Description

Stuffing balls are a delightful twist on traditional stuffing, offering a versatile and fun way to enjoy the classic flavors we all love. Originating from the heart of home cooking, stuffing has long been a staple during holiday feasts, gathering families around the dinner table. What makes stuffing balls special is their appealing bite-sized shape, making them perfect for sharing during gatherings or enjoying as a comforting side dish at any meal. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these little morsels are bursting with flavor and can be customized to suit your palate. They evoke a sense of nostalgia while providing an opportunity for creativity in the kitchen. Plus, they are surprisingly easy to prepare, allowing you to create a dish that feels both extravagant and homely.

Ingredients

• For the stuffing balls:
• 4 cups of day-old bread, cubed (you can use a mix of white, whole wheat, or even cornbread)
• 1 cup of vegetable or chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 stalks of celery, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of dried sage
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• ¼ teaspoon of black pepper
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• ¼ cup of fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• For added flavor variations (optional):
• 1 cup of cooked sausage, crumbled
• 1 cup of chopped cooked mushrooms
• ½ cup of dried cranberries or raisins
• ½ cup of chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)

Preparation Method

To begin, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your stuffing balls will bake evenly and develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior. While the oven is heating up, take a moment to prepare your bread. If you haven’t done so already, cube your day-old bread into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large mixing bowl. The drier the bread, the better, as it will absorb the broth without becoming soggy.

Next, in a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil or butter. Once hot, toss in the finely chopped onion and celery. Sauté these aromatic vegetables for about 5 to 7 minutes until they become soft and translucent. This step is crucial, as it builds a flavor base that will permeate your stuffing balls. When the onions and celery are ready, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can turn bitter.

Once your vegetables are cooked, it’s time to infuse them with herbs. Sprinkle in the dried sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine, allowing the herbs to release their flavors into the mixture. Let this simmer for a couple of minutes, and you’ll notice a delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen.

Now, take your skillet off the heat and pour the broth over the cubed bread in the mixing bowl. Add the sautéed vegetable mixture and gently combine everything using a spatula or your hands. The goal here is to ensure that the bread absorbs the broth and the flavors of the vegetables and herbs meld together beautifully.

Once combined, add the beaten eggs, which will act as a binder for your stuffing balls. For an extra layer of flavor, fold in the grated Parmesan cheese if you’re using it. This will give your stuffing balls a lovely cheesy richness. If you're opting for any of the flavor variations—such as cooked sausage, mushrooms, dried fruit, or nuts—now is the time to incorporate those as well. Gently mix until everything is evenly distributed, but be careful not to overwork the mixture; you want to maintain some texture.

After your mixture is ready, it’s time to shape the stuffing balls. Using your hands, scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into balls about the size of a golf ball. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy clean-up. If you like, you can lightly brush the tops with olive oil or melted butter to enhance browning and add richness.

Once your baking sheet is filled with these delightful little orbs, slide it into the preheated oven. Bake your stuffing balls for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. You might want to turn them halfway through baking to ensure an even crispiness all around. When they are done, a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, signaling that the insides have set perfectly.

As you remove them from the oven, let the stuffing balls cool for a few minutes. This will enhance their flavor and texture, allowing them to firm up slightly as they cool. While they are cooling, chop some fresh parsley for garnish, which will add a delightful touch of color and freshness when serving.

Tips and Conclusion

For a unique twist, consider serving your stuffing balls with a flavorful dipping sauce. A tangy cranberry sauce or a rich gravy pairs beautifully with these savory bites. If you want to make them a bit more festive, you can also add seasonal spices like nutmeg or cinnamon to the mixture. Storage is simple; leftover stuffing balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.



Preparing stuffing balls is not only a rewarding culinary experience but also a fantastic way to bring comfort and warmth to your dining table. Their versatility allows you to experiment with flavors, making them a suitable addition to any meal or celebration. Whether you’re enjoying them as a side dish during a holiday feast or as a casual appetizer for a gathering, they are sure to delight your family and friends.

If you enjoyed this recipe, why not explore other delightful dishes on our site? From hearty casseroles to vibrant salads, there’s plenty to discover that will inspire your next culinary adventure. Feel free to share this stuffing ball recipe with friends and family, and encourage them to join the fun of cooking and enjoying delicious food. Happy cooking!