Stuffing Balls are a fun, bite-sized twist on traditional stuffing. They’re packed with all the savory flavors of stuffing—bread, herbs, and seasonings—and baked into crispy, golden balls. Perfect as a side dish for the holidays or as a unique appetizer for any gathering!
Here’s a simple recipe for Stuffing Balls:
Stuffing Balls Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf (about 8 cups) day-old bread (white, whole wheat, or a mix of both), cubed
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried sage (or 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (adjust based on desired consistency)
- 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- Olive oil or non-stick cooking spray for greasing the baking sheet
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking sheet with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Bread:
- Cube the bread into small pieces (about 1-inch cubes) and set aside in a large mixing bowl. If your bread is fresh, lightly toast the cubes in the oven for 10-15 minutes to dry them out and make them firmer.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent.
- Stir in the sage, thyme, salt, and black pepper, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat.
4. Combine the Mixture:
- Pour the sautéed vegetables and butter mixture over the cubed bread in the large bowl. Stir to combine and evenly coat the bread with the butter and seasoning.
5. Add Eggs and Broth:
- Add the beaten eggs to the bread mixture, stirring to combine. Then, gradually add the chicken or vegetable broth, a little at a time, until the stuffing mixture is moist but not soggy. You may not need all the broth—add until the stuffing sticks together but isn’t too wet.
6. Form the Stuffing Balls:
- With your hands or a spoon, form the mixture into golf-ball-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Press down slightly to shape them into round balls.
7. Bake:
- Bake the stuffing balls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside. If you want an extra crispy texture, you can broil them for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to avoid burning.
8. Serve:
- Let the stuffing balls cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Optional Add-ins:
- Cranberries: For a sweet and savory twist, add dried cranberries to the stuffing mixture.
- Bacon: Crispy bacon bits add a smoky, savory flavor to these stuffing balls.
- Nuts: Chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, give a nice crunch and extra flavor.
- Cheese: Add some grated cheese (cheddar, Gruyère, or mozzarella) to the mixture for a cheesy stuffing ball.
Tips:
- Make-Ahead: You can make the stuffing balls ahead of time. Prepare them up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate them for up to 1 day. Bake them just before serving.
- Freezing: These stuffing balls freeze well. Just bake them, let them cool completely, and then freeze them in an airtight container. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
These Stuffing Balls are a great side dish or appetizer for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday meal. They’re easy to make, customizable, and incredibly delicious! Enjoy!