Quick & Cozy Stuffing Balls Recipe: Bite-Sized Holiday Magic

Crispy, golden stuffing balls offer a delightful twist on traditional holiday side dishes.

Packed with savory herbs and tender breadcrumbs, these bite-sized morsels burst with classic comfort flavors.

Our family recipe brings generations of culinary memories to your table.

Each morsel combines perfectly seasoned ingredients that melt in your mouth.

Rich, aromatic herbs dance through every carefully crafted sphere.

Careful mixing and precise baking create a crunchy exterior with a soft, pillowy center.

These irresistible stuffing balls will become the star of your next gathering.

Reasons to Love Stuffing Balls

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with classic flavors that remind you of traditional holiday meals, these stuffing balls are sure to be a hit at family gatherings, potlucks, or weeknight dinners.
• Versatile Serving Option: Easily adaptable as a side dish for roasted meats, a standalone appetizer, or a creative twist on classic stuffing that brings excitement to your meal.
• Quick and Simple Technique: Requires just a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, allowing you to create a delectable side dish in no longer than a standard cooking session.

Stuffing Balls Grocery Checklist

Main Ingredients:

• Stuffing Mix: A classic blend of dried bread cubes perfect for easy homemade stuffing.

• Chicken Broth, Melted Butter: Rich liquid base that adds moisture and flavor to the stuffing balls.

• Eggs: Essential for holding the stuffing balls together and creating a cohesive texture.

• Onion, Celery: Aromatic vegetables that provide depth and traditional stuffing taste.

• Poultry Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Classic spice blend that brings warmth and traditional holiday flavor.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb that adds a fresh finish to the stuffing balls.

Easy Instructions for Stuffing Balls

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper so nothing sticks.

Step 2: Mix the Base

• Dry stuffing mix
• Chicken broth
• Melted butter

Stir everything until the mixture looks evenly moistened and feels slightly damp.

Step 3: Add Flavor Boosters

• Beaten eggs
• Chopped onion
• Chopped celery
• Poultry seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix thoroughly so all the ingredients are well blended and distributed.

Step 4: Shape Into Tasty Bites

Use your hands to roll the mixture into golf ball-sized portions.

Arrange them on the parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each ball.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the stuffing balls turn a beautiful golden brown and feel firm when touched.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Pull the stuffing balls out of the oven.

Let them cool for a few minutes.

Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Serve hot and watch everyone dig in!

Tricks for Perfect Stuffing Balls

• Keep stuffing mix slightly damp but not soggy to ensure perfect texture and prevent dry balls.
• Use an ice cream scoop or tablespoon to create consistent, evenly-sized stuffing balls for uniform cooking.
• Add extra herbs like thyme or sage for deeper, more complex taste profile without overwhelming the original recipe.
• Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and use gluten-free stuffing mix to make the recipe vegetarian and gluten-sensitive friendly.
• Prepare stuffing balls up to 24 hours in advance, store covered in refrigerator, and bake just before serving to save time during meal preparation.

Store & Reheat Stuffing Balls Easily

• Store leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual stuffing balls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for maximum 1 month to maintain best quality and taste.
• Warm refrigerated stuffing balls at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Quickly reheat 1-2 stuffing balls on medium power for 30-45 seconds. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent them from becoming too dry.

Pairing Suggestions for Stuffing Balls

• Pair with Roasted Turkey: Classic combination that brings out the traditional thanksgiving flavors, complementing the stuffing balls with rich, juicy meat.
• Serve with Cranberry Sauce: Tangy and sweet sauce adds a bright contrast to the savory stuffing balls, creating a balanced and delightful taste experience.
• Match with Crisp White Wine: Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio cuts through the richness of the stuffing, providing a refreshing palate cleansing effect.
• Accompany with Green Salad: Light, fresh mixed greens with a zesty vinaigrette help balance the dense, hearty texture of the stuffing balls.

Variants for Stuffing Balls

• Vegetarian Stuffing Balls: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and use plant-based butter. Add chopped mushrooms or lentils for extra protein and texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional stuffing mix with gluten-free breadcrumbs or cornbread stuffing mix. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce salt. Enhance flavor with herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage instead of extra salt.
• Herbed Mediterranean Variation: Add crumbled feta cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and oregano. Substitute part of the butter with olive oil for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.

FAQs

• Can I use homemade stuffing mix instead of packaged mix?

Yes, you can substitute packaged mix with homemade dry bread cubes. Just ensure the bread cubes are dry and seasoned similarly to maintain the recipe’s flavor profile.

• How do I know if the stuffing balls are fully cooked?

Check for a golden brown exterior and firm texture when touched. The internal temperature should reach 165°F to ensure food safety, especially if using eggs in the mixture.

• Is it possible to make these stuffing balls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffing balls up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.

• Can I freeze stuffing balls for later use?

Yes, you can freeze uncooked stuffing balls. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, bake directly from frozen, increasing cooking time by 10-15 minutes.

Stuffing Balls Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delectable stuffing balls bring classic holiday comfort with a crispy exterior and savory herbed interior. Delightful bite-sized morsels will become your new favorite side dish that everyone craves at gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 4 cups (946 ml) dry stuffing mix
• 1 cup (237 ml) chicken broth
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Aromatic Vegetables:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup (75 grams) celery, finely chopped

Seasonings and Garnish:

• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

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Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients and kitchen tools for a smooth preparation process.
2. Thoroughly combine dry stuffing mix with warm chicken broth and melted butter, ensuring complete moisture absorption.
3. Integrate beaten eggs into the mixture, creating a cohesive base for the stuffing balls.
4. Finely dice onions and celery, incorporating them evenly throughout the mixture.
5. Season the blend with poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper, mixing until ingredients are uniformly distributed.
6. Gently roll the mixture into compact spheres, approximately the size of golf balls, using light pressure to maintain a loose texture.
7. Arrange the formed balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them to allow even heat circulation.
8. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), creating an ideal cooking environment for the stuffing balls.
9. Position the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for a golden-brown exterior and firm consistency.
10. Once cooked, remove from the oven and let the stuffing balls rest for a few minutes to set their structure.
11. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant visual appeal and added flavor complexity.
12. Transfer to a serving platter and enjoy the aromatic, herbaceous stuffing balls while warm.

Notes

• Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth to create a vegetarian version that’s just as flavorful and satisfying.
• Customize the seasoning by adding herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage to enhance the traditional stuffing ball profile.
• Make ahead and freeze unbaked stuffing balls for quick, convenient holiday meal prep or unexpected dinner emergencies.
• Ensure even cooking and crispy exteriors by gently rolling the balls halfway through baking to promote uniform browning.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg