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.
Savory Baked Stuffing Balls with Herbs
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.
