Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and, of course, delicious food. Among the festive spread, Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls stand out as a delightful twist on a beloved classic. These flavorful morsels are the perfect blend of crispy on the outside and soft inside, embodying everything we adore about stuffing but in a fun, bite-sized format. Making them not only celebrates the season but also brings people together around the kitchen counter, making memories as you prepare.

What Makes This Recipe Special

There’s something truly satisfying about pulling together a dish that is both nostalgic and novel. Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls are quick to prepare, making them a fantastic choice for the busy holiday season when time is of the essence. They are budget-friendly, turning day-old bread into a gourmet treat, and they can easily be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy the festivities without the stress.

"I made these stuffing balls for our Thanksgiving dinner, and they were a huge hit! Everyone couldn’t get enough of the crispy exterior and rich, savory flavor. They’re going on our must-make list every year!" – A delighted home cook

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Preparing Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls might sound complex, but it’s a straightforward process that anyone can master. You’ll start by toasting your bread cubes, then sautéing a fragrant mix of vegetables, and finally combining everything into bite-sized bliss. From there, all that’s left to do is form the balls and bake them until golden. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a crowd-pleaser ready to serve!

Gather Your Ingredients

To whip up this festive delight, here’s what you will need:

1 loaf (about 14 oz) day-old bread, cut into small cubes (about 8 cups)
1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp poultry seasoning (or 1 tsp sage + 1 tsp thyme)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 ½ cups chicken or turkey broth (add more if needed)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra depth)

(Note: Feel free to substitute the bread with gluten-free options or use vegetable broth for a vegetarian spin!)

Step-by-Step Directions

Prepare the Bread Base: Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10–12 minutes until dry but not browned. Set aside to cool.
Cook the Veggies: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 6–8 minutes.
Mix the Stuffing: In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, poultry seasoning, salt, pepper, chopped parsley, and Parmesan cheese if using. Stir in the beaten eggs.
Incorporate Broth: Gradually pour in the broth, mixing gently until the bread is moist and holds together when pressed, ensuring it’s not soggy.
Shape the Balls: With damp hands, form the mixture into golf ball-sized balls. Place them on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the balls are golden brown and crisp on the outside.

Perfect Pairings for Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls

These tasty stuffing balls can stand alone, but they shine even more when paired with traditional Thanksgiving dishes. Serve them alongside turkey and gravy, or add a refreshing cranberry sauce for a burst of sweetness. They also make a great accompaniment to roasted vegetables or a spinach salad for extra crunch and health benefits.

Storage Tips

To maintain the freshness of your Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through to regain that delightful crispness. Remember to always handle cooked items with clean hands to ensure food safety!

Pro Chef Tips

Don’t Skip the Toasting: Toasting the bread cubes ensures they absorb the broth without becoming mushy.
Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the spices to your preference. Adding some dried cranberries or nuts can elevate the flavor profile and add texture.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the mixture a day in advance; just shape and bake just before serving. This makes it a perfect time-saver for Thanksgiving day.

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Customize your stuffing balls with unique ingredients. Try adding sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor or mix in some diced apples for a touch of sweetness. If you’re craving a spice kick, toss in some chopped jalapeños! Vegetarian options can swap the chicken or turkey broth for vegetable broth and omit the cheese for a lighter rendition.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to prepare Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls?

The total time from prep to baking is about an hour, making it a relatively quick addition to your holiday feast.

Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?

While we recommend using day-old bread for the best texture, you can dry fresh bread cubes in the oven for a few minutes to achieve the same effect.

Are Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! Ready-to-bake stuffing balls can be frozen. Just place them on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a bag for long-term storage. When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw; simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

This Thanksgiving, elevate your menu with these tempting Stuffing Balls that are sure to be a hit with family and friends alike! Enjoy each flavorful bite and the joy of gathering around the table.

Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls

Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 10 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Delicious Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect for the holiday feast.

Ingredients

Scale

1 loaf (about 14 oz) day-old bread, cut into small cubes (about 8 cups)
1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp poultry seasoning (or 1 tsp sage + 1 tsp thyme)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 ½ cups chicken or turkey broth (add more if needed)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10–12 minutes until dry but not browned. Set aside to cool.
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 6–8 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, poultry seasoning, salt, pepper, chopped parsley, and Parmesan cheese if using. Stir in the beaten eggs.
Gradually pour in the broth, mixing gently until the bread is moist and holds together when pressed.
With damp hands, form the mixture into golf ball-sized balls and place them on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.

Notes

These stuffing balls can be made ahead of time and frozen. Reheat in the oven to regain crispness. Adjust seasonings to taste, and feel free to customize with additional ingredients.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 200
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: Thanksgiving, stuffing, appetizer, holiday, vegetarian