Savory Stuffing Balls Recipe Perfect for Holiday Feasts

Introduction

Picture this: the aroma of sage, thyme, and caramelized onions wafting through your kitchen, mingling with the rich scent of butter and fresh herbs. That’s the magic of these savory stuffing balls—little bites of holiday happiness that are golden on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with comforting flavors. The first time I made these, it was one of those crisp December evenings when the whole family was gathered around the table. I wanted to try something new, a twist on classic stuffing that everyone could grab and enjoy.

Let me tell you, these stuffing balls were an instant hit. My sister was sneaking them straight off the baking sheet, my dad gave me an approving nod (a rare feat, I assure you), and my mom kept asking for the recipe before she’d even finished her first one. They’re the kind of treat that makes you feel warm inside, like a cozy blanket on a cold day. Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or even just a weeknight dinner when you want that holiday feel.

After tweaking the recipe a few times (all in the name of research, of course), I landed on this version that’s not just easy to make but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Bookmark this one, because it’s about to become your go-to holiday recipe for years to come!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for the holidays: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive gathering, these bite-sized stuffing balls are a guaranteed hit.
• Quick and easy: Comes together in under 45 minutes, making it ideal for busy holiday schedules.
• Simple ingredients: No fancy trips to specialty stores—most of these are pantry staples or easy to find at your local grocery store.
• Kid-approved: Even picky eaters love these savory little bites. They’re fun to eat and packed with flavors that everyone enjoys.
• Customizable: This recipe is endlessly adaptable—swap out the bread for gluten-free options, add sausage for extra heartiness, or toss in dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness.
• Unbelievably delicious: From the crispy, golden exterior to the moist and flavorful center, these stuffing balls are the perfect balance of texture and taste.

Honestly, these savory stuffing balls bring all the comfort of traditional stuffing with none of the hassle of serving from a dish. They’re portable, easy to make ahead, and will have your guests raving. Plus, they look adorable on a holiday table! You’ll love how simple they are to make, and your family will appreciate the extra love baked into every bite.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses classic stuffing ingredients and a touch of holiday flair to deliver big flavor in bite-sized servings. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, but a few fresh herbs will elevate the recipe.

• Day-old bread: Cubed and slightly dried out (French bread or sourdough work best).
• Unsalted butter: Melted, for richness and flavor.
• Yellow onion: Finely chopped and sautéed until golden (adds a hint of sweetness).
• Celery: Diced for crunch and classic stuffing flavor.
• Garlic: Minced (because garlic makes everything better).
• Fresh herbs: Chopped parsley, sage, and thyme (you can substitute dried herbs if needed).
• Eggs: Lightly beaten, for binding the stuffing balls.
• Chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth—use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
• Optional add-ins: Cooked sausage crumbles, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts.

If you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free bread or a gluten-free stuffing mix. You can also get creative with the seasonings to match your family’s tastes!

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl: For combining all the ingredients.
• Skillet: To sauté the onions, celery, and garlic.
• Baking sheet: Lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Cookie scoop or hands: For forming uniform stuffing balls.
• Knife and cutting board: To chop vegetables and herbs.
• Oven: Preheated to bake your stuffing balls to perfection.

If you don’t have a cookie scoop, don’t worry—your hands work just fine for rolling these into balls. And trust me, parchment paper is your best friend for easy cleanup.

Preparation Method

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Sauté vegetables: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion, celery, and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3. Prepare bread cubes: Place your bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. If they’re not dry enough, toast them in the oven for 5 minutes to remove excess moisture.
4. Mix the stuffing: Add the sautéed vegetables, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper to the bread cubes. Pour in the chicken broth and lightly beaten eggs, stirring until evenly combined. If the mixture feels too wet, add a few more bread cubes.
5. Form stuffing balls: Use a cookie scoop or your hands to shape the mixture into golf ball-sized portions. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each.
6. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside.
7. Cool slightly: Let the stuffing balls cool for 5 minutes before serving. They’ll firm up a bit as they cool.

These stuffing balls are best enjoyed warm, but they’re delicious at room temperature too. You’ll know they’re done when the outside is golden and the inside is moist but not soggy.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Use day-old bread: Fresh bread can make the mixture too wet, so allow it to dry out beforehand.
• Don’t overmix: Stir just until everything is combined—overmixing can make the stuffing balls dense.
• Adjust the moisture: If the mixture feels too dry, add a splash more broth. If it’s too wet, toss in a few extra bread cubes.
• Keep the size uniform: Use a cookie scoop or measure your stuffing balls to ensure even cooking.
• Make ahead: Prepare the stuffing mixture in advance and refrigerate. Roll into balls and bake just before serving.

From my experience, the key is finding the right balance between moist and dry for the stuffing mixture. Trust your instincts—if it feels too wet to hold together, it likely needs more bread!

Variations & Adaptations

• Gluten-free option: Replace regular bread with gluten-free bread or stuffing mix for a celiac-friendly version.
• Add sausage: Mix in cooked sausage crumbles for extra savory richness.
• Sweet touch: Toss in dried cranberries or chopped apples for a hint of sweetness that complements the hearty flavors.
• Vegetarian version: Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth and skip the sausage.
• Cheesy upgrade: Mix in shredded Parmesan or cheddar for a gooey, cheesy center.

I’ve tried adding sausage and cranberries, and let me tell you, it takes these stuffing balls to a whole other level. Feel free to mix and match to suit your family’s preferences!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These savory stuffing balls truly shine when served warm, straight from the oven. Arrange them on a festive platter with sprigs of fresh herbs for a picture-perfect presentation that will brighten up your holiday table.

• Serving suggestions: Pair these stuffing balls with a classic roasted turkey or ham. They also make a fantastic addition to a vegetarian holiday spread.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze these stuffing balls for up to 2 months. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes or until heated through. For quicker reheating, use the microwave, but be aware that the exterior might lose some crispiness.

Pro tip: These stuffing balls taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. If you’re planning to serve them the next day, reheat them in the oven for the best texture.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

These stuffing balls are more than just delicious—they’re made with ingredients that offer a few health perks, too. Let’s take a closer look:

• Calories: Approximately 150 calories per stuffing ball.
• Protein: Eggs and chicken broth provide a boost of protein to keep you satisfied longer.
• Fiber: The bread and vegetables contribute a good amount of fiber.
• Low in sugar: Perfect for those watching their sugar intake.
• Customizable nutrients: Add nutrient-dense ingredients like nuts or cranberries to create a more balanced dish.

Just a note: If you’re serving guests with dietary restrictions, be sure to double-check your bread and broth ingredients for allergens like gluten or dairy.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a holiday recipe that combines simplicity, flavor, and a touch of fun, these savory stuffing balls are it. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and practically guaranteed to be a hit with your family and friends. I love this recipe because it brings everyone together around the table, sharing bites of comfort and joy.

Give these stuffing balls a try and let me know how they turned out for you! Did you add your own twist? Leave a comment below or share your version on social media—you might just inspire someone else’s holiday feast. Happy cooking, and here’s to making memories (and delicious food) this holiday season!

FAQs

1. Can I make these stuffing balls ahead of time? Absolutely! Prepare the mixture and refrigerate it overnight. Form the balls and bake them just before serving.
2. Can I freeze stuffing balls? Yes, freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Reheat in the oven for best results.
3. What type of bread works best? Day-old French bread or sourdough is ideal for this recipe, but you can use any type of bread you have on hand.
4. Can I make these vegetarian? Yes, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip the sausage.
5. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or microwave briefly, though the oven will keep them crisp.

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