If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing side that’s bursting with flavor and nostalgia, I’ve got just the thing for you. Stuffing Balls Recipe is my go-to comfort food, especially during holidays or family dinners, because they come out perfectly golden, crisp on the outside, and tender on the inside. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make these little bites your new classic!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe approachable for any skill level.
- Perfect Texture: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these stuffing balls deliver a delightful mouthfeel every time.
- Flexible Flavor: You can customize herbs and add-ins to suit your family’s taste or dietary needs.
- Great for Leftovers: These freeze well and reheat beautifully, so you get bonus meals without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To nail this stuffing balls recipe, you want ingredients that work in harmony — seasoned bread for flavor, butter and veggies for richness and moisture, and eggs and broth to bring it all together. If you grab quality poultry seasoning or fresh herbs, you’ll notice the difference in every bite.
- Seasoned bread cubes: I love using a good-quality dried bread mix with herbs already included to save time and layer more flavor.
- Onion: Finely chopped for that perfect savory base, it softens and sweetens as it cooks.
- Celery: Adds a subtle crunch and freshness that balances the richness.
- Unsalted butter: I prefer unsalted so I can control the saltiness better.
- Eggs: Lightly beaten to bind everything without making the mixture too dense.
- Chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth; add gradually to keep the mixture just damp enough to hold its shape.
- Poultry seasoning or herb mix: Sage, thyme, and rosemary bring classic stuffing aroma; poultry seasoning is a handy shortcut.
- Garlic powder: For a gentle garlicky undertone without overpowering.
- Salt and black pepper: Season carefully; you can always add more later.
- Fresh parsley (optional): I like to stir in chopped parsley at the end for a pop of color and a fresh, bright note.
Variations
The beauty of this stuffing balls recipe is how well it adapts to your taste buds and pantry. I love experimenting with different add-ins and spice blends to keep things exciting and fit dietary needs.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth—I’ve done this plenty of times and never miss the meat flavor.
- Cheesy Twist: Adding a handful of shredded sharp cheddar or Parmesan right before baking makes these balls ooey-gooey irresistible.
- Herb Variations: Try fresh rosemary or thyme if you have them on hand; it adds a fresh garden aroma that really wakes up the flavors.
- Spicy Kick: My family sometimes asks for a little cayenne or smoked paprika stirred in, which adds a nice depth and warmth.
How to Make Stuffing Balls Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics to Warm Things Up
Start by gently melting the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in finely chopped onions and celery and sauté until they soften and smell amazing—usually about 5 to 7 minutes. This step builds a flavor base that gives the stuffing balls so much heart.
Step 2: Mix the Stuffing Base with Love
Grab a large bowl and combine your seasoned bread cubes with the sautéed veggies and butter mixture. Stir in the poultry seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper so every bite bursts with comforting flavor. The mix should look well blended before we add the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Broth to Bind and Moisturize
Lightly beat your eggs and stir them into the bread and veggie mix. Then, slowly pour in the chicken broth a little at a time—stirring and pressing the mixture gently. You’ll want moistened stuffing that clings together but isn’t soggy. Here’s a trick I learned: too much broth and the balls fall apart, too little, and they dry out.
Step 4: Form and Bake Those Stuffing Balls
Using your hands or a scoop, form the mixture into golf ball-sized rounds and place them evenly spaced on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Pop them into a preheated 375°F oven for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown color and a slight crisp on the outside—yum! Let them cool a couple of minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Stuffing Balls Recipe
- Don’t Over-moisten: Add broth slowly to prevent soggy balls that won’t hold their shape.
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: These incorporate better, improving texture and binding without clumping.
- Evenly Sized Balls: Using a melon baller or cookie scoop keeps baking consistent, so they cook perfectly at the same time.
- Crisp Them Up: If you want extra crispiness, try broiling for 1-2 minutes at the end—watch them closely!
How to Serve Stuffing Balls Recipe
Garnishes
I love to sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or even a little thyme on top to brighten the look and flavor. A drizzle of homemade turkey gravy or a dash of cranberry sauce on the side adds that festive flair everyone appreciates.
Side Dishes
My family goes crazy for these with roast turkey, crispy chicken thighs, or a juicy beef roast. They also pair beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and green beans almondine for a complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday dinners, I like arranging the stuffing balls in a circular pattern on a festive platter with fresh rosemary sprigs for a wreath effect – it’s simple but looks so inviting on the table. I’ve even tucked a few into a bread basket lined with a cozy cloth for a rustic feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They keep their texture well if you reheat them gently, so no need to rush through all of them in one sitting.
Freezing
These freeze like a dream! I freeze my stuffing balls on a sheet tray first to keep them from sticking together, then transfer to a freezer bag. They last up to 3 months frozen – perfect for prepping well ahead of the holidays.
Reheating
When reheating, I pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to revive that crisp exterior. If you’re short on time, a quick 90-second zap in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel also works, though they won’t stay quite as crispy.
FAQs
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Can I make this stuffing balls recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the seasoned bread cubes for gluten-free bread crumbs or gluten-free bread cubes, and be sure to check that your broth and seasonings are gluten-free as well. The texture might vary slightly, but it still turns out delicious.
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Can I prepare the stuffing mixture ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix all the ingredients except the eggs and broth the day before, then add the liquid ingredients and form your stuffing balls just before baking. This keeps everything fresh and easier to manage on the cooking day.
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What if my stuffing balls fall apart while baking?
Usually, that means the mixture was too dry or you didn’t use enough eggs or broth as binders. Next time, add broth very gradually and press the mixture before forming balls to test if it holds together.
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Can I use leftover stuffing instead of making from scratch?
You can, although homemade tends to work better for forming balls since you control the moisture and seasonings. If using leftovers, you might need to add extra broth or egg to help bind everything, but it’s a great way to reinvent your holiday meal.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this stuffing balls recipe brings warmth and smiles to my family table every time. They’re one of those dishes that taste like a cozy hug, full of tradition and homey goodness. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do—don’t hesitate to tweak the spices, add your favorite herbs, or double the batch for your next gathering. Seriously, once you try these, they’ll become a beloved staple in your recipe box, just like they are in mine!
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Stuffing Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 stuffing balls
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Grandma Dot’s Stuffing Balls are a delightful, savory side dish featuring seasoned bread cubes mixed with sautéed onions and celery, enriched with butter, eggs, and chicken broth. Perfectly baked until golden and slightly crispy, these stuffing balls bring a comforting homemade touch to holiday meals or any roast dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 bag (12–14 oz) dry seasoned bread cubes
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 ribs celery, finely chopped
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1½ to 2 cups chicken broth, as needed
- 1 tsp poultry seasoning (or a mix of sage, thyme, rosemary)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt, adjust to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for freshness)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a large baking sheet by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Sauté vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and celery, cooking them gently until they become soft and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Mix stuffing base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry seasoned bread cubes with the sautéed onions and celery along with the melted butter. Add poultry seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, stirring to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Moisten mixture: Stir in the lightly beaten eggs to bind the mixture. Gradually add chicken broth, a little at a time, until the mixture is moist and holds together when pressed but is not too soggy.
- Form balls: Using your hands or a scoop, form the mixture into golf-ball-sized balls. Arrange them neatly on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they have some space around each.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden brown on the outside and slightly crisp to the touch.
- Serve warm: Once baked, serve these delicious stuffing balls warm as a flavorful side dish alongside your turkey, chicken, or roast.
Notes
- If you want a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Feel free to add nuts or dried cranberries for added texture and flavor.
- These stuffing balls can be made ahead and reheated in the oven before serving.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially the salt, depending on the bread cubes used.
- For extra crispiness, turn the balls halfway through baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffing ball
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
