Joeley'S Bacon Roll-Ups
Savory bacon-wrapped spinach and sausage balls with cheesy stuffing, perfect for appetizer platters or casual gatherings, offering a delightful combination of smoky, cheesy, and herbaceous flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/4 lb. butter ⓘ
- 1/3 cup water ⓘ
- 2 cups herb seasoned stuffing mix ⓘ
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 2 lb. spinach or 2 (10 oz.) packages frozen chopped spinach, cooked and well drained
- 1/2 lb. highly seasoned sausage, uncooked and chopped ⓘ
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 to 3/4 lb. bacon slices, cut into thirds ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt butter in water in a saucepan. Remove from heat.
- Stir in stuffing mix, then add remaining ingredients except bacon.
- Chill the mixture for 1 hour.
- Shape the chilled mixture into balls.
- Wrap each dressing ball with a piece of bacon cut into thirds.
- Place the bacon-wrapped balls on an aluminum foil-lined shallow baking pan with bacon touching the foil.
- Bake at 375°F for 35 minutes, turning once during baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider using smoked bacon to enhance the dish's richness. If you don't have herb seasoned stuffing mix, you can create your own by combining plain stuffing with dried herbs like thyme and sage. Make sure to drain the spinach thoroughly to avoid a soggy texture. These roll-ups can also be made ahead and frozen before baking for a quick appetizer later.
Serving Suggestions
These bacon roll-ups are perfect as a party appetizer or game day snack. They pair beautifully with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. For a complete meal, serve with a fresh salad or alongside other appetizers like Baked Ham Appetizers. Enjoy them hot for the best flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bacon roll-ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This will help maintain their crispy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Joeley'S Bacon Roll-Ups contains roughly 61 calories, with 1g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 5g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Parmesan?
Yes, you can substitute Parmesan with other cheeses such as mozzarella or cheddar for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that it may alter the texture and overall taste of the roll-ups, but they'll still be delicious.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and consider adding more vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers. You could also use a plant-based sausage substitute to keep the original flavor while making it suitable for vegetarians.
Can I prepare these roll-ups in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and shape the balls a day ahead. Store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to wrap them in bacon and bake. This saves time and makes them a great option for parties or gatherings.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).