The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without a delightful batch of Stuffing Balls! These golden-brown bites are packed with all the savory flavors of traditional stuffing, featuring bread, herbs, and spices that create a warm and comforting dish.
Each ball is perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining soft and flavorful inside, making them an irresistible addition to your festive table.
Serve these delicious Stuffing Balls alongside a luscious drizzle of Cranberry Sauce to bring a tart contrast that enhances their savory richness. They also pair wonderfully with Apple Sauce, adding a touch of sweetness that complements the herbs beautifully.
Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving or just want a cozy side for dinner, these stuffing balls are sure to impress your family and friends.
Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too)
- Flavorful and Fun: Each bite bursts with the classic taste of stuffing, but in a fun, bite-sized form.
- Great for Sharing: Perfect as appetizers or sides, they encourage mingling around the table.
- Easy to Make Ahead: You can prepare and bake them in advance, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities.
Get ready to delight your guests with these easy-to-make stuffing balls that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Stuffing Balls Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- ¾ cup butter
- ½ cup diced onion
- ½ cup diced celery
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 large eggs
- 10 cups cubed whole wheat bread
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with greased aluminum foil.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, then add onion and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in salt, poultry seasoning, and pepper; cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- In a large bowl, whisk chicken broth and eggs together, then fold in bread cubes and parsley.
- Add the onion mixture to the bread mixture and mix until combined.
- Shape the mixture into 24 (2-inch) balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden and crisp. Serve warm.
Nutritional Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 108 kcal |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Cholesterol | 31 mg |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
Tips that will surely help!
- Onion and Celery Caramelization: For a deeper flavor, sauté the onion and celery until they start to caramelize, not just soften. This will bring out their natural sweetness and add a richer taste to your stuffing balls.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with the herbs in your poultry seasoning. Adding a teaspoon of fresh thyme or sage can elevate the flavor profile significantly, giving the stuffing a more aromatic character. Fresh herbs are always a lovely touch if available!
- Bread Type: While whole wheat bread is nutritious, consider mixing in a few cups of sourdough or a rustic loaf for added tang and texture. The slight acidity complements the savory ingredients beautifully.
- Moisture Balance: Be mindful of the bread’s dryness. If your bread is particularly stale, you might need to adjust the amount of chicken broth. It should be moist but not soggy, so feel free to add a little extra broth gradually until you achieve the desired consistency.
- Chilling the Mixture: After combining the bread and onion mixture, let it sit for about 10-15 minutes before shaping into balls. This resting time allows the bread to absorb the flavors better and makes the mixture easier to handle.
- Shaping Tips: For consistent-sized balls, use a small ice cream scoop or a 1/4 cup measuring cup. This ensures even baking and a uniform appearance, making for a more professional presentation.
- Baking Sheet Technique: When lining your baking sheet, consider using a wire rack set on top of the foil. This will allow air to circulate around the balls as they bake, promoting a crispier exterior.
- Finishing Touch: In the last few minutes of baking, sprinkle a little grated Parmesan or a mix of breadcrumbs and herbs on top of the stuffing balls for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
- Storage and Reheating: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. Reheat them in a toaster oven to regain their crispness rather than using a microwave, which can make them soggy.