Name: Crispy Stuffing Balls with Herbs Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 0.75 cup butter; 0.5 cup diced onion; 0.5 cup diced celery; 1.5 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning; 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper; 0.5 cup chicken broth; 2 large eggs; 10 cups cubed whole wheat bread; 0.5 cup chopped fresh parsley

If you’ve been hunting for a snack or side dish that’s bursting with flavor, easy to make, and just has that perfect balance of crunchy outside and tender inside, I’ve got you covered with my Crispy Stuffing Balls with Herbs Recipe. These little bites have become a holiday staple for me, but honestly, I love having them anytime. When you take a bite, you’ll find that comforting taste of home with a fresh herbal kick, all wrapped up in a delightfully crispy shell — it’s fan-freaking-tastic, and I can’t wait to share how simple it is to make at your place.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crunchy Meets Tender: Each ball has that golden, crispy crust with a soft, flavorful center you’ll crave.
Easy, Ingredient-Driven: With straightforward pantry staples and fresh herbs, you’ll gather these ingredients without a hassle.
Perfect Special Occasion Side: These stuffing balls add a fun twist to the usual holiday spread — my family goes crazy for them!
Versatile and Customizable: You can easily swap herbs or add other mix-ins to make these uniquely yours.

A white plate holds eight round, golden-brown fried balls with a crispy, rough outside texture. The balls are placed loosely together in the center of the plate, which is set on a white marbled surface with a light gray cloth nearby. The fried balls have irregular shapes with small green and brown bits visible on the surface, showing a crunchy and textured look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on classic savory ingredients that blend beautifully — the butter gives richness, the chicken broth adds moisture and flavor, and the fresh parsley brightens things up. When you’re shopping, opt for fresh herbs and quality whole wheat bread for the best texture and taste.

Butter: I always use unsalted butter here to control the saltiness better.
Diced Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when gently cooked.
Diced Celery: For a subtle crunch and fresh flavor contrast.
Salt: Essential to bring out all the flavors.
Poultry Seasoning: The secret blend that gives it that cozy, familiar aroma.
Ground Black Pepper: Just enough to add a mild kick.
Chicken Broth: Use low sodium if you want full control over salt.
Large Eggs: They bind everything beautifully so your balls hold together.
Cubed Whole Wheat Bread: The base — I love whole wheat for that hearty texture and nuttiness.
Chopped Fresh Parsley: For brightness and a fresh herbal note that wakes up the palate.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love mixing things up with this recipe depending on the season or what’s in my fridge. Feel free to personalize this Crispy Stuffing Balls with Herbs Recipe to suit your tastes — it’s surprisingly adaptable!

Vegetarian Variation: Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth, and you’ve got a veggie-friendly version that’s equally delicious (I’ve done this many times and still get rave reviews!).
Cheesy Twist: Adding shredded sharp cheddar or Parmesan inside the mixture gives these balls an irresistible melt — perfect for cheese lovers.
Extra Herb Power: Mix in fresh sage, thyme, or rosemary — I once had a version with thyme that stole the show at a dinner party.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for warmth and smoky flavor.

How to Make Crispy Stuffing Balls with Herbs Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Flavor Base

Start by melting butter in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and celery, stirring until they soften and become fragrant — about 5 minutes. Then sprinkle in salt, poultry seasoning, and black pepper. Give it a good stir for about a minute until the seasonings bloom and your kitchen fills with that wonderful aroma. Removing this mixture from heat at just the right time keeps the veggies tender, which is key to juicy stuffing balls.

Step 2: Mix Liquids and Bread Together

In a large bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and eggs. This combo acts as the glue holding everything together. Then gently fold in your cubed bread and chopped parsley — you want the bread to soak up that broth without becoming soggy, so take your time mixing.

Step 3: Combine and Shape

Next, pour your savory onion and celery mixture into the bread bowl. Mix everything together with your hands; I find this makes sure all the flavors and textures get evenly distributed. Then, start shaping the mixture into firm 2-inch balls — your hands might get a little messy, but it’s part of the fun! Line them up on your greased and foil-lined baking sheet, making sure there’s a little space between each for even crisping during baking.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Crispy

Pop the tray into a 375°F (190°C) oven for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for a beautiful golden brown on the outside — that irresistible crispiness I absolutely love. If you want them extra crunchy, you can rotate the baking sheet halfway through cooking. I once tried skipping the foil lining to save on cleanup, but trust me, the foil makes baking and cleanup a breeze!

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Pro Tips for Making Crispy Stuffing Balls with Herbs Recipe

Bread Texture: Using slightly stale bread helps absorb the broth better without becoming mushy.
Don’t Overmix: Handle the mixture gently to keep a light texture inside the balls.
Even Shaping: Make sure your balls are uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
Check Doneness Early: Ovens vary, so start checking at 20 minutes to avoid burning but ensure great crispiness.

How to Serve Crispy Stuffing Balls with Herbs Recipe

A metal baking tray lined with shiny silver foil holds 24 small round meatballs evenly spaced in a 4 by 6 grid. Each meatball is golden-brown with visible green herb pieces mixed in, showing a textured surface that looks slightly crispy in some spots. The tray is placed on a white marbled surface that has subtle gray veins. The light shines softly from above, highlighting the colors and textures of the meatballs. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like sprinkling extra fresh parsley or a touch of grated Parmesan right on top just before serving — it makes the balls pop visually and adds an extra layer of flavor. A drizzle of homemade gravy or a dollop of cranberry sauce also pairs beautifully and brings out that holiday vibe.

Side Dishes

These crispy balls go perfectly alongside roasted turkey or chicken, green bean casserole, or mashed potatoes. Once, I served them with a vibrant autumn squash salad, and that combo was a crowd-pleaser. You really can’t go wrong pairing with classic holiday staples or your favorite veggies.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I love arranging the stuffing balls on a rustic wooden board alongside little dipping bowls of gravy, mustard, and cranberry chutney. It becomes an inviting appetizer platter that guests can nibble on while mingling. You could also skewer them with toothpicks and serve as elegant finger food — sure to impress at parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, they still retain a nice texture — just make sure you reheat them properly for that crispy outside.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these balls successfully by laying them flat on a baking sheet first, freezing until solid, then transferring them to a freezer bag. This way, they don’t stick together and keep their shape. You can keep them frozen up to 2 months — perfect for prepping ahead of a busy holiday!

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the balls on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This restores their crisp texture without drying them out — microwave reheating just doesn’t deliver the same crispy satisfaction.

FAQs

Can I use white bread instead of whole wheat for this recipe?

Yes, absolutely! White bread works just fine if that’s what you have on hand. The texture will be a bit lighter and less nutty, but the overall flavor and crispiness remain delicious. Just make sure the bread is slightly stale or toasted lightly to soak up the broth well.
How do I keep the stuffing balls from falling apart?

The key is in the eggs and chicken broth acting as binders — don’t skimp on them. Also, mixing with your hands helps distribute moisture evenly. When shaping, press the balls firmly but gently to hold together without compacting too hard. If the mixture feels too crumbly, adding a splash more broth usually helps.
Can I make these stuffing balls vegan?

You can! Replace the butter with a plant-based margarine and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For binding, you can experiment with flax eggs (ground flaxseed mixed with water) or a commercial egg replacer. The texture will be slightly different, but still tasty and satisfying.
What’s the best way to reheat without losing crispiness?

Reheating in the oven or toaster oven at a moderate temperature is your best bet. It revives the crisp exterior wonderfully. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make them soggy.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Crispy Stuffing Balls with Herbs Recipe brings a fun, flavorful twist to a beloved classic. Whether you’re making them for family dinner, holidays, or a casual gathering, they strike just the right note of comfort and crunch that makes everyone ask for seconds. If you want a recipe that’s easy to tweak, satisfying to share, and bursting with those warm herbal flavors, this one’s a keeper. So grab your skillet and bread cubes, and let’s get baking — trust me, you’re going to want these in your regular rotation.