Stuffing Balls Recipe

If you’re after a cozy, comforting side that brings a little nostalgia to your table, you’re in the right spot. This Stuffing Balls Recipe from my Grandma Dot is absolutely fan-freaking-tastic. It’s one of those dishes that instantly brings warmth to the room and has everyone asking for seconds – I promise you’ll love how these golden, crispy-on-the-outside and tender-on-the-inside balls turn out!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Stuffing Balls Recipe come together like a warm hug. The seasoned bread cubes give it that classic stuffing base, while sautéed onions and celery add the perfect depth of flavor. Butter makes everything rich and luscious, and a little poultry seasoning is just the magic touch.

• Dry seasoned bread cubes: Choose a good quality seasoned mix or make your own for extra flavor.
• Onion: Finely chopped to melt into the butter and bring sweetness.
• Celery: Adds crunch and freshness; finely chopped works best.
• Unsalted butter: Melted for sautéing veggies and enriching the mixture.
• Eggs: Lightly beaten to help bind everything together.
• Chicken broth: Gradually added to moisten but not soggy; homemade or store-bought both work.
• Poultry seasoning: A blend of sage, thyme, and rosemary – it’s the soul of your stuffing balls.
• Garlic powder: Adds savory depth without overpowering.
• Salt and black pepper: Adjust to your taste for just the right balance.
• Fresh parsley (optional): Chopped to brighten and freshen the flavor towards the end.

Variations

I like to keep this Stuffing Balls Recipe pretty classic, but honestly, it’s a perfect canvas for your own creativity. Feel free to tweak the herbs or add in extras like sausage or dried cranberries if you’re feeling adventurous.

• Herb Swap: I once swapped the poultry seasoning for fresh sage and thyme, which gave a beautiful earthy touch – definitely worth a try.
• Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit any meat add-ins for a lovely meat-free side.
• Crunch Factor: Toss in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a delightful unexpected texture.

How to Make Stuffing Balls Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Vegetables Until Soft and Fragrant

Start by melting your butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and celery, and cook them slowly until they’re soft and translucent – about 5 to 7 minutes. The smell at this stage is pure comfort in the making, and it’s a step I never skip because it builds so much flavor into the stuffing balls.

Step 2: Combine the Bread Cubes and Seasonings

In a large bowl, toss the dry seasoned bread cubes with the sautéed veggies and the melted butter drippings. Sprinkle in the poultry seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything gets mixed well so you get consistent flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Bind and Moisturize the Mixture

Stir in the beaten eggs next, which will help hold your stuffing balls together. Then, add the chicken broth a little at a time. You want just enough liquid so that when you press the mixture together, it holds its shape without feeling soggy — I usually stop adding broth once I can form a firm ball with my hands.

Step 4: Form and Bake Your Stuffing Balls

Scoop handfuls of the mixture and roll them into golf ball-sized rounds. Place them on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes until they’re golden brown on the outside and wonderfully tender inside. They should develop a nice crisp crust without becoming dry.

How to Serve Stuffing Balls Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on the warm stuffing balls right before serving – it adds such a fresh pop of color and flavor. For a special touch, a drizzle of homemade gravy is fantastic and really takes the dish over the top.

Side Dishes

These stuffing balls are a natural partner with roasted turkey or chicken, and I love serving them alongside garlic mashed potatoes and roasted seasonal veggies – they soak up all the delicious juices, making every bite unforgettable.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I like arranging these stuffing balls in a wreath shape on a big platter and garnishing with fresh herbs and cranberries—instantly festive and perfect for sharing. You could also serve them on skewers as a fun appetizer for your next party!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Stuffing balls store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to cool them completely before storing, which helps them keep their shape and texture. Just reheat gently and you’re good to go!

Freezing

Once baked and cooled, you can freeze stuffing balls on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months. This trick saves me so much time during the holidays when I can just pop some in the oven straight from the freezer.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend baking at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and crisp again on the outside. Microwaving works in a pinch, but you might lose that nice crunch, so use it sparingly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

For me, this Stuffing Balls Recipe is like a little trip down memory lane every time I make it—bringing that warmth and love from Grandma Dot’s kitchen to mine. If you want a dish that’s both easy to make and packed with those classic, comforting flavors, you really can’t go wrong here. I hope you give it a try and watch it become one of your family’s favorite sides too. Happy cooking!

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