Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. There’s just something so special about gathering around the table with loved ones, sharing delicious homemade dishes, and creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime. And at the heart of it all, you’ll always find my grandma’s famous Stuffing Balls Recipe.
I can still remember the first time she taught me how to make them when I was just a little kid. I’d stand on a stool in her cozy kitchen, watching in awe as she effortlessly combined all the ingredients – the soft, pillowy bread cubes, the fragrant herbs and spices, the savory broth. She’d let me get my hands dirty by gently shaping the mixture into perfectly round balls, then guide me as I carefully placed them in the oven. The delicious aroma that would fill the house was pure magic, and I’d eagerly wait by the timer, counting down the minutes until I could finally take a bite.
Those Stuffing Balls were the star of the show every Thanksgiving, stealing the spotlight from even the juiciest turkey. Grandma’s secret? It was all in the technique. She’d perfected the art of balancing the flavors, getting that irresistible crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and tender. And to this day, her recipe is the one I turn to again and again, knowing it will never disappoint.
Table of Contents
Why This Stuffing Balls Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Stuffing Balls Recipe
What sets this Stuffing Balls Recipe apart is the unique blend of flavors and textures. Instead of the typical dense, heavy stuffing, these balls are light and airy, with a delightful crunch on the outside and a melt-in-your-mouth interior. The secret lies in the perfect ratio of bread cubes to broth, and the careful seasoning that infuses every bite with savory goodness.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Bread Cubes: The foundation of the Stuffing Balls Recipe. You’ll want to use a combination of white and whole wheat bread for the perfect texture.
- Onion: Sautéed to golden-brown perfection, the onion adds depth and sweetness to the dish.
- Celery: Providing a lovely crunch and herbal notes, celery is a must-have ingredient.
- Herbs: A blend of fresh parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme lend their aromatic magic.
- Chicken Broth: The liquid that brings everything together, creating the ideal moisture level.
- Eggs: Acting as a binder, the eggs help the Stuffing Balls hold their shape.
- Butter: For richness and that irresistible golden-brown crust.
Step-by-Step Stuffing Balls Recipe Instructions
Preparing Your Stuffing Balls Recipe
This Stuffing Balls Recipe is a labor of love, but the end result is so worth it. With just a little bit of hands-on time and some patience, you’ll be rewarded with fluffy, flavorful balls that are sure to be the star of your Thanksgiving feast. The total prep and cook time is around 1 hour, and you’ll need a large mixing bowl, a baking sheet, and a few other basic kitchen tools.
1- Start by cubing the bread and letting it sit out for a few hours to dry out slightly. This will help the Stuffing Balls hold their shape better.
2- In a large skillet, sauté the onions and celery in butter until they’re soft and fragrant, about 8-10 minutes.
3- Transfer the sautéed vegetables to a large mixing bowl and add the dried bread cubes, herbs, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until well combined.
4- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and chicken broth. Pour this mixture over the bread cube mixture and use your hands to gently mix until everything is evenly moistened.
5- Scoop up handfuls of the stuffing and gently shape them into 2-inch balls, placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet as you go.
6- Bake the Stuffing Balls at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Stuffing Balls is all in the technique. Be sure to let the bread cubes dry out before assembling the mixture, and don’t overmix the ingredients – you want to maintain that light, airy texture. Also, use a light hand when shaping the balls to avoid compacting the mixture. And keep an eye on them in the oven, as the cooking time can vary depending on the size of your balls.
Serving and Storing Your Stuffing Balls Recipe
Perfect Pairings for Stuffing Balls Recipe
These Stuffing Balls are the ultimate Thanksgiving side dish, and they pair beautifully with roasted turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, and vibrant green beans. For a complete meal, you can’t go wrong. And don’t forget the cranberry sauce – the tart, tangy flavors are the perfect complement to the savory stuffing.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Stuffing Balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, until heated through.
For make-ahead convenience, you can assemble the Stuffing Balls up to 2 days in advance and keep them in the fridge until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to account for the chilled temperature.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Stuffing Balls Recipe
Creative Stuffing Balls Recipe Variations
While this classic Stuffing Balls Recipe is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it. Try adding diced apples or cranberries for a sweet-tart twist, or swap in Italian sausage or chorizo for a spicier kick. You can also experiment with different herbs, like thyme or marjoram, or use a combination of bread types, such as cornbread and sourdough.
Making Stuffing Balls Recipe Diet-Friendly
To make this Stuffing Balls Recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free bread cubes or crumbs. For a vegan version, replace the eggs and chicken broth with plant-based alternatives, like flax or chia eggs and vegetable broth. And for a low-carb take, use cauliflower florets in place of the bread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use dried bread crumbs instead of cubed bread?
A: While you can use dried bread crumbs, the texture won’t be quite the same. The cubed bread gives the Stuffing Balls a lighter, more pillowy consistency. If you do use crumbs, you may need to adjust the amount of broth to achieve the right moisture level.
Q: How long do the Stuffing Balls need to bake?
A: The Stuffing Balls should bake for 25-30 minutes at 375°F, until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside. Keep an eye on them, as the exact time may vary depending on the size of your balls.
Q: Can I make the Stuffing Balls ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can absolutely make the Stuffing Balls in advance. Assemble the mixture up to 2 days ahead, then cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to account for the chilled temperature.
Q: How many Stuffing Balls does this recipe make?
A: This recipe will yield about 20-24 Stuffing Balls, depending on the size you shape them. It’s a great amount to serve a crowd, with some leftovers for the next day.
Q: What if my Stuffing Balls come out too dry?
A: If your Stuffing Balls end up a bit too dry, you can try adding a splash of extra broth to the mixture before shaping and baking. Just be sure not to overdo it, as you don’t want the balls to be soggy.
Stuffing Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 24 servings
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this classic Stuffing Balls Recipe. Perfectly seasoned with herbs and spices, these bite-sized morsels are the perfect accompaniment to your holiday feast or a cozy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
– 8 cups cubed bread
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 stalks celery, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon dried sage
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
– 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. – Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. – In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
3. – Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, until fragrant.
4. – In a large bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables with the cubed bread. Pour in the broth and gently mix until the bread is evenly moistened.
5. – Stir in the dried sage, thyme, rosemary, black pepper, and salt until well combined.
6. – Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. – Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
8. – Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
– For a richer flavor, use melted butter instead of broth.
– Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique stuffing ball recipe.
– Store leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
I hope this Stuffing Balls Recipe brings as much joy to your family as it has to mine over the years. There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of fresh-baked stuffing, and these fluffy, flavorful balls are sure to become a new Thanksgiving tradition. So gather your loved ones, get in the kitchen, and let’s make some delicious memories together. And don’t forget to share your creations with me – I can’t wait to see how your Stuffing Balls turn out!
