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
Scale
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.
