Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls Recipe
These Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls are a delicious twist on classic stuffing, baked into golden, crispy bites perfect as a side dish or appetizer. Made with toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, aromatic poultry seasoning, and a touch of Parmesan, these balls offer a flavorful and easy-to-make addition to your holiday feast.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 stuffing balls 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 1 loaf (about 14 oz) day-old bread, cut into small cubes (about 8 cups)
Vegetables & Seasonings
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp poultry seasoning (or 1 tsp sage + 1 tsp thyme)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Other Ingredients
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 ½ cups chicken or turkey broth (add more if needed)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare Bread Base: Spread the bread cubes evenly on a baking sheet and toast them in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 to 12 minutes until they are dry but not browned. Remove and set aside to cool.
- Cook Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 6 to 8 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
- Mix Stuffing: In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes with the cooked vegetables, poultry seasoning, salt, black pepper, chopped parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese if using. Stir the lightly beaten eggs into the mixture.
- Add Broth: Slowly pour in the chicken or turkey broth, mixing well until the bread is moist enough to hold together when pressed but not soggy. Adjust broth amount as needed.
- Shape the Balls: With damp hands, form the stuffing mixture into balls about the size of a golf ball. Place the balls on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the stuffing balls for 20 to 25 minutes until they are golden brown and crisp on the outside. Remove from oven and serve warm.
Notes
- Using day-old bread is important to avoid soggy stuffing; if using fresh bread, consider drying it out slightly in the oven longer.
- Feel free to customize the herbs and seasonings to your taste; adding fresh sage or rosemary works well.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor and helps bind the mixture.
- Ensure hands are damp when shaping the balls to prevent sticking.
- These stuffing balls can be prepared in advance and baked just before serving.
Keywords: Thanksgiving, stuffing balls, holiday side dish, baked stuffing, poultry seasoning, appetizer, easy side
Find it online: https://cookwithruby.com/thanksgiving-stuffing-balls-recipe/
