Stuffing Balls

 

Stuffing Balls: A Crispy Holiday Favorite

Introduction: The Bite-Sized Twist on Classic Stuffing

When it comes to holiday feasts, stuffing is always the unsung hero. But what if you could take that comforting, savory flavor and turn it into something even more irresistible? Enter Stuffing Balls—a perfectly crisp, golden-brown twist on traditional stuffing. Each bite-sized ball is packed with herbs, butter, and savory goodness, making them not only delicious but also incredibly convenient to serve. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a casual family dinner, these little gems are guaranteed to steal the spotlight on your holiday table.

Unlike traditional stuffing baked in a casserole dish, stuffing balls have that crispy exterior and tender, flavorful inside—giving you the best of both worlds. They’re easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and versatile enough to pair with turkey, chicken, or even as a snack on their own.

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Ingredients (and Why They Work)

8 cups day-old bread, cubed – The foundation of stuffing. Using slightly stale bread ensures it soaks up flavors without becoming soggy.

1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted – Adds richness and helps crisp up the exterior of the stuffing balls.

1 medium onion, finely chopped – Provides a sweet-savory depth that enhances the bread.

2 celery stalks, finely chopped – Adds crunch and freshness, balancing the richness.

2 cloves garlic, minced – Infuses the balls with aromatic flavor.

2 large eggs – Binds the mixture together so the stuffing balls hold their shape.

1 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth – Moistens the bread and adds savory flavor.

2 tsp poultry seasoning (or a mix of sage, thyme, and rosemary) – Brings classic holiday flavors to every bite.

½ tsp salt and ½ tsp black pepper – Essential seasonings to balance flavors.

Fresh parsley, chopped (about ¼ cup) – Adds color, freshness, and a bright herbal note.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the bread base

Spread the cubed bread on a baking sheet and lightly toast in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes if it’s not already stale. This step ensures the bread absorbs the liquid without turning mushy.

2. Cook the vegetables

In a skillet, melt half the butter. Add onions, celery, and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant (about 5–7 minutes). This builds a flavorful base.

3. Mix the stuffing

In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, and parsley. Add poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour in the broth and melted butter, then stir gently.

4. Bind with eggs

Whisk the eggs and fold them into the mixture until everything is evenly coated. The texture should be moist but not soggy.

5. Shape the stuffing balls

Using your hands, scoop out portions of the mixture and form them into golf-ball-sized rounds. Place them on a greased baking sheet.

6. Bake to perfection

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, turning once halfway through for an even golden crust. They should be crisp on the outside and tender inside.

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Why This Recipe is Loved

Perfectly Crispy – Unlike traditional stuffing, each ball has a uniform crunch.

Portion-Friendly – Easy to serve, no messy scooping.

Kid-Approved – Bite-sized and fun, even picky eaters will grab seconds.

Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble a day in advance and bake fresh before serving.

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Pro Tips for Perfect Stuffing Balls

Use day-old bread for the best texture. Fresh bread can make the mixture too mushy.

If your mixture feels too wet, add more bread cubes. If too dry, add an extra splash of broth.

For extra flavor, add cooked sausage, mushrooms, or dried cranberries to the mix.

Brush the tops with melted butter before baking for an extra golden crust.

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Serving Suggestions

Stuffing balls are incredibly versatile. Serve them:

Alongside roasted turkey or chicken as the ultimate holiday side dish.

With gravy for dipping—kids especially love this.

On a charcuterie board as a savory snack.

In place of traditional stuffing for a modern twist on Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

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Conclusion: A Holiday Classic Reinvented

These Crispy Stuffing Balls are proof that sometimes the simplest twists on tradition can create the most unforgettable dishes. Easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to please a crowd, they’ll quickly become a staple at your holiday table. With their crunchy outside, tender inside, and rich holiday flavors, these stuffing balls are everything you love about stuffing—just better.

Make them once, and they’ll become a holiday tradition your family looks for

ward to year after year. Try them this season and discover why they’re the crispy holiday favorite you didn’t know you needed.