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Stuffing Balls
Unleashing Leftover Magic: Stuffing Balls
Every holiday season, we find ourselves with a delightful challenge: what to do with that leftover stuffing. Instead of letting it languish in the fridge, I discovered the magic of transforming it into crispy, golden stuffing balls. These bite-sized delights aren’t just a fantastic way to repurpose leftovers; they’re perfect for family gatherings, casual weeknight dinners, or even as a fun finger food for parties. Crispy on the outside and flavorful on the inside, stuffing balls celebrate all those comforting flavors we love.
Top Reasons to Try This Dish
What sets stuffing balls apart from other snacks? First and foremost, they’re incredibly versatile and customizable. You can add your favorite herbs, cheese, or spices to suit your taste. Plus, they’re a budget-friendly solution for using up leftovers, reducing waste, and creating something new and exciting with very little effort.
“I made these for a family brunch, and they vanished! Kids and adults alike couldn’t get enough. I’m definitely keeping this recipe on hand for next time!” – Satisfied Parent
These little bites shine during holidays, but they’re just as good on a regular Tuesday night. Airy inside, crispy outside, and simplicity at its finest, stuffing balls deserve a spot on every dinner table.
Your Easy Cooking Guide
Creating delicious stuffing balls is a straightforward and satisfying process! Here’s the lowdown: you’ll start with your leftover stuffing, mix in eggs and breadcrumbs for binding, and form them into balls before a quick bake in the oven. It’s as simple as that! Here’s what you’ll need to make it happen:
Everything You Need for This Recipe
Ingredients
- Leftover stuffing
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (for binding)
- 1/2 cup grated cheese (optional, for added flavor)
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or thyme, chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil (for drizzling or brushing)
If you don’t have breadcrumbs on hand, crushed crackers or panko can work beautifully as a substitute. Additionally, feel free to swap the herbs for whatever you have in your kitchen—rosemary or sage can make delightful variations!
Cooking Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine the leftover stuffing, eggs, breadcrumbs, cheese (if using), chopped herbs, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.
- Arrange the stuffing balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle or brush with vegetable oil to help them crisp up in the oven.
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve warm and enjoy every bite!
Serving Ideas
Stuffing balls are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. They make a delightful appetizer, but they can also shine as a side dish. Consider pairing them with a light salad, dipping sauces like marinara or ranch, or even serving them alongside roasted meats. For a more festive twist, serve them on a platter with cranberry sauce for dipping!
Keeping Stuffing Balls Fresh Longer
If you find yourself with leftovers (though it’s hard to imagine!), storing them is simple. Just place the stuffing balls in an airtight container in the fridge, where they can stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
To freeze, arrange the uncooked stuffing balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Pro Chef Tips
- Don’t rush the mixing stage—ensuring everything is well-combined will help keep the stuffing balls from falling apart as they cook.
- Experiment with flavors by adding cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or even a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for a spicy kick.
- For extra crunch, you can roll the balls in additional breadcrumbs before baking. This adds delicious texture and visual appeal.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? You can easily switch up the flavors in these stuffing balls. Consider adding:
- Sun-dried tomatoes and basil for an Italian flair.
- Cranberries and walnuts for a sweet-and-savory variation.
- Spicy sausage for a hearty twist.
- Vegan alternatives like plant-based cheese and flax eggs to make them suitable for different dietary preferences!
Helpful FAQs
What can I use instead of leftover stuffing?
If you don’t have leftover stuffing, you can use regular bread, croutons, or even pre-made stuffing mix. Just add the necessary ingredients like eggs and herbs!
How long does prep take?
Preparation usually takes about 15-20 minutes, and baking takes an additional 20-25 minutes. It’s a relatively quick dish to create.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffing balls up to a day in advance. Just store them in the fridge before baking, and pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
These tasty stuffing balls are not just a remedy for leftover stuffing, but a fantastic addition to any meal plan—easy, delicious, and bursting with flavor. Give them a try, and you’ll find yourself making them time and time again!
Print
Stuffing Balls
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Transform your leftover stuffing into crispy, golden stuffing balls for a delightful appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- Leftover stuffing
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated cheese (optional)
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or thyme, chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil (for drizzling or brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine the leftover stuffing, eggs, breadcrumbs, cheese (if using), chopped herbs, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.
- Arrange the stuffing balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle or brush with vegetable oil.
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Can be paired with dipping sauces like marinara or ranch, and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: leftover stuffing, stuffing balls, easy appetizer, holiday recipe
