Stuffing Balls Recipe
If you’re looking for a show-stopping side that delivers all the cozy holiday flavors in one perfect bite, this Stuffing Balls Recipe is about to become your new favorite! Imagine the best parts of classic stuffing—herby, savory, and a little bit crisp—but shaped into irresistibly golden balls you can enjoy one after another. This dish isn’t just a crowd-pleaser at celebrations; it’s also a fun and unexpected way to serve a traditional staple. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or just craving cozy comfort food any night of the week, these stuffing balls hit all the right notes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the joys of this Stuffing Balls Recipe is how simple yet impactful each ingredient is. Every component brings something special—whether it’s richness, flavor, or that essential golden crunch—so don’t be afraid to choose high-quality versions or add your own flair!
- 8 cups prepared stuffing: Use your favorite homemade recipe or a good-quality packaged mix; the base can be classic or customized with your favorite add-ins.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps create those deliciously crisp edges.
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten: Binds everything together and gives each ball a soft, tender bite.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Keeps the stuffing moist and brings a hint of extra savory flavor. (Feel free to swap with veggie broth for a vegetarian option!)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Balances the savory flavors and adds a gentle warmth.
- 1/4 teaspoon dried sage: Signature stuffing herb! Sage infuses deep, earthy notes into every ball.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Just a dash gives the stuffing an aromatic lift.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): For a burst of color and fresh flavor as a garnish.
How to Make Stuffing Balls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures your stuffing balls cook evenly and develop a beautiful, golden exterior without sticking—meaning less cleanup and perfect presentation every time.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add your prepared stuffing, melted butter, lightly beaten eggs, chicken broth, black pepper, sage, and garlic powder. Don’t forget that a gentle hand is best here; you want to maintain some texture from the bread cubes while making sure everything is well mixed.
Step 3: Achieve The Perfect Texture
Mix just until the stuffing is moistened and the ingredients are evenly distributed. If the mixture feels dry or crumbly, add a splash more broth—a little goes a long way. The goal is a mixture that holds its shape when pressed together, making for stuffing balls that are tender inside and crisp outside.
Step 4: Shape the Stuffing Balls
With clean hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into golf ball-sized rounds and set them on your prepared baking sheet. Try to keep them uniform so they bake at the same rate; you should end up with about 20 balls.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning the balls gently halfway through to ensure even browning. When they’re done, your kitchen will smell incredible, and the exterior of each ball will have a subtle crunch. Serve them warm and, if desired, scatter with fresh parsley for a touch of color.
How to Serve Stuffing Balls Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley brightens each plate, adding color and a fresh, herbal kick. For extra flair, try a dusting of grated Parmesan or even a touch of lemon zest—it’s a simple touch that will make your Stuffing Balls Recipe look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
These stuffing balls play well with all the classic trimmings like mashed potatoes, roasted root veggies, or cranberry sauce. They’re especially fantastic alongside turkey or chicken, and if you’re serving a vegetarian meal, a hearty mushroom gravy turns these into the star of the show.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile Stuffing Balls Recipe onto a platter with a ramekin of warm gravy for dipping—guests will swoon. For cocktails or buffets, skewer them with pretty toothpicks for a portable, finger-food option. Or nestle them around slices of roast as a playful, shareable centerpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover stuffing balls, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They reheat beautifully and make for a crave-worthy snack long after the feast is over.
Freezing
Want to get ahead? After baking and cooling, flash-freeze the stuffing balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to two months, making last-minute entertaining a total breeze.
Reheating
To reheat, just pop the stuffing balls back into a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy on the outside. For single servings, a quick zap in the microwave does the trick, but a few minutes in a hot oven will revive that irresistible crunch.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought stuffing mix for this Stuffing Balls Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought stuffing mix works wonderfully. Just prepare it according to the package instructions and start the recipe from there for an easy shortcut.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
It can be! Simply use a vegetarian stuffing mix and substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth. Always double-check ingredients if you’re cooking for vegetarians or vegans.
Can I make the stuffing balls in advance?
Yes, the Stuffing Balls Recipe is perfect for making ahead. Shape them and refrigerate up to one day before baking, or bake them fully and reheat just before serving for an effortless holiday meal.
What can I do if my mixture is too wet or too dry?
If your mixture seems too wet and sticky, add a bit more stuffing or some breadcrumbs to firm it up. Too dry? Just drizzle in extra broth until you reach the ideal texture for shaping.
What are some fun mix-ins or variations?
Try folding in sautéed onions, celery, cranberries, or cooked sausage for extra flair. Fresh herbs, chopped nuts, or even a handful of grated cheese can make your Stuffing Balls Recipe uniquely yours!
Final Thoughts
There’s something downright magical about transforming classic stuffing into delectable little bites with this Stuffing Balls Recipe. Whether you’re making them for a special holiday or a weeknight comfort fix, I hope you give them a try and share the coziness with your favorite people!
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Stuffing Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20 stuffing balls 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These stuffing balls are a delightful twist on traditional stuffing, perfect for holiday gatherings or as a tasty appetizer. With a crispy exterior and a moist, flavorful interior, they are sure to be a hit at your table.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Stuffing Balls:
- 8 cups prepared stuffing (homemade or from mix)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared stuffing, melted butter, eggs, chicken broth, pepper, sage, and garlic powder. Mix gently until the stuffing is moist but holds together when pressed; add more broth if needed.
- Form the balls: Using your hands or a scoop, form the mixture into golf ball-sized rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the balls are golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside.
- Serve: Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- These stuffing balls can be made ahead and reheated in the oven before serving.
- They’re perfect as a holiday side dish or as a fun appetizer with gravy for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffing balls
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
