Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls Recipe

Introduction

These Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls are a delightful twist on classic stuffing, perfectly portioned and easy to serve. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, they combine savory herbs with sautéed vegetables for a comforting holiday treat.

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, toast the bread cubes beforehand until lightly golden to enhance crunch and aroma.
• Try adding cooked sausage or mushrooms for a heartier variation.
• If you prefer vegetarian, use vegetable broth and omit any meat add-ins.
• Mix in nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture and richness.

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 until heated through and crisp on the outside.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these stuffing balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture and form the balls a day before baking. Keep them covered in the fridge and bake just before serving.

Can I freeze the stuffing balls?

Absolutely. Place the formed balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 97 reviews

• Author: lina
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: About 12 stuffing balls 1x

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Description

These Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls are a delicious and bite-sized twist on traditional stuffing, perfect as a festive side dish or party appetizer. Made with a flavorful mix of bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, poultry seasoning, and herbs, they are baked to golden perfection for a crispy outside and soft center.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Stuffing Balls

• 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

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the finely chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
3. Combine Bread and Vegetables: Place the dried bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Pour the sautéed vegetables and melted butter over the bread cubes, ensuring they are well coated.
4. Add Seasonings and Herbs: Sprinkle in the poultry seasoning, dried sage, salt, black pepper, fresh parsley, and any optional additions such as dried cranberries or diced apple. Stir to combine evenly.
5. Mix Broth and Eggs: In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken or vegetable broth and the eggs. Pour this liquid mixture over the bread and vegetable mixture and gently stir until all ingredients are evenly moistened and hold together well.
6. Form Stuffing Balls: Using your hands or a scoop, form the mixture into golf-ball-sized balls. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the outsides of the balls are golden brown and slightly crisp while the centers remain soft and moist.
8. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm as a festive Thanksgiving side dish or a delightful party appetizer.

Notes

• To make this dish vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• If using dried bread cubes, ensure they are slightly stale or toasted to absorb moisture better.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute bread cubes with gluten-free bread.
• These stuffing balls can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven for best texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Thanksgiving stuffing, stuffing balls, holiday side dish, baked stuffing, appetizer