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Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls

These Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls transform traditional stuffing into perfectly portioned, crispy-on-the-outside and tender-on-the-inside bites. Ideal for serving as appetizers, sides, or even a fun twist on leftovers, they deliver all the comforting flavors of the holiday season in one bite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 loaf day-old bread Approximately 14 oz, yielding about 8 cups of small cubes
  • 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
  • 1 large onion finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning or 1 teaspoon sage + 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 2 large eggs lightly beaten
  • 1½ cups chicken broth with extra on hand if needed (vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian option)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese optional but recommended for added flavor

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Large skillet
  • Large bowl
  • Cutting board
  • Knife

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F. Spread the cubed bread evenly on a baking sheet and toast for 10-12 minutes until the cubes dry out but are not browned.
  2. Meanwhile, melt the stick of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for 6-8 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes with the sautéed vegetables. Add the poultry seasoning (or sage and thyme), salt, black pepper, chopped parsley, and Parmesan cheese if using.
  4. Stir in the lightly beaten eggs, then slowly pour in the chicken broth while mixing until the bread is moist enough to hold together when squeezed, but not soggy. Adjust with extra broth if needed.
  5. Form the mixture into golf ball–sized portions, pressing firmly to help them keep their shape. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  6. Increase the oven temperature to 375°F and bake for 25-30 minutes until the stuffing balls are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
  7. Serve warm alongside your favorite Thanksgiving dishes. They pair wonderfully with roast turkey, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, or even as an appetizer with a mustard dipping sauce.

Notes

These stuffing balls offer a creative twist on classic stuffing by transforming it into bite-sized, golden morsels that boast a crispy exterior and moist interior. They can be prepared ahead of time and customized with different breads or additional mix-ins like dried cranberries or sausage. Make extra for leftovers, which can be reheated or even used to create a delicious sandwich. Serve with cranberry sauce or gravy to round out the flavors.