Stuffing Balls

If you’re looking for a unique, flavorful twist on traditional stuffing for your next family dinner or holiday feast, stuffing balls might just be the answer! These delicious, golden-brown morsels are packed with all the classic flavors of stuffing but in a fun, bite-sized form that’s easy to serve and enjoy. Perfectly seasoned and oven-baked, these stuffing balls are crunchy on the outside and wonderfully tender inside.

Why Choose Stuffing Balls Over Traditional Stuffing?

Traditional stuffing often requires more prep work, taking up valuable oven space during those busy holiday cooking sessions. Stuffing balls, on the other hand, are pre-portioned and easy to serve, making them a fantastic option for family gatherings. They’re also versatile, as you can add your favorite herbs, spices, or even meat like sausage for an extra boost of flavor.

Here’s everything you need to know about making these delicious stuffing balls, from the ingredients you’ll need to how to store any leftovers!

Ingredients for Making Perfect Stuffing Balls

Let’s break down the ingredients that make this recipe a hit:

• 4 cups dry stuffing mix: Provides a flavorful and absorbent base for the stuffing balls. Use your favorite brand or homemade if preferred.
• 1 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and rich flavor, helping to bind the ingredients together.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Enhances flavor and provides the necessary fat for a golden-brown finish.
• 2 eggs, beaten: Acts as a binding agent to hold everything together.
• 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds a touch of sweetness and savory flavor.
• 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped: Adds a subtle crunch and classic stuffing flavor.
• 1 tsp poultry seasoning: Provides a perfect blend of herbs like sage and thyme.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings for flavor.
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish: Adds a pop of color and freshness.

With these ingredients on hand, you’ll have everything you need to create a batch of perfectly seasoned stuffing balls.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Stuffing Balls

Creating these stuffing balls is straightforward, and the result is well worth the effort. Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and non-stick cooking.
2. Combine Stuffing Mix with Moisture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry stuffing mix, chicken broth, and melted butter. Stir well until the stuffing is uniformly moistened.
3. Add the Bindings and Seasoning: Add the beaten eggs, finely chopped onion, celery, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper to the stuffing mix. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
4. Form into Balls: Use your hands to form the mixture into small balls, approximately the size of a golf ball. This will ensure even baking and a convenient size for serving.
5. Bake: Arrange the stuffing balls on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and firm to the touch.
6. Garnish and Serve: Once the stuffing balls are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before garnishing with fresh chopped parsley.

These simple steps will result in beautiful, golden stuffing balls that are ready to be enjoyed!

Tips for Making the Best Stuffing Balls

For even better results, here are a few additional tips to enhance the flavor and texture of your stuffing balls:

• Add Sausage: For a more robust flavor, try adding cooked sausage crumbles to the mixture. This will add a savory depth and pair perfectly with the herbs in the poultry seasoning.
• Use Fresh Herbs: If you have access to fresh herbs like thyme, sage, or rosemary, finely chop and add them to the mix. Fresh herbs bring a vibrant flavor that can’t be beaten.
• Customize the Texture: If you prefer a firmer stuffing ball, reduce the chicken broth slightly or add more stuffing mix. For a softer texture, add a splash more broth.

Variations on Stuffing Balls to Try

Want to put your spin on this recipe? Here are a few delicious variations to consider:

• Cheesy Stuffing Balls: Mix in shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese for a gooey, cheesy twist.
• Cranberry Walnut: Add dried cranberries and chopped walnuts for a festive holiday touch that brings sweet and nutty flavors.
• Spicy Kick: For a bit of heat, add diced jalapeño or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the stuffing mixture.

Serving Ideas for Stuffing Balls

Stuffing balls are incredibly versatile and can be served in several ways:

1. As a Side Dish: Serve alongside roast turkey, chicken, or ham for a complete holiday meal.
2. As a Party Appetizer: Use toothpicks to serve the stuffing balls as bite-sized appetizers for a party.
3. With Gravy or Cranberry Sauce: Serve with a drizzle of gravy or a side of cranberry sauce for dipping.
4. Leftover Transformation: Use leftover stuffing balls to make sandwiches, or even use them as a topping for soups!

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Stuffing Balls

If you happen to have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat your stuffing balls to maintain their delicious flavor:

1. Refrigeration: Store leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Freezing: These stuffing balls can be frozen for up to 3 months. Freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container.
3. Reheating: To reheat, bake the balls in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the stuffing balls soggy.

Nutritional Information

For those interested in nutritional values, here’s a rough estimate per serving (based on a 6-serving batch):

• Calories: Approximately 180-200 kcal
• Protein: 3-5g
• Fat: 10-12g
• Carbohydrates: 15-20g

These stuffing balls are a treat without going overboard on calories, making them a great addition to any balanced meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make Stuffing Balls in Advance?

Yes, you can! Prepare the mixture up to a day ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply roll the mixture into balls and proceed as directed.

Can I Use Different Types of Bread?

Certainly! If you don’t have stuffing mix, you can substitute it with diced bread or croutons. Just ensure the bread is dry, as this will help absorb the broth and other liquids.

What Other Seasonings Work Well in Stuffing Balls?

Feel free to experiment! Rosemary, thyme, and sage are classic stuffing herbs that add fantastic flavor. You can also try seasoning blends like Italian seasoning or add garlic powder for a boost of savory flavor.

Are Stuffing Balls Gluten-Free?

Traditional stuffing mix often contains gluten, so look for a gluten-free variety if needed. Substitute with gluten-free bread or croutons and use gluten-free broth.

Perfect for the Holidays or Any Day

These stuffing balls are an ideal side dish for holiday meals, Sunday roasts, or even as a tasty snack! With their classic flavors and easy prep, they are sure to become a family favorite, bringing comfort and warmth to the table.

Give this recipe a try at your next gathering and see how everyone enjoys the fun twist on classic stuffing!

Print