Nothing brings the cozy, comforting vibes of the holidays to your table quite like this Stuffing Balls Recipe. Imagine tender, flavorful morsels loaded with all the classic stuffing tastes you love, but shaped into perfect little balls that are golden on the outside and soft inside. Whether you’re serving guests or just want a fun twist on traditional stuffing, these delightful bites are guaranteed to steal the spotlight and become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly straightforward but pack a burst of flavor and texture that makes every stuffing ball irresistible. From the buttery richness to the fresh crunch of veggies and the warming notes of poultry seasoning, each component plays a key role in bringing this recipe to life.
- 4 cups dry stuffing mix: The base that provides that classic bread texture and savory foundation.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth, making sure your stuffing balls stay juicy and flavorful.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Brings richness and helps bind everything together beautifully.
- 2 eggs, beaten: The perfect natural binder to keep those balls intact during baking.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds a sweet, aromatic punch that complements the hearty stuffing base.
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped: Offers a fresh, subtle crunch that balances out the softness inside.
- 1 tsp poultry seasoning: Infuses the mixture with fragrant herbs that evoke that classic holiday vibe.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish: A vibrant pop of color and a breath of freshness to finish the dish.
How to Make Stuffing Balls Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper — this little trick prevents sticking and makes clean-up a breeze while ensuring your stuffing balls keep their perfect shape.
Step 2: Mix the Magic
In a large bowl, combine the dry stuffing mix with the chicken broth and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is fully moistened. Then, add in the beaten eggs, finely chopped onion and celery, poultry seasoning, and a dash of salt and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly so all the flavors meld together and the texture is just right for shaping.
Step 3: Shape into Perfect Balls
With your hands, form the mixture into golf ball-sized portions. Keeping them uniform helps them cook evenly. Arrange the balls on your lined baking sheet, spacing them out to allow hot air to circulate for that gorgeous golden crust.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Pop the tray into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when each ball turns golden brown and feels firm to the touch. This cooking method ensures a crisp exterior while keeping the inside tender and flavorful.
Step 5: Cool and Garnish
Once baked, remove the stuffing balls from the oven and let them cool slightly so they don’t fall apart when served. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and a refreshing finish to your lovely creation.
How to Serve Stuffing Balls Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley instantly brightens these little delights, but you can also drizzle a bit of warm gravy on top for added richness. A few whole cranberry sauce berries on the side add a tart contrast that really makes the flavors sing.
Side Dishes
These stuffing balls make an excellent companion to roasted turkey or baked chicken, but don’t stop there. Pair them with sautéed green beans, glazed carrots, or a hearty winter salad to round out your meal with freshness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun appetizer twist, serve these stuffing balls on toothpicks with a side of cranberry aioli or savory mustard dip. You could also arrange them in a festive holiday basket lined with a cozy napkin — perfect for sharing at parties or family gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though they rarely last long!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, maintaining their delicious flavor and texture.
Freezing
Stuffing balls freeze beautifully. Lay them out on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a resealable freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months, giving you a quick and hearty snack anytime you need it.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated stuffing balls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 to 15 minutes or until warmed through. This will bring back their crispy outside and soft inside without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I make stuffing balls without eggs?
Yes! Eggs act as a binder, but you can substitute them with flaxseed meal mixed with water or applesauce. These alternatives will help keep everything together and still give you tasty results.
Can I use homemade stuffing for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you have leftover homemade stuffing, feel free to turn it into stuffing balls by adding an egg or two to bind the mixture before shaping and baking.
How do I make stuffing balls crispy?
To get that crispy exterior, make sure not to overcrowd your baking sheet and bake at 350°F until golden brown. You can also lightly brush the balls with melted butter before baking to enhance crispiness.
Are stuffing balls suitable for vegetarians?
They can be! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and ensure that your stuffing mix does not contain animal-derived ingredients.
Can I add cheese to stuffing balls?
Definitely! Mixing in some shredded cheddar, parmesan, or your favorite cheese gives the stuffing balls a delightful melt-in-your-mouth surprise that everyone will love.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fun, flavorful twist on a classic side, this Stuffing Balls Recipe should be your next kitchen adventure. They’re easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Trust me, once you try these golden little bites, they’ll become a staple at your table too! Happy cooking!
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Stuffing Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 stuffing balls
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Stuffing Balls are a delightful twist on traditional stuffing, baked to golden perfection with a moist and savory interior. Perfect as a side dish for holiday meals or any comforting dinner, they combine classic ingredients like celery, onion, poultry seasoning, and chicken broth into easy-to-serve bite-sized portions.
Ingredients
Stuffing Balls Ingredients
- 4 cups dry stuffing mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1 tsp poultry seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the stuffing balls from sticking during baking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry stuffing mix with the chicken broth and melted butter until the mixture is evenly moistened. Next, add the beaten eggs, finely chopped onion, celery, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything until fully combined to form a cohesive mixture.
- Form the Balls: Shape the stuffing mixture into golf ball-sized portions using your hands or a small ice cream scoop. Make sure the balls are firm enough to hold their shape. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the stuffing balls in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown on the outside and feel firm to the touch, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the stuffing balls to cool slightly to set. Before serving, garnish each stuffing ball with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- You can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly, but omit the eggs or replace them with a vegan binder to maintain the shape.
- Ensure the stuffing balls are tightly packed when shaping to prevent them from falling apart during baking.
- These stuffing balls can be made ahead and reheated in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- For extra flavor and texture, consider adding cooked sausage or dried cranberries to the mixture.
