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Savory Stuffing Balls
Savory Stuffing Balls: A Delightful Addition to Your Meals
Savory stuffing balls are a wonderful dish that brings comfort and flavor to any table. These small, flavorful orbs pack a punch of taste and can easily fit into various meals, especially during festive gatherings or family dinners. Made with simple ingredients, they are easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests.
Using herbed breadcrumbs, fresh vegetables, and a blend of spices, savory stuffing balls become an irresistible side dish. They offer a lovely texture with each bite and a delightful aroma that fills your kitchen. Whether you serve them on a holiday table or as part of a weeknight meal, they are sure to make everyone smile.
Why Make This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons why you should consider making savory stuffing balls. First and foremost, they are delicious. The combination of herbs and fresh ingredients creates a comforting and satisfying dish that complements many main courses. They can serve as a side dish for chicken, beef, or even vegetarian meals.
Another reason to make these stuffing balls is their versatility. You can adjust the recipe according to your taste preferences or dietary needs. Whether you want to add more vegetables, try different herbs, or even make them gluten-free with different breadcrumbs, the choices are endless.
Finally, savory stuffing balls are simple to make. With only a few steps involved, this recipe is perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks alike. Once you get the hang of it, you can whip up a batch in no time, making them a go-to dish for any occasion.
How to Make Savory Stuffing Balls
Here’s how you can make your very own savory stuffing balls at home. Follow the steps carefully to ensure a delicious outcome.
Ingredients
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, onion, celery, parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and mix until evenly combined.
- Add the beaten eggs and melted butter, stirring until the mixture holds together.
- Form the mixture into balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the stuffing balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.
- Serve warm as a savory side dish.
How to Serve Savory Stuffing Balls
Savory stuffing balls can be served in various ways, depending on your meal setup. Here are some ideas for how to showcase them:
- As a Side Dish: Serve your stuffing balls alongside your main dishes, like roasted chicken, beef, or pork. Their flavors will enhance the richness of these meats.
- In a Salad: Add warm stuffing balls to a fresh garden or mixed greens salad. The warm balls contrast nicely with crispy vegetables.
- As an Appetizer: Offer them as bite-sized snacks at parties. They can be served with dipping sauces, like marinara or ranch, to make them even more appealing.
- With Gravy: Drizzle some gravy over the stuffing balls for an additional layer of flavor. This can be especially delightful during the holiday season.
How to Store Savory Stuffing Balls
If you have leftovers, storing them properly will help maintain their flavor and texture. Follow these tips:
- Room Temperature: If you plan to eat them within a few hours, you can keep them at room temperature in a covered container.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, place the stuffing balls in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They should last about 3-4 days.
- Freezing: If you want to store them for an extended period, you can freeze the stuffing balls. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they will keep well for up to 2-3 months. Make sure to label the bag with the date.
To reheat the stuffing balls, you can use the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through or microwave them for a quick option.
Tips to Make Savory Stuffing Balls
Here are some tips to help you make the best savory stuffing balls:
- Use Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs work well, fresh herbs add more vibrant flavor. If possible, use fresh sage or thyme for an enhanced taste.
- Experiment with Ingredients: Feel free to add additional ingredients like shredded cheese, cooked sausage, or chopped nuts to personalize your stuffing balls.
- Adjust the Size: If you prefer larger or smaller balls, you can adjust the size according to your preference. Just remember that cooking time may vary.
- Taste Before Baking: Before forming the mixture into balls, taste it and adjust the seasonings if necessary. This ensures that your stuffing balls are flavorful.
Variation
If you want to play around with the recipe, here are a few variations to consider:
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Vegetarian: Stick to using vegetable broth and feel free to load up on more veggies like bell peppers or carrots for added color and nutrients.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for those who enjoy a little heat.
- Different Proteins: Swap out chicken broth for beef broth if you want a stronger flavor and consider adding cooked sausage for heartiness.
FAQs
1. Can I make savory stuffing balls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to form and bake the balls.
2. Can I bake the stuffing balls in advance?
Absolutely! Cooked stuffing balls can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Reheat them in the oven before serving.
3. What can I serve with savory stuffing balls?
Savory stuffing balls pair well with many main dishes, such as roast chicken, turkey, or beef. They also make great side dishes for salads or can be enjoyed alone with dipping sauces.
With these tips, variations, and serving suggestions, your savory stuffing balls will surely become a favorite in your home kitchen. Enjoy the process of making them, and savor each tasty bite!
Print
Savory Stuffing Balls
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Savory stuffing balls are a delightful treat that complements any meal with their comforting flavors and appealing texture.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, onion, celery, parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and mix until evenly combined.
- Add the beaten eggs and melted butter, stirring until the mixture holds together.
- Form the mixture into balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the stuffing balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.
- Serve warm as a savory side dish.
Notes
For best results, use fresh herbs and adjust seasonings to taste. These can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: stuffing, side dish, holiday, savory, vegetarian, easy recipe
