Stuffing balls are a savory twist on traditional stuffing, perfect for holiday gatherings or as a fun, bite-sized appetizer. Made with classic ingredients like onions, celery, and herbs, these flavorful balls are moist on the inside with a crisp, golden exterior. They’re easy to make, easy to serve, and add a festive flair to any table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Entertaining: Easy to serve as an appetizer or side dish, and everyone gets their own portion.
- Great Flavor: Filled with classic stuffing ingredients like onions, celery, and herbs.
- Customizable: Add-ins like sausage or cranberries make it easy to tailor to your taste.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep them in advance and bake when you’re ready.
Ingredients
- 4 cups dry stuffing mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing Base
- In a large bowl, combine the dry stuffing mix with the chicken broth and melted butter. Stir until the stuffing mix is evenly moistened and holds together when pressed.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Seasonings
- Add the beaten eggs, chopped onion, celery, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper to the moistened stuffing mix. Stir until everything is evenly incorporated.
Step 4: Form Stuffing Balls
- Scoop a small portion of the stuffing mixture (about the size of a golf ball) and roll it between your hands to form a ball. Place each stuffing ball on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between them.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake the stuffing balls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and firm to the touch.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and serve warm.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl for combining ingredients
- Knife and cutting board for chopping vegetables
- Spoon or cookie scoop for portioning stuffing balls
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve warm as a holiday appetizer, side dish, or a fun alternative to traditional stuffing.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-12 minutes to restore crispness.
Variations
- Sausage and Cranberry Stuffing Balls: Add 1/2 cup of cooked, crumbled sausage and a handful of dried cranberries to the mixture for a festive twist.
- Cheesy Stuffing Balls: Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheese, like Parmesan or cheddar, for extra flavor.
- Mushroom and Herb: Sauté chopped mushrooms with the onions and celery for an earthy addition to the flavor.
Helpful Tips
- Control Moisture: For a firmer texture, add a bit more stuffing mix to absorb extra moisture.
- Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop to make uniform balls for even baking.
- Serve with Gravy: Serve with a side of warm gravy for dipping, or drizzle over the top before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these stuffing balls ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the stuffing balls, cover them, and store in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking.
2. Can I use homemade stuffing mix?
Absolutely. Just make sure the mix is dry, as fresh stuffing may be too moist.
3. Can I make these without eggs?
The eggs help bind the mixture, but you could substitute with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or leave them out if your stuffing mix is holding together well.
4. Can I freeze stuffing balls?
Yes! Freeze unbaked stuffing balls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Bake from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the bake time.
5. Can I use vegetable broth to make these vegetarian?
Definitely! Vegetable broth works well as a substitution for chicken broth.
These Savory Baked Stuffing Balls with Herbs are a fun, delicious, and easy way to enjoy classic stuffing flavors. Whether served as an appetizer or side, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any holiday meal.
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Savory Baked Stuffing Balls with Herbs
- Total Time: 35 – 40 Minutes
- Yield: 20 Stuffing Balls 1x
Description
These golden, savory Stuffing Balls are a festive twist on classic stuffing. Perfectly sized and baked until crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside, each bite is full of comforting herb flavor. With hints of onion, celery, and poultry seasoning, they bring out the best of the holiday flavors in a convenient, easy-to-eat form.
Ingredients
- 4 cups dry stuffing mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the dry stuffing mix with chicken broth and melted butter. Stir until the stuffing mix is evenly moistened.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Mix in the beaten eggs, chopped onion, celery, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Form Stuffing Balls: Shape the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the stuffing balls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Control Moisture: For a firmer texture, add a bit more stuffing mix to absorb extra moisture.
- Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop to make uniform balls for even baking.
- Serve with Gravy: Serve with a side of warm gravy for dipping, or drizzle over the top before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Cook Time: 20 – 25 Minutes
