If you’re anything like me, you’ll know that a fantastic side dish can totally steal the spotlight, especially during holiday meals or cozy dinners. This Stuffing Balls Recipe is one of those gems that’s foolproof, full of flavor, and makes your whole kitchen smell like heaven. I absolutely love how these come out golden and crisp on the outside, yet perfectly moist and fluffy on the inside. Trust me, once you try these stuffing balls, you’ll want them on your table again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Crispy Outside: The baking method gives a wonderful golden crust that adds a delightful texture.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is so approachable even for beginners.
- Versatile for Any Meal: These stuffing balls pair beautifully with turkey, chicken, or even roasted veggies.
- Family Favorite: Once I made these stuffing balls, my family kept asking for more—they’re a real crowd pleaser!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Stuffing Balls Recipe is in the mix of seasoned bread cubes with sautéed onions and celery, plus a blend of herbs that give it a classic savory flavor. Using the right type of bread cubes and fresh vegetables really makes the stuffing balls stand out.
- Seasoned Bread Cubes: Dry bread cubes work best because they soak up the liquids perfectly without becoming mushy.
- Onion: Finely chopped for even cooking and that sweet, caramelized flavor.
- Celery: Adds a subtle crunch and freshness—don’t skip it!
- Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness of the whole dish.
- Eggs: Helps bind everything together so the balls hold their shape while baking.
- Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and depth; you can adjust the amount to get the right consistency.
- Poultry Seasoning (or herbs mix): Sage, thyme, and rosemary bring in that traditional stuffing aroma that’s just irresistible.
- Garlic Powder: For a subtle, savory kick that rounds out the seasoning.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for balancing flavors. Season to your taste.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note right at the end.
Variations
I love how flexible this Stuffing Balls Recipe is. You can easily tweak it to match your taste buds or dietary needs, and each variation brings a fresh twist that keeps me excited to make it again.
- Vegetarian Variation: Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth—I’ve done this many times and the flavor stays just as rich and comforting.
- Herb Twist: Sometimes I add fresh sage and thyme instead of poultry seasoning, which makes it taste extra garden-fresh.
- Add Some Nuts: For a little crunch, I’ve mixed in chopped pecans or walnuts before baking—adds a lovely texture contrast.
- Cheesy Stuffing Balls: Sneaking in some shredded parmesan or cheddar in the mix makes these extra indulgent and irresistible.
How to Make Stuffing Balls Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables to Start
First, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Then, toss in the finely chopped onion and celery. Cook them gently until they’re soft and just starting to turn golden—about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is key because it brings out the sweetness in the veggies and infuses the butter with flavor, which makes the whole stuffing mixture taste incredible.
Step 2: Mix the Base of Your Stuffing Balls
In a big mixing bowl, combine your dry seasoned bread cubes with the sautéed vegetables (including the buttery goodness left in the pan). Add the poultry seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together so every cube gets coated with those delicious flavors.
Step 3: Moisten and Bind
Now, pour in the lightly beaten eggs and start stirring. Gradually add chicken broth—start with 1 ½ cups and add more as needed—until the mixture feels moist but still holds together when you press it between your fingers. This is the trickiest part: too wet and the balls fall apart; too dry and they’ll be crumbly. I learned that adding broth slowly is the best way to get it just right.
Step 4: Roll, Bake, and Enjoy
Scoop out handfuls of the mixture and roll them into golf ball-sized rounds. Place them evenly spaced on a greased or lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes, until they turn golden brown and have a nice crust but are still tender inside. These come out perfectly every time if you give them enough space to crisp up without steaming.
Pro Tips for Making Stuffing Balls Recipe
- Bread Texture Matters: Use day-old or dry bread cubes, so your stuffing balls don’t turn out soggy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Give each ball space to allow even heat circulation and to maintain that crispy exterior.
- Control Moisture Carefully: Add broth slowly and test by pressing a small amount—it should hold but not be soggy.
- Use Fresh Herbs When Possible: Fresh parsley or thyme added at the end really brightens the flavor dramatically.
How to Serve Stuffing Balls Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top just before serving to add a pop of color and a fresh herbal note. Sometimes, I add a tiny drizzle of melted butter or even a light gravy if we’re having it with roast chicken—it just feels so cozy!
Side Dishes
These stuffing balls are the perfect partner to turkey or roast chicken, but I also love serving them alongside green beans almondine, roasted root vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes. My family goes crazy for this combo during holiday dinners.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to arrange the stuffing balls on a platter surrounded by fresh rosemary sprigs and cranberries. It looks festive and inviting, plus guests love picking them up as finger food during holiday parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. I usually place a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb any extra moisture, which helps keep the stuffing balls from getting soggy.
Freezing
These stuffing balls freeze beautifully. I freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. That way, you can grab a few whenever you want without thawing the whole batch. Perfect for quick holiday sides or meal prepping!
Reheating
Reheat stuffing balls in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes to get the outside crisp again, or pop them in the air fryer for just a few minutes—this keeps that amazing texture intact better than a microwave.
FAQs
-
Can I make stuffing balls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffing mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it before shaping and baking. Alternatively, you can make the balls in advance, freeze them, and bake straight from frozen when you’re ready.
-
What kind of bread is best for this recipe?
Dried, seasoned bread cubes work best—they absorb the moisture without falling apart. You can also use leftover bread that’s been left out to dry overnight for a similar effect.
-
Can I use gluten-free bread for these stuffing balls?
Absolutely! Just make sure the gluten-free bread is sturdy and dry enough to hold the mixture well, or your stuffing balls might be a bit more delicate when baking.
-
How do I keep stuffing balls from falling apart?
Make sure to add your eggs and broth gradually until the mixture holds together when pressed. Avoid adding too much liquid, which can make the balls soggy and not hold their shape.
Final Thoughts
This Stuffing Balls Recipe has become my go-to whenever I want a tasty, comforting side that feels special without a ton of fuss. Whether you’re serving it up for holidays or a simple family dinner, it’s the kind of dish everyone loves and remembers. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy how the flavors come together and how perfectly these little balls hold their own on your plate. Plus, they’re fun to make and even more fun to eat!
Print
Stuffing Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 stuffing balls
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Grandma Dot’s Stuffing Balls are a classic, comforting side dish perfect for holiday meals or cozy dinners. Made with seasoned bread cubes, sautéed onions and celery, and flavorful herbs, these golden-brown stuffing balls are baked until crisp on the outside and tender inside. They are easy to prepare and serve as a delicious accompaniment to turkey, chicken, or roast meals.
Ingredients
Stuffing Base
- 1 bag (12–14 oz) dry seasoned bread cubes
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 ribs celery, finely chopped
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 ½ to 2 cups chicken broth, as needed
- 1 tsp poultry seasoning or a mix of sage, thyme, rosemary
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt, adjust to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for freshness)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a large baking sheet to prevent the stuffing balls from sticking during baking.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and celery, and cook until they become soft and fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Mix Stuffing Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry seasoned bread cubes with the sautéed vegetables along with the butter from the skillet. Add poultry seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, mixing thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly.
- Moisten Mixture: Stir in the lightly beaten eggs. Gradually add chicken broth, mixing gently just until the stuffing is moistened enough to hold together when pressed. Avoid adding too much broth to keep the mixture from becoming soggy.
- Form Stuffing Balls: Using your hands or a scoop, take portions of the mixture and roll them into balls approximately the size of a golf ball. Place them evenly spaced onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the stuffing balls in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and develop a slightly crisp exterior.
- Serve: Serve the stuffing balls warm as a delicious side dish accompanying turkey, chicken, or roast dinners. Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for added color and flavor.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning according to taste, especially the salt, depending on the seasoning of your bread cubes.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit eggs or use an egg replacer.
- Leftover stuffing balls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to retain crispness.
- Adding fresh herbs like sage or thyme can enhance the flavor further.
- Ensure the mixture is not too wet to prevent soggy stuffing balls; add broth gradually.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffing ball
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
