Stuffing Poppers

• servings: 30 servings
• active time: 35 minutes
• total time: 55 minutes

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 lb bulk sausage

1 (8-oz) package trinity mix (fresh diced onion, bell pepper, and celery)

2 1/2 cups no-salt-added chicken broth (or stock)

1 (14-oz) bag classic stuffing mix

Nonstick aluminum foil

4 oz aged cheddar cheese, diced

2 eggs, beaten (or 1/2 cup egg substitute)

Cranberry sauce, optional for dipping

Directions

Preheat large sauté pan on medium-high 2–3 minutes. Pour oil in pan, then add sausage and cook 8–10 minutes, stirring to crumble, or until no pink remains. Add trinity mix to pan; cook 2–3 minutes or until vegetables soften. Add broth and stuffing mix to pan; cook 3–4 minutes or until stuffing has absorbed liquid. Remove pan from heat and let stand to cool. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line baking sheet with foil. Cut cheese into 30 (1/4-inch) cubes. Beat eggs in medium bowl; stir in cooled stuffing mixture. Form (or scoop) mixture into 30 (1 1/2-inch) balls, then press an indentation into center of each ball. Place 1 cheese cube into indentation and form stuffing around cheese to seal. Arrange poppers on baking sheet; bake 18–20 minutes or until lightly browned and sausage is 165°F. Serve poppers with cranberry sauce on the side (if using). (Makes 30 servings.)

Nutrition

• Calories: 130