Savory Stuffing Balls

For a deliciously unique twist on traditional stuffing, try making these Savory Stuffing Balls. They’re everything you love about classic stuffing warm, herby, and buttery shaped into convenient, golden-brown bites that are perfect for serving alongside turkey, ham, or any main course. Plus, they’re great for holiday gatherings, as they’re easy to serve and even easier to make!

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Why You’ll Love These Savory Stuffing Balls 🍞🌿

Stuffing Balls are a crowd-pleasing holiday side dish. Shaped into individual portions, they’re easy to serve and even easier to enjoy, with every bite bursting with the flavors of sage, thyme, and caramelized vegetables. Baking these in ball form gives them a crispy outer layer, with a soft and moist inside—a texture contrast that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒

• 4 cups dry bread cubes – Using day-old or dried bread ensures the stuffing won’t get too mushy. A mix of white and whole-grain bread can add more flavor.
• 1 cup onion, finely chopped – Brings depth and natural sweetness to the stuffing.
• 1 cup celery, finely chopped – Adds crunch and an earthy flavor.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter – Rich and flavorful, the butter adds moisture and enhances the taste of the herbs.
• 1 teaspoon dried sage – A classic herb for stuffing, giving it that distinct holiday flavor.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme – Complements the sage with a subtle earthy note.
• 1 teaspoon salt – To enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Adds a bit of mild heat.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth – Helps bind the mixture and keeps it moist.
• 2 large eggs, beaten – Acts as a binder to help hold the stuffing balls together.

Step-by-Step Directions 🥄

Step 1: Prepare the Bread Cubes

1. Dry the Bread: Start by placing the dry bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. If your bread isn’t quite stale, toast it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes. The bread should be dry to the touch, as this prevents it from becoming too mushy once the liquid is added.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Melt the Butter: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. This creates a rich base for cooking the vegetables, enhancing their flavors.
2. Cook the Onion and Celery: Add the finely chopped onion and celery to the skillet, cooking until they’re soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. The gentle caramelization adds a hint of sweetness, balancing the savory herbs.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

1. Pour Vegetables Over the Bread Cubes: Once the vegetables are cooked, pour them over the bread cubes in the large mixing bowl.
2. Season the Mixture: Sprinkle the dried sage, thyme, salt, and black pepper over the bread and vegetable mixture. Toss to combine, making sure the seasonings are evenly distributed. The herbs and spices are the stars here, giving the stuffing balls their signature savory flavor.
3. Add Chicken Broth Gradually: Slowly add the chicken broth, pouring a little at a time. You want the bread cubes to be moist enough to hold together, but not soggy. If needed, add a bit more broth until you reach the right consistency.
4. Add the Beaten Eggs: Pour in the beaten eggs and mix well to incorporate. The eggs act as a binder, helping the stuffing balls hold their shape during baking.

Step 4: Shape the Stuffing Balls

1. Form the Balls: Using your hands, shape the stuffing mixture into balls about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. You should have around 12 stuffing balls. If the mixture is sticky, wet your hands slightly to help shape the balls more easily.
2. Place on a Baking Sheet: Arrange the stuffing balls on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.

Step 5: Bake

1. Preheat the Oven to 375°F (190°C): If it’s not already preheated, set the oven temperature to 375°F. Baking at this temperature allows the stuffing balls to crisp up on the outside while staying moist inside.
2. Bake the Stuffing Balls: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden brown. They should feel firm to the touch and look slightly crispy on the outside.

Step 6: Serve

1. Serve Warm: Remove the stuffing balls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm alongside your favorite holiday dishes, or drizzle with gravy for added richness. They’re delicious on their own or as part of a festive meal.

Tips for the Best Savory Stuffing Balls 🌟

• Use Dry Bread: Dry bread cubes absorb the broth and butter without becoming too soggy, giving the stuffing balls a nice structure.
• Adjust the Broth for Texture: Add broth slowly and only as much as needed. Too much liquid will make the stuffing balls fall apart.
• Experiment with Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh sage and thyme on hand, feel free to substitute them for dried. Just remember to use about double the amount of fresh herbs, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the stuffing balls ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just bring them to room temperature before baking for the best results.

Serving Suggestions 🍽️

Savory Stuffing Balls are incredibly versatile and pair well with all the classic holiday sides and mains. Here are a few ideas:

• With Gravy: Drizzle some warm gravy over the stuffing balls for added moisture and flavor.
• Alongside Roasted Turkey or Ham: These stuffing balls are the perfect side dish to accompany a holiday roast or ham.
• As a Snack or Appetizer: Serve them with a toothpick for an easy-to-eat appetizer that’s full of holiday flavor.
• With Cranberry Sauce: For a touch of sweetness and tang, serve alongside cranberry sauce.

Recipe Variations

Want to customize your stuffing balls? Here are some variations you might enjoy:

• Add Sausage: Cooked sausage adds a savory, hearty twist to these stuffing balls. Simply crumble cooked sausage into the bread mixture before shaping.
• Mix in Dried Fruit: For a touch of sweetness, add some chopped dried cranberries or raisins to the mixture. This adds a pop of flavor that pairs well with the savory herbs.
• Incorporate Nuts: Chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, add crunch and earthy flavor to the stuffing balls.
• Use Vegetable Broth: For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth.

Storing and Reheating 🍲

If you have leftovers or want to make the stuffing balls in advance, here’s how to keep them fresh:

• Refrigerating: Store the stuffing balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the stuffing balls by placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months in the freezer.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the stuffing balls on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutritional Information (Per Stuffing Ball) 🌟

Here’s an estimate of the nutritional values for one stuffing ball (based on 12 servings):

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 11g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g

Frequently Asked Questions 🤔

1. Can I make these stuffing balls vegan?
   Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, use vegetable broth, and replace the eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed mixture.
2. How can I add more flavor to the stuffing balls?
   Try adding a bit of garlic, a dash of paprika, or some fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary for added depth of flavor.
3. Can I make these gluten-free?
   Yes! Simply use gluten-free bread cubes to make this recipe gluten-free. Be mindful of any broth or seasonings that may contain gluten.

The Perfect Bite-Sized Holiday Side 🎉

Savory Stuffing Balls bring all the traditional stuffing flavors you love into a convenient, crispy, golden-brown bite. Whether served with gravy, cranberry sauce, or on their own, these stuffing balls are bound to be a hit at your holiday table. They’re easy to make, customize, and enjoy perfect for Thanksgiving, , or any gathering where you want a little extra holiday cheer on your plate.