Looking to elevate your Thanksgiving or holiday dinner? Stuffing Balls are a fun and delicious variation of the classic stuffing recipe, offering the same savory flavors in a perfectly bite-sized form. These easy-to-make stuffing balls are ideal for serving a crowd and can be prepared ahead of time, making them a convenient option for any festive meal. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or bringing a dish to a potluck, stuffing balls are sure to be a hit.
What Are Stuffing Balls?
Stuffing balls are a creative take on traditional stuffing. Instead of baking the stuffing in a casserole dish, you form it into individual balls and bake them until golden brown. This gives each serving a crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior. The best part? You can customize the stuffing mixture with your favorite ingredients, from sausage and herbs to cranberries and nuts, making them as savory or sweet as you like.
Why You’ll Love This Stuffing Balls Recipe
- Perfectly Bite-Sized: These stuffing balls are a great option for easy serving and portion control. Guests can grab them with tongs or fingers without the need for a plate and fork.
- Crispy and Tender: The outside of each ball becomes crispy and golden while the inside remains moist and flavorful.
- Versatile: This recipe is easily customizable to suit your tastes. Add sausage for a savory touch or dried fruit and nuts for a sweeter variation.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffing balls in advance and bake them on the day of your event, saving you time in the kitchen.
Ingredients for Stuffing Balls
To make these delicious stuffing balls, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 loaf of bread (cubed, preferably stale or toasted)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 celery stalks (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg (to bind the mixture together)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (optional, for added flavor)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional, for a savory touch)
How to Make Stuffing Balls
- Prepare the Bread: If you haven’t already, cube your bread and let it dry out for a few hours or toast it lightly in the oven. This helps it absorb the liquid without becoming too soggy.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and garlic, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the dried sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cubed bread, sautéed vegetables, and any optional ingredients like parsley or Parmesan. Pour in the chicken broth and toss everything together until the bread is evenly moistened.
- Form the Balls: Once the mixture is well combined, beat the egg and stir it into the stuffing mixture. Use your hands to form the mixture into 1 to 2-inch balls. If the mixture is too dry, add a bit more broth. Place the stuffing balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the stuffing balls for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on the outside and cooked through. You can also brush them with a little melted butter before baking for an extra golden finish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the stuffing balls cool slightly before serving. They’re perfect as a side dish or appetizer!
Tips for the Perfect Stuffing Balls
- Stale Bread Works Best: Stale or toasted bread absorbs the liquid better than fresh bread, resulting in a better texture for your stuffing balls.
- Add-ins: Customize your stuffing balls by adding cooked sausage, bacon, dried cranberries, or chopped apples for added flavor.
- Make It Vegetarian: Skip the chicken broth and sausage to make this a vegetarian-friendly dish.
- Prep Ahead: Prepare the stuffing balls ahead of time by assembling them and storing them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This makes holiday meal prep much easier.
Conclusion
Stuffing balls are an exciting twist on a classic favorite, combining the comforting flavors of traditional stuffing with the convenience of individual servings. Whether you’re serving them alongside turkey or as a standalone dish, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. This recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to get creative with your ingredients. Make them ahead of time, bake them fresh, and watch them disappear in no time. Enjoy the crispy, savory goodness of stuffing balls at your next family gathering, holiday feast, or special occasion!
Serving and Storage Tips for Stuffing Balls
Serving Tips
- Serve as a Side Dish or Appetizer: Stuffing balls are versatile, making them a great addition to any meal. Serve them alongside your Thanksgiving turkey, roasted meats, or as a standalone appetizer at holiday parties or potlucks.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or sage on top of the stuffing balls before serving for a burst of color and flavor. A drizzle of gravy or cranberry sauce can also complement the savory taste.
- Pairing with Sauces: Consider serving your stuffing balls with a side of gravy, cranberry sauce, or even a tangy mustard dip. The rich flavors of the stuffing balls pair beautifully with these condiments.
- Warm or Room Temperature: Stuffing balls can be served warm straight from the oven or at room temperature, making them ideal for buffet-style meals and parties where guests serve themselves.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: To freeze the stuffing balls, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for a few hours. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating:
- Oven: To reheat, place the stuffing balls on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. For an extra crispy finish, broil for the last 1-2 minutes.
- Microwave: For quicker reheating, use the microwave in 30-second intervals, but note that they may lose some of their crispiness.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the stuffing balls ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them before baking. When you’re ready to serve, bake them as directed, adding a few extra minutes if they are coming straight from the fridge or freezer.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your stuffing balls for days after your meal and ensure they stay delicious whether served warm or cold!
1. Can I use store-bought stuffing mix for stuffing balls?
Yes, you can use store-bought stuffing mix to save time. Just follow the package instructions to prepare the stuffing, then shape it into balls and bake. Keep in mind that homemade stuffing adds more flavor and texture, but the mix is a great option for a quicker version.
2. Can I make stuffing balls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the stuffing mixture a day or two ahead, shape the balls, and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Alternatively, you can freeze the raw stuffing balls and bake them from frozen—just allow for extra baking time.
3. How do I prevent my stuffing balls from falling apart?
To help the stuffing balls hold together, make sure you use enough liquid (broth or egg) to bind the ingredients. If the mixture is too dry, add a little more broth until it’s moist but not soggy. Additionally, pressing the balls firmly while shaping them can help keep them intact during baking.
4. Can I make stuffing balls vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make stuffing balls vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skipping any meat add-ins like sausage or bacon. You can also add vegetables, nuts, or cranberries for added texture and flavor.
Stuffing Balls Recipe
Stuffing balls are a delightful twist on traditional stuffing, offering bite-sized portions that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. These savory balls can be customized with additional ingredients like sausage or dried fruits to suit your holiday table. Serve as a side for turkey, chicken, or any roast dinner.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 15–20 stuffing balls 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 cups dried bread cubes
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tsp poultry seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
Instructions
- Prepare Bread Base: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread bread cubes on a baking sheet to dry out, or prepare in advance by leaving the cubes out overnight.
- Cook Vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add celery and onions, cooking until soft (about 5 minutes).
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk eggs with chicken broth, then add cooked vegetables, poultry seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley. Stir in the bread cubes until moistened.
- Shape and Bake: Roll the mixture into 2-inch balls and place on a greased baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and firm, reaching an internal temperature of 160°F.
Notes
- Add-ins: Try adding sausage, grated apple, or dried cranberries for variations.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.