Print

Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://recipeswithria.com/thanksgiving-stuffing-balls-recipe/