glass; if using glass, allow extra baking time to get a crispy finish.
- For extra crispiness, increase the oven to 400°F (204°C) for the final 5–10 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Turn each bite halfway through baking to help them brown evenly and get crisp on all sides.
Substitutions and Variations
- Stir dried cranberries, chopped apples, or toasted pecans into the stuffing for a sweet-savory twist.
- Add a small cube of cheese to the center before wrapping for a melty surprise.
- Serve on toothpicks with homemade or canned cranberry sauce for dipping to present them as appetizers.
What to Serve with These Bites
These bacon-wrapped stuffing balls pair beautifully with roasted turkey or ham, creamy mashed potatoes, baked vegetable casseroles, and warm dinner rolls. They also work well on a holiday appetizer spread alongside cheese boards and veggie platters.
Save time on a busy holiday by making these ahead and finishing them in the oven just before guests arrive. They keep well in the refrigerator and reheat nicely in a hot oven to restore crispness.
Bacon Wrapped Stuffing Balls – Recipe Card
Ingredients
- 3 cups prepared stuffing (homemade or 1 box Stove Top)
- 6 slices bacon, cut in half (12 half-strips)
- Nonstick spray or parchment paper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll the prepared stuffing into 12 compact balls, about 2–3 inches each. If the mixture is too loose, chill briefly to firm up.
- Wrap each ball with a half slice of bacon, placing the seam side down to secure the bacon.
- Arrange the wrapped balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a stoneware dish. Spray lightly with nonstick spray if desired.
- Bake for 30–45 minutes, turning halfway, until the bacon is cooked through and crisp. For extra crispiness, increase oven temperature to 400°F for the final 5–10 minutes while watching carefully.
- Serve warm as an appetizer or as part of your holiday side dishes.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1
Calories: 124 | Total Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Unsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 336mg | Carbohydrates: 10g | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 1g | Protein: 3g
If you try this recipe, serve them warm and watch them vanish—these bacon-wrapped stuffing balls are a guaranteed hit for holiday gatherings. They’re easy to adapt, simple to prepare, and offer that crave-worthy combination of savory stuffing and crispy bacon that guests will ask for again and again.
