Bacon-Wrapped Stuffing Balls

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon olive oil , Optional
• 0.5 cups chopped red bell pepper , Optional
• 0.5 cups chopped celery , Optional
• 0.5 cups chopped onion , Optional
• 2 cups stuffing mix , such as Kraft® Stove Top®
• 0.5 packages softened cream cheese , 8 ounce
• 0.25 cups softened butter , cut into chunks
• 1 egg , beaten
• 0.67 cups very hot water
• 0.67 cups bread crumbs , or as needed
• 6 slices bacon , Optional

Instructions

1. 1

   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.

2. 2

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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.