If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, crowd-pleasing side dish that combines the classic flavors of holiday stuffing with a fun and convenient bite-sized twist, this Stuffing Balls Recipe is exactly what you need. These golden, savory balls bring together seasoned breadcrumbs, buttery sautéed vegetables, and fragrant herbs, all baked to perfection, creating a deliciously crispy exterior and tender, flavorful inside. Whether you’re serving them alongside your roast or enjoying them as a snack, these stuffing balls are guaranteed to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Stuffing Balls Recipe are wonderfully simple yet essential for capturing that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma. Each component plays a vital role, from the buttery sautéed veggies adding moisture and depth, to the herbs that bring an earthy freshness to every bite.
- 4 cups seasoned stuffing mix (or dried breadcrumbs): This forms the hearty base and brings that familiar stuffing flavor.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and subtle bite when sautéed.
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped: Gives a crisp, aromatic crunch that brightens the mix.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Melts into the veggies for richness and helps bind the mixture.
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth: Keeps the stuffing moist while helping the balls hold shape.
- 1 teaspoon dried sage: Brings that classic, savory herb note essential to great stuffing.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers a subtle earthiness that complements the sage beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a gentle punch of umami flavor.
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten: Acts as a binder making sure each ball stays intact during baking.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of green freshness and visual appeal.
How to Make Stuffing Balls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the aromatics
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper, so your stuffing balls won’t stick and cleanup is a breeze. Next, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat and gently sauté the finely chopped onion and celery until they become soft and fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is crucial—softened vegetables bring moisture and flavor that will really elevate your stuffing balls.
Step 2: Mix the stuffing ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the seasoned stuffing mix with the sautéed vegetables. Add the dried sage, thyme, and garlic powder, ensuring the herbs are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. These herbs create the warm, comforting essence that makes stuffing such a beloved dish.
Step 3: Add eggs and broth
Stir in the lightly beaten eggs which will act as the glue holding the stuffing balls together. Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, mixing until the mixture is moist without being soggy, able to hold its shape when formed. Season well with salt and pepper to highlight all the flavors.
Step 4: Form and bake the stuffing balls
Now comes the fun part—shaping the mixture into golf ball-sized balls. Place each ball on your prepared baking sheet, making sure they have enough space to crisp up evenly. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the balls are golden brown on the outside and nicely firm to the touch. This baking step is the magic moment where crispiness meets softness inside.
How to Serve Stuffing Balls Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds a burst of color and a subtle herbal brightness that contrasts perfectly with the rich, savory stuffing balls. You can also try a drizzle of a light gravy or a cranberry sauce dollop for some sweet-tart excitement on the side.
Side Dishes
Stuffing balls pair beautifully with roasted turkey, baked chicken, or a vegetarian main dish like stuffed squash. Complement them with simple roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp garden salad to balance out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve these stuffing balls on a platter lined with fresh rosemary sprigs or alongside mini dipping bowls of warm gravy or savory aioli. They also make excellent party appetizers when placed on cocktail sticks for easy grabbing — your guests will be asking for the recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This makes them a perfect post-holiday treat or a quick snack throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to prepare a batch ahead of time, freeze the uncooked balls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time; this way, you always have homemade stuffing balls ready to go.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the stuffing balls in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crisped up again. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make them soggy rather than preserving that delightful baked texture.
FAQs
Can I make the Stuffing Balls Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative, use vegetable broth, and replace eggs with a flax or chia seed egg binder. This way, you can enjoy all the savory goodness without any animal products.
What’s the best stuffing mix to use?
Seasoned stuffing mix gives the best flavor and texture, but you can easily substitute with dried breadcrumbs or gluten-free stuffing mix if you need dietary accommodations. Just be sure the mix isn’t pre-seasoned with overpowering spices that might clash.
Can I add other ingredients to the stuffing balls?
Definitely! Chopped cooked sausage, mushrooms, or cranberries make fantastic add-ins that add richness or a sweet contrast. Just fold them in during mixing for a personalized twist.
How do I ensure the stuffing balls hold together?
The combination of eggs and just the right amount of broth is key. The eggs bind everything, while the broth moistens the mix—too dry and they crumble, too wet and they don’t form well. Mix gradually and test by forming a ball before baking.
Are stuffing balls good for holiday leftovers?
Yes! They’re an excellent way to transform leftover stuffing into a new dish that’s just as tasty and even more convenient to eat. Reheat them and enjoy a fresh take on your holiday favorites.
Final Thoughts
This Stuffing Balls Recipe is a wonderful addition to any meal, bringing all the comforting flavors of classic stuffing in a perfectly portable form that everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for the holidays or just craving something warm and savory, give this recipe a try—you might just discover your new favorite side dish!
Print
Stuffing Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 stuffing balls
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These delicious Stuffing Balls are a perfect holiday side dish, featuring seasoned stuffing mix combined with sautéed onions and celery, herbs, and eggs, baked to golden perfection. Ideal for Thanksgiving or any festive meal, they offer a comforting taste of traditional stuffing in a convenient bite-sized form.
Ingredients
Stuffing Mixture
- 4 cups seasoned stuffing mix (or dried breadcrumbs)
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
Other Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Sauté vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the finely chopped onion and celery and sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until they are soft and fragrant.
- Mix stuffing base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the seasoned stuffing mix with the sautéed onion and celery. Add dried sage, thyme, and garlic powder, stirring to evenly distribute the herbs and spices.
- Add eggs and broth: Stir in the lightly beaten eggs, then gradually add the chicken or vegetable broth until the mixture feels moist enough to hold its shape but not soggy.
- Season the mixture: Taste and season with salt and black pepper as desired, mixing well to incorporate the flavors evenly.
- Form balls: Using your hands, shape the mixture into golf ball-sized balls and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden brown on the outside and firm to the touch.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm as a comforting side dish.
Notes
- You can prepare these stuffing balls ahead of time and reheat them in the oven before serving to save time on the day of your meal.
- For a heartier version, consider adding chopped cooked sausage or mushrooms to the mixture.
- To accommodate gluten-free diets, use a gluten-free stuffing mix.
