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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
