Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls Recipe

Introduction

These Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls are a delightful twist on classic stuffing, perfect for holiday gatherings or as a savory appetizer. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, they bring all the comforting flavors of traditional stuffing in a fun, bite-sized form.

Ingredients

• 3 cups dried bread cubes or stuffing mix
• ½ cup melted unsalted butter
• ½ cup finely chopped onion
• ½ cup finely chopped celery
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• ¾ cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• ½ teaspoon dried sage
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
• Optional: ¼ cup dried cranberries or finely diced apple

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add onion, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 4–5 minutes, until soft and fragrant.
3. Step 3: Place the bread cubes in a large bowl. Pour the sautéed vegetables and melted butter over the bread.
4. Step 4: Add the poultry seasoning, sage, salt, pepper, parsley, and any optional add-ins you like.
5. Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together the broth and eggs. Pour this mixture over the bread and gently stir until evenly moistened.
6. Step 6: Using your hands or a scoop, form the mixture into golf-ball-size balls and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Step 7: Bake for 22–25 minutes, until the outsides are golden and slightly crisp while the centers stay soft.
8. Step 8: Serve warm as a festive Thanksgiving side dish or party appetizer.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding chopped cooked sausage or mushrooms to the mixture.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and add more herbs like thyme or rosemary.
• Make sure bread cubes are dry or lightly toasted to absorb moisture without becoming mushy.
• Substitute dried cranberries with chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch.

Storage

Store leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through to retain their crispiness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these stuffing balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture and shape the balls a day ahead. Keep them covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving for best results.

Can I use gluten-free bread for this recipe?

Absolutely! Gluten-free dried bread cubes work well and make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls Recipe

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4.8 from 93 reviews

These Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls are a delightful twist on traditional stuffing, combining savory bread cubes with sautéed vegetables, aromatic herbs, and optional sweet accents like dried cranberries or diced apple. Baked until golden and slightly crispy on the outside while tender inside, they make a perfect festive side dish or appetizer for holiday gatherings.

• Author: Ria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 stuffing balls 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 3 cups dried bread cubes or stuffing mix
• ½ cup melted unsalted butter
• ½ cup finely chopped onion
• ½ cup finely chopped celery
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¾ cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• ½ teaspoon dried sage
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Optional Ingredients

• ¼ cup dried cranberries or finely diced apple

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the stuffing balls.
2. Sauté aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, developing a savory base flavor.
3. Combine bread and vegetables: Place the dried bread cubes into a large mixing bowl. Pour the sautéed vegetables and melted butter over the bread cubes, mixing thoroughly to coat the bread with the flavorful mixture.
4. Add seasonings and mix-ins: Sprinkle in poultry seasoning, dried sage, salt, black pepper, chopped parsley, and any optional ingredients like dried cranberries or diced apple. Stir to incorporate evenly.
5. Prepare binding mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken or vegetable broth with the eggs. Pour this liquid mixture over the bread and vegetable mixture, gently stirring until the bread is evenly moistened but not soggy.
6. Form balls: Using your hands or a scoop, shape the mixture into golf-ball-sized balls. Place them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow even baking.
7. Bake: Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 22–25 minutes. The stuffing balls should develop a golden, slightly crisp exterior while remaining soft in the center.
8. Serve: Once baked, serve the stuffing balls warm as a comforting Thanksgiving side dish or attractive party appetizer.

Notes

• You can substitute dried bread cubes with your favorite stuffing mix for convenience.
• For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Add dried cranberries or diced apple for a subtle sweetness that balances the savory herbs.
• Make sure not to oversaturate the bread mixture to keep the balls from becoming too mushy.
• These stuffing balls can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving to save time on holiday day.
• Leftover stuffing balls can be refrigerated and reheated in a skillet or oven for a quick snack.

Keywords: Thanksgiving stuffing balls, holiday side dish, baked stuffing, poultry seasoning recipe, festive appetizers