Stuffing Balls Recipe for Holidays Recipe

If you’re like me, the holidays aren’t complete without that perfect, flavorful side dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles. I absolutely love this Stuffing Balls Recipe for Holidays Recipe because it takes all the cozy, savory goodness of traditional stuffing and shapes it into these cute little golden orbs that bake up crispy on the outside and tender inside. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll find yourself making them year after year—and sometimes even sneaking them onto your weeknight dinner plate!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Stuffing Balls Recipe for Holidays Recipe, the ingredients work together to create that classic, comforting stuffing flavor with a buttery, aromatic punch. When shopping, I always look for seasoned bread cubes to save a little prep time without sacrificing flavor. Fresh veggies like onion and celery add moisture and crunch, while the herbs give it that signature holiday bouquet.

• Seasoned bread cubes: Using dry, seasoned cubes means you get great texture and flavor without having to toast bread yourself.
• Onion: Finely chopped so it melds beautifully into the stuffing balls, adding sweetness when sautéed.
• Celery: Adds freshness and crunch; celery is a classic pairing for stuffing.
• Unsalted butter: Gives you control over salt level and creates a rich base for sautéing vegetables.
• Eggs: These hold everything together so your stuffing balls don’t fall apart while baking.
• Chicken broth: Moistens the mixture just right—you want a little wiggle, not soggy stuffing.
• Poultry seasoning: This blend brings in those warm, earthy flavors like sage and thyme that scream holidays.
• Garlic powder: For a subtle savory depth without overpowering the other herbs.
• Salt and black pepper: Adjust to taste—seasoning is key!
• Fresh parsley: Optional, but I love the pop of color and brightness it adds at the end.

Variations

I love how versatile this Stuffing Balls Recipe for Holidays Recipe is. Over time, I’ve tweaked it here and there depending on what’s in the fridge or my mood. Don’t hesitate to play with the flavors or make it your own—here are some ideas to get you started!

• Vegetarian variation: Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and add toasted nuts for extra texture. My sister loves this version because it’s hearty and still full of flavor.
• Cheesy twist: Sprinkle in some shredded sharp cheddar or Parmesan cheese before shaping the balls for a melty surprise inside—a total family favorite.
• Herb swap: If you want to boost freshness, add chopped fresh rosemary or thyme instead of poultry seasoning. I like this for a more fragrant result.
• Spicy kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes gives those stuffing balls a subtle warmth that’s surprisingly addictive.

How to Make Stuffing Balls Recipe for Holidays Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies to Perfection

Start by melting butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and celery, and sauté until they turn soft and fragrant—about 5 to 7 minutes. This step develops the flavor base of your stuffing balls, so don’t rush it. You’ll notice the kitchen starts smelling like the holidays already!

Step 2: Mix Your Stuffing Base

In a large bowl, toss together the dry seasoned bread cubes with the buttery sautéed vegetables, poultry seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well so every cube gets coated in those delicious seasonings and buttery goodness. This is where the magic begins, and I love doing this part with the whole family—it’s messy but fun!

Step 3: Moisten and Bind

Now, stir in the lightly beaten eggs—they act like glue, helping your balls hold their perfect shape. Slowly add chicken broth a little at a time, mixing gently, until the mixture feels moist but not soggy. You want it to stick together when you press it, not fall apart. I’ve learned it’s better to add broth gradually rather than all at once.

Step 4: Shape and Bake

Scoop up a handful of the mixture and roll it gently into balls about the size of a golf ball. Don’t press too hard—let them stay a little light and airy inside. Place them on your greased or parchment-lined baking sheet and pop them into an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside. This is when you’ll be rewarded with that satisfying crunch combined with a soft, flavorful interior.

How to Serve Stuffing Balls Recipe for Holidays Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley right after baking for a burst of color and freshness. Sometimes, I add a drizzle of warm gravy over the stuffing balls just before serving—it’s such a cozy treat that makes my family go crazy for these little bites.

Side Dishes

You can’t go wrong pairing these stuffing balls with roasted turkey or chicken and classic sides like mashed potatoes or green bean casserole. My go-to holiday plates always include these balls because they soak up gravy perfectly and add that nostalgic comfort flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving the stuffing balls in a rustic wooden bowl lined with a festive napkin. Another fun idea is to stick toothpicks in each ball and offer them as easy finger foods at your holiday cocktail party—they’re always a hit and disappear fast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 3 days—just make sure they’re cooled completely before refrigerating to avoid sogginess. When I reheat them, they still taste just as great as fresh!

Freezing

Freezing these is a lifesaver during busy holidays! I let the balls cool completely, then flash freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. This way, they don’t stick together. They freeze well for up to 2 months and thaw quickly when you want a quick side dish.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the stuffing balls into a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make them a little soft, so I prefer the oven method for that delicious texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Stuffing Balls Recipe for Holidays Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it’s a nostalgic reminder of cozy family gatherings and a dish that always sparks joy around the table. I hope you find as much happiness making and sharing these as I have. Give it a try this holiday season and prepare for some serious compliments—you’ll feel like the holiday MVP, I promise!

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