Stuffing Balls Recipe

Fluffy Homemade Stuffing Balls Recipe: Savory Holiday Magic

Crispy, golden balls of savory stuffing delight have been a secret weapon on holiday tables for generations.

These delectable stuffing balls bring extra magic to classic comfort food with their irresistible crunch and rich flavor.

Blending traditional herbs and breadcrumbs, stuffing balls elevate a simple side dish into a showstopping appetizer or accompaniment.

Packed with aromatic herbs and seasonings, each bite promises a burst of warm, nostalgic goodness that connects you to cherished culinary memories.

The technique is straightforward, requiring just a few simple ingredients and a dash of culinary creativity.

Perfectly browned and tender inside, these stuffing balls will become an instant favorite at your next gathering.

Proper Storage and Reheating of Stuffing Balls

  • Place leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure they cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Warm stuffing balls in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Sprinkle a few drops of chicken broth to restore moisture.
  • Heat individual stuffing balls for 30-45 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and add additional 10-15 second intervals if needed for even warming.
  • Wrap cooled stuffing balls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

Perfect Pairings for These Bready Sides

  • Pair Crisp White Wine: Chardonnay's buttery notes complement the rich, savory stuffing balls perfectly, balancing their herbal and hearty flavors.
  • Serve with Roasted Turkey: Classic roasted turkey creates a traditional thanksgiving ensemble, letting the stuffing balls shine as a delectable side dish.
  • Match Green Salad: Fresh mixed greens with a light vinaigrette provide a crisp, tangy contrast to the dense and warm stuffing balls, adding refreshing brightness to the plate.
  • Complement with Cranberry Sauce: Tart and sweet cranberry sauce cuts through the richness of the stuffing, delivering a zesty counterpoint to the savory balls.

Creative Stuffing Ball Variations to Try

  • Gluten-Free Variation: Replace traditional stuffing mix with gluten-free bread crumbs or cornbread stuffing mix, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac and gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Vegetarian Stuffing Balls: Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth, add sautéed mushrooms or chopped nuts for extra protein and texture. Include herbs like sage and thyme for enhanced flavor.
  • Low-Sodium Option: Use salt-free seasoning blend, reduce salt quantity, select low-sodium chicken broth. Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary and parsley to boost taste without additional sodium.
  • Herb-Infused Gourmet Version: Experiment with fresh herbs like tarragon, chives, and dill. Add crumbled goat cheese or crispy bacon bits for sophisticated flavor profile. Include toasted pine nuts for extra crunch and richness.

FAQs

  • Can I make stuffing balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffing balls in advance. Mix the ingredients, form the balls, and refrigerate them on a baking sheet. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

  • Are stuffing balls suitable for vegetarians?

No, this recipe contains chicken broth and eggs. To make a vegetarian version, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and use a plant-based egg substitute.

  • How do I prevent stuffing balls from falling apart?

Ensure the mixture is well-combined and moist. The eggs act as a binding agent. When forming balls, press the mixture firmly together and don’t make them too large, which can cause crumbling.

  • Can I freeze stuffing balls?

Yes, you can freeze them before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, place on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding extra cooking time.

Why Stuffing Balls Are a Hit on Every Table

  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Whip up these stuffing balls with minimal effort, turning simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing side dish that feels like a culinary triumph.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for family gatherings, holiday meals, or weeknight dinners, these stuffing balls bring warmth and nostalgia to the table with their classic flavors.
  • Versatile Meal Companion: Easily pair these stuffing balls with roasted meats, chicken, or turkey, making them a flexible side dish that adapts to any main course with delicious ease.
  • Stress-Free Preparation: Create these stuffing balls in just a few simple steps, requiring no advanced cooking skills and minimal kitchen equipment, ensuring a stress-free cooking experience for everyone.

What Goes Into These Savory Stuffing Balls

Main Ingredients:

Dry Ingredients:
  • Dry Stuffing Mix: A classic base full of herbs and bread crumbs.
  • Poultry Seasoning: A fragrant blend that brings cozy flavor.
Liquid Ingredients:
  • Chicken Broth: A savory liquid that keeps stuffing moist and delicious.
  • Melted Butter: Creamy golden goodness that adds rich flavor.
  • Beaten Eggs: Binding ingredient that helps hold everything together.
Vegetable Mix:
  • Onion, Celery: Crisp vegetables that add fresh crunch and depth.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Salt, Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the overall taste.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Chopped Parsley: A bright green finishing touch that adds fresh color.

How to Prepare These Baked Savory Balls

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven and Prep the Baking Tray

Get your oven ready by turning the dial to 350°F.

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper so nothing sticks.

Step 2: Mix Magical Stuffing Ingredients

Grab a big mixing bowl and toss in:
  • Dry stuffing mix
  • Chicken broth
  • Melted butter
  • Beaten eggs
  • Chopped onion
  • Diced celery
  • Poultry seasoning
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Stir everything together until it looks like a delicious, even mixture.

Step 3: Shape Tasty Stuffing Spheres

Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized rounds with your hands.

Place each sphere gently on the prepared baking sheet, giving them a little breathing room.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Slide the tray into the hot oven.

Let these delightful stuffing balls cook for 20-25 minutes.

They’re done when they turn a beautiful golden brown and feel firm when you touch them.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Pull the stuffing balls out of the oven.

Let them cool for a moment, then sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top.

Serve these warm and watch everyone smile.

Tips to Get Crispy and Tender Stuffing Balls

  • Ensure the mixture is damp but not soggy – add chicken broth gradually to control consistency and prevent dry or wet stuffing balls.
  • Use a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon to create evenly sized stuffing balls for consistent cooking and professional presentation.
  • Finely chop onions and celery to distribute flavor evenly and prevent large chunks disrupting the texture of stuffing balls.
  • Brush stuffing balls with melted butter halfway through baking to achieve a golden, crispy outer layer that's irresistibly crunchy.
  • Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and use gluten-free stuffing mix to make these stuffing balls suitable for vegetarian and gluten-sensitive diets.
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Stuffing Balls Recipe

Stuffing Balls Recipe


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4.6 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Delightful stuffing balls bring comfort and festive cheer to holiday tables across North America. Crispy exterior and tender interior create a perfect side dish that guests will eagerly devour.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 cups dry stuffing mix
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Vegetables:

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped

Seasonings and Garnish:

  • 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring a non-stick surface for the upcoming culinary creation.
  2. In a spacious mixing vessel, blend dry stuffing mix with rich chicken broth and velvety melted butter, creating a foundational moisture. Incorporate beaten eggs, finely diced onion, delicate celery pieces, aromatic poultry seasoning, and complementary salt and pepper, stirring until ingredients harmonize into a cohesive mixture.
  3. Craft uniform spherical portions by gently compressing the seasoned mixture into compact orbs, mimicking the size of a standard golf ball. Carefully position each sphere onto the prepared baking sheet, allowing minimal spacing between them to promote even heat circulation.
  4. Transfer the baking sheet into the preheated oven, allowing the stuffing balls to transform for 20-25 minutes. Monitor their progression, seeking a golden-brown exterior and a firm, substantial texture that indicates complete cooking.
  5. Carefully extract the stuffing balls from the oven, permitting a brief cooling interval. Enhance their visual appeal and flavor profile by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley across the surface, then serve while maintaining a pleasant warmth.

Notes

  • Customize the stuffing mix by adding your favorite herbs like rosemary or thyme for an extra flavor boost.
  • Ensure the mixture is moist but not soggy to help the stuffing balls hold their shape during baking.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free stuffing mix and replace chicken broth with vegetable broth.
  • Make these ahead of time by preparing the balls and refrigerating them before baking, which can save precious time during meal preparation.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Marcus Hale

Marcus Hale

Founder & Recipe Storyteller

Expertise

  • Demystifying knife work, sauce emulsification, and pastry basics.
  • Curating seasonal guides that adapt global recipes to local, in-season produce.
  • Crafting blog posts, videos, and social media tips.

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on global cuisine training emphasizes sustainable cooking and recipe development under accredited chefs.

Marcus grew up surrounded by maple trees, farm stands, and the smell of Sunday stew simmering on the stove. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from the HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he knew he didn’t want to work in fancy kitchens, he wanted to cook for real people.

At Whip Up Cook Up, Marcus is the guy turning memories into meals. His recipes are fast, full of flavor, and built for home cooks who want big taste without the drama.

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