Crunchy Golden Stuffing Spheres: A Playful Festive Recipe

Thanksgiving dinner transforms when you add these mouthwatering crispy stuffing balls to your spread.

Packed with savory herbs and golden-brown crunch, these delightful morsels elevate classic stuffing into an irresistible appetizer.

Each bite bursts with traditional flavors that dance across your palate.

Crafted from leftover bread and seasoned with sage and thyme, these balls offer a delectable twist on holiday cuisine.

They come together quickly and bring a playful texture to your table.

The crispy exterior gives way to a tender, flavorful center that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Serve these delightful bites and watch them disappear in moments.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 140 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients List for Stuffing Balls Recipe

• White Bread: Sturdy foundation that absorbs flavors and creates perfect texture, choose day-old or slightly stale bread for best results.
• Sourdough Bread: Provides tangy undertone and robust structure, perfect for adding depth to stuffing.

• Onion, Celery, Garlic: Foundational flavor builders that create rich, savory base, select fresh and firm vegetables for maximum taste intensity.

• Dried Sage, Thyme: Classic herbs that bring earthy, warm Mediterranean flavors, use fresh or high-quality dried versions for optimal taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that balance and elevate the entire dish, choose fine sea salt and freshly ground pepper.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and deepens overall savoriness, select low-sodium version for better control of saltiness.
• Egg: Binding agent that helps hold stuffing balls together, use fresh room temperature egg for smoother incorporation.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps achieve golden exterior, select unsalted for precise seasoning control.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds bright, fresh note and beautiful green color, choose vibrant, crisp leaves.
• Parmesan Cheese: Introduces nutty, salty complexity, select freshly grated for best melting and flavor.

Handy Tools for Making Stuffing Balls Recipe Smoothly

• Large skillet: Essential for sautéing vegetables with butter and spices.
• Large mixing bowl: Needed to combine bread, vegetables, and other ingredients.
• Baking sheet: Used to arrange and bake stuffing balls.
• Parchment paper: Prevents stuffing balls from sticking to the baking sheet.
• Cutting board: Required for chopping vegetables.
• Sharp knife: Used to dice onions, celery, and garlic.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Help measure ingredients accurately.

Make the Stuffing Balls Recipe Without Overthinking

• Prep the Base

Break bread into bite-sized chunks and let them dry out naturally or toast lightly in the oven to create perfect texture.

• Sauté Flavor Builders

Melt butter in a skillet and cook onions, celery, and garlic until they become soft and fragrant. Sprinkle in herbs and seasonings, then remove from heat.

• Mix Everything

Together Combine bread chunks with sautéed vegetables in a large bowl. Add optional herbs or cheese for extra flavor. Pour chicken broth and mix until bread absorbs liquid evenly.

• Create Delicious Clusters

Crack an egg and fold into the stuffing mixture. Gently shape the mixture into round balls using your hands. If too dry, splash in more broth. Arrange balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

• Transform in Oven

Heat oven to 375F. Bake stuffing balls until they turn golden and crispy around edges, about 20-25 minutes. Optional: Brush with melted butter for extra shine and crunch.

• Serve and Celebrate

Allow stuffing balls to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy as a stunning side dish or crowd-pleasing appetizer!

Change It Up with These Stuffing Balls Recipe Ideas

• Day-old or slightly stale bread works best for creating perfectly textured stuffing balls, ensuring optimal moisture absorption without becoming mushy.
• Prepare stuffing ball mixture up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, covered. Simply form into balls and bake when ready to serve, saving precious cooking time.
• Swap traditional bread with gluten-free bread cubes or use cauliflower rice as a low-carb alternative. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free for sensitive diners.
• Experiment with mix-ins like crispy bacon bits, chopped chestnuts, dried cranberries, or sautéed mushrooms to elevate the classic stuffing ball recipe and add exciting texture variations.
• Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and add extra herbs like rosemary or additional sautéed vegetables like diced carrcelery to create a hearty vegetarian version that doesn't compromise on taste.

Presenting the Stuffing Balls Recipe on Your Table

• Festive Holiday Platter: Arrange stuffing balls on a rustic wooden board with fresh rosemary sprigs, creating a beautiful centerpiece for holiday gatherings.
• Protein Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside roasted turkey, chicken, or ham. The savory herbs in the stuffing balls complement classic main dishes beautifully.
• Dipping Delight: Prepare a quick herb-infused aioli or cranberry sauce for guests to dip their stuffing balls, adding an extra layer of flavor and fun to the appetizer experience.
• Brunch Bonus: Crumble stuffing balls over a fresh salad or serve with poached eggs for a unique breakfast twist that transforms leftovers into a delicious morning meal.

Plan, Prep, and Store the Stuffing Balls Recipe Easily

• Prepare stuffing balls up to two days before your event, storing them covered in the refrigerator. Simply reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes when ready to serve.
• Pack cooled stuffing balls in airtight containers or freezer bags. They'll stay delicious for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the oven until heated through.
• Create individual serving sizes by arranging stuffing balls on a lined baking sheet before freezing. Once frozen solid, transfer to a storage container for easy grab-and-go portions.
• Store cooked stuffing balls in sealed containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Revive their crispy exterior by reheating in a preheated oven, which helps maintain their original texture better than microwave warming.

FAQs

• Are stuffing balls suitable for vegetarians?

Not in this recipe, as it uses chicken broth. Vegetarians can substitute with vegetable broth to make this dish meat-free.

• Can I make stuffing balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the balls and refrigerate them uncooked for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover them and keep them chilled until ready to bake.

• How do I know the stuffing balls are cooked properly?

Look for a golden brown exterior and ensure they’re firm to the touch. The internal temperature should reach 165F to ensure all ingredients are fully cooked.

• What bread works best for stuffing balls?

Day-old bread or slightly stale bread works best. Crusty white bread, sourdough, or French bread are great options that hold their structure well when mixed with liquids.

Crispy Stuffing Balls Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Classic Italian stuffing balls blend savory breadcrumbs with herbs, cheese, and ground meat for a delightful appetizer. Golden-brown spheres promise a crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior that guests will adore.

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Ingredients

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• 3 cups (710 ml) dried bread cubes
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
• ½ cup (115 g) butter
• 1 cup (150 g) celery, diced
• 1 cup (150 g) onion, diced
• 2 tsps poultry seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)

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Instructions

1. Bread Preparation: Dehydrate bread cubes by air-drying or lightly toasting, creating a perfect base for absorbing flavors and maintaining structural integrity.
2. Vegetable Sautéing: In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onion, celery, and garlic over medium heat until vegetables become translucent and aromatic, releasing their inherent sweetness.
3. Seasoning Fusion: Introduce dried sage, thyme, salt, and pepper to the sautéed vegetables, developing a complex and robust flavor profile. Remove from heat, allowing ingredients to harmonize.
4. Mixture Assembly: Combine bread cubes with sautéed vegetable mixture, folding in parsley and Parmesan cheese to elevate the overall taste and texture.
5. Liquid Integration: Gradually incorporate chicken broth, gently mixing until bread becomes evenly moistened without becoming soggy, adjusting liquid quantity as needed.
6. Binding Process: Fold in beaten egg to provide structural stability and create a cohesive mixture that holds together effortlessly.
7. Shaping and Preparation: Form uniform spherical portions, placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet with sufficient spacing for consistent heat distribution.
8. Baking Technique: Preheat oven to 375F (190C), positioning rack centrally. Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating midway to ensure golden-brown exterior and thorough internal heating.
9. Finishing Touch: Optional butter brushing during final baking moments enhances color and adds a luxurious richness to the stuffing balls.
10. Serving Presentation: Allow stuffing balls to rest briefly, presenting them as an elegant side dish or sophisticated appetizer with culinary finesse.

Notes

• Dry Bread Strategically: Air-dry or lightly toast bread cubes to prevent soggy stuffing, ensuring optimal moisture absorption and crisp texture.
• Balance Moisture Carefully: Add chicken broth gradually, folding gently to avoid oversaturating bread, maintaining ideal consistency without becoming mushy.
• Control Vegetable Sautéing: Sauté onions, celery, and garlic precisely until translucent to develop deep flavor without burning or losing aromatic qualities.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Easily adapt recipe by substituting bread with gluten-free alternatives, using vegetable broth for vegetarian version, or incorporating herbs based on personal preferences.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 140
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 290 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg