When it comes to holiday meals, certain dishes hold a special place in our hearts. Stuffing is one of those staples that we look forward to all year long. But what if we could take that classic stuffing and give it a little twist? Introducing Classic Stuffing Balls with Gravy, a delightful variation of traditional stuffing that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and drizzled with rich, savory gravy. Whether you’re planning a big holiday feast or just a cozy Sunday dinner, these stuffing balls will take your meal to the next level.
Why You Will Love It:
- Perfectly Portable: The stuffing balls are great for serving individual portions, making it easy to dish up during big gatherings without the hassle of slicing.
- Crispy on the Outside, Tender on the Inside: The baking process creates a wonderful contrast, offering a crisp outer layer while maintaining the moist, savory filling inside.
- Comfort in Every Bite: Each bite is packed with the traditional flavors of celery, onions, and seasoned bread, all bathed in a warm, comforting gravy. It’s the kind of dish that brings back memories of family gatherings and home-cooked meals.
- Versatile: These stuffing balls can shine as a side dish or even as a snack on their own. Leftovers? You’ll be sneaking them from the fridge for days.
Ingredients:
For the Stuffing Balls:
- 4 cups stuffing mix (or homemade stuffing)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for brushing
For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet to ensure your stuffing balls won’t stick.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add your finely chopped celery and onion. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step releases all those savory aromas and flavors that make stuffing so irresistible. Once they’re soft, set them aside.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the stuffing mix, sautéed vegetables, chicken broth, and beaten egg. Stir everything together until it’s evenly moistened and the mixture holds together. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the mixture feels too dry, add a bit more chicken broth until you achieve the right consistency.
- Form the Balls: Now comes the fun part! Take small handfuls of the stuffing mixture and roll them into balls, about the size of a golf ball. Place them onto your prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have a bit of space in between. Lightly brush each ball with olive oil to help them crisp up in the oven.
- Bake to Perfection: Pop the stuffing balls into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside. The aroma filling your kitchen will be hard to resist!
- Make the Gravy: While the stuffing balls are baking, it’s time to make the gravy. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden color (this is your roux, which will thicken the gravy). Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into a smooth, velvety gravy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the stuffing balls are baked to golden perfection, remove them from the oven and drizzle generously with your homemade gravy. Serve them hot, and watch as your family and friends dive in!
Tips for Success:
- Customize Your Stuffing: Feel free to experiment with the stuffing mix. Use cornbread stuffing for a slightly sweeter taste, or add dried cranberries, chopped nuts, or sausage for extra flavor.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prep these stuffing balls in advance. Form the balls, cover them tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Perfect for holiday planning!
- Double the Gravy: If you love gravy as much as I do, consider doubling the recipe. After all, no one ever complains about too much gravy!
Classic Stuffing Balls with Gravy
These stuffing balls are a delightful twist on traditional stuffing. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and drizzled with rich gravy, they make a perfect side dish for holiday meals or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
- For the Stuffing Balls:
4 cups stuffing mix (or homemade stuffing)
1 cup chicken broth
2 tbsp butter
1 cup celery, finely chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 egg, beaten
Salt and pepper, to taste
Olive oil, for brushing
- For the Gravy:
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups chicken broth
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.
- Sauté Veggies: In a skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter and sauté celery and onion for 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
- Mix: In a large bowl, combine stuffing mix, sautéed vegetables, chicken broth, and beaten egg. Mix well. Season with salt and pepper.
- Form Balls: Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized balls and place on the baking sheet. Brush with olive oil.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Make Gravy: In a saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter. Stir in flour, cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and cook until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Drizzle the stuffing balls with gravy and enjoy!
Conclusion:
These Classic Stuffing Balls with Gravy are more than just a side dish—they’re a showstopper. The crispy exterior and soft, flavorful center combine with the rich, comforting gravy to create a dish that’s perfect for any gathering, from Thanksgiving to a cozy Sunday dinner. They’re easy to make, fun to serve, and even more enjoyable to eat. Plus, they’re a fresh take on the traditional stuffing we all know and love, bringing a bit of extra excitement to your plate.
So the next time you’re planning a holiday menu or simply craving something warm and comforting, give these stuffing balls a try. You’ll be rewarded with a dish that’s both nostalgic and innovative, satisfying and oh-so-delicious!