Stuffing Balls

Stuffing Balls: Bite-Sized Comfort in Every Morsel

 Stuffing Balls are a delightful twist on the classic holiday side dish, taking the comfort of traditional stuffing and transforming it into bite-sized, savory morsels of goodness. Whether you’re planning a festive feast, a family dinner, or simply craving the heartwarming flavors of stuffing, these little gems are here to delight your taste buds. Join us as we uncover the secrets to creating these golden, crispy-on-the-outside, soft-and-flavorful-on-the-inside stuffing balls that are sure to steal the show at any gathering.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups dry bread cubes or stuffing mix
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning (or a mix of dried sage, thyme, and rosemary)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • Cooking spray or additional melted butter for greasing
  • Fresh parsley or sage leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Stuffing Mixture:

  1. If using dry bread cubes, place them in a large mixing bowl. If you have stuffing mix, use it as is.
  2. In a skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
  3. Add the chopped onion and celery to the skillet and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until they become soft and translucent.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and continue to sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Pour the sautéed vegetables and melted butter over the dry bread cubes or stuffing mix.
  6. Add the poultry seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the mixture.
  7. Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, stirring continuously to moisten the bread evenly. You want the mixture to be moist but not overly soggy.
  8. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes.

Shape and Bake the Stuffing Balls: 9. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or melted butter.

  1. Once the stuffing mixture is slightly cooled, add the beaten eggs and mix thoroughly. This will help bind the stuffing balls.
  2. Take a handful of the stuffing mixture and shape it into a ball, about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter. Place it on the prepared baking sheet.
  3. Repeat the process until you’ve formed all the stuffing into balls. Leave a little space between each ball on the baking sheet.
  4. If desired, garnish each stuffing ball with a fresh parsley or sage leaf for an elegant touch.

Bake to Golden Perfection: 14. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the stuffing balls are golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside.

  1. Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Serve and Enjoy: 16. Serve your golden, crispy Stuffing Balls as a delightful side dish for holiday meals, family gatherings, or any occasion that calls for comfort food.

Cook’s Notes:

  • Feel free to customize your stuffing balls by adding chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or diced apples for added texture and flavor.
  • Make sure the stuffing mixture is moist but not overly wet. Adjust the amount of broth as needed.
  • These stuffing balls can be made in advance and reheated in the oven before serving.
  • Experiment with different herbs and spices to match your personal taste preferences.

Stuffing Balls take the beloved flavors of traditional stuffing and transform them into bite-sized, crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside delights. Whether served as a side dish or enjoyed as a standalone snack, they’re a perfect embodiment of comfort and flavor. So, savor each bite of these golden gems, and let them bring the warmth of a holiday feast to your table, no matter the occasion.