Genius Holiday Stuffing Bites

By Food & Wine

Since stuffing is one of the most popular parts of a Thanksgiving meal, try doing it as fun little hors d'oeuvre bites. Thanksgiving Hors d'Oeuvres

Sausage-and-Apple Stuffing Bites
Sausage-and-Apple Stuffing Bites

Sausage-and-Apple Stuffing Bites
INGREDIENTS
Vegetable cooking spray
4 ounces white country bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (3 cups)
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
Freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2/3 cup finely chopped onion
2/3 cup finely chopped celery
1/2 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
6 garlic cloves, finely chopped
3/4 teaspoon dried sage
1 small Granny Smith apple, peeled and finely chopped
4 large eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons chicken broth

DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Grease two 12-cup mini-muffin pans with cooking spray.
2. On a baking sheet, toss the bread with 2 tablespoons of the oil; season with salt and pepper. Bake for about 10 minutes, until toasted. Transfer the croutons to a bowl.
3. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, melt the butter in the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil. Add the onion and celery and cook over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 5 minutes. Add the sausage, garlic and sage and cook, stirring and breaking up the meat, until no trace of pink remains, 5 minutes. Mix the sausage, apple, eggs and broth into the croutons; season with salt and pepper. Let stand for 5 minutes.
4. Pack the stuffing into the muffin cups and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden. Transfer to a rack and let stand for 5 minutes. Loosen the muffins with a sharp paring knife and lift them out. Serve warm.

Make Ahead The muffins can be refrigerated overnight in the pans. Rewarm before serving.

More from Food & Wine
Best Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipes
Incredible Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Make-Ahead Hors d'Oeuvres for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving for a Crowd
Ultimate Guide to Thanksgiving Entertaining