Growing up, Thanksgiving was always my favorite holiday. I remember the smells of roasting turkey, buttery mashed potatoes, and my grandma’s famous Stuffing Balls Recipe wafting through the house. As a kid, I couldn’t wait to dig into those savory, golden-brown Stuffing Balls – they were the star of the show for me. Even now, the mere thought of Stuffing Balls Recipe takes me right back to those cozy family gatherings, filled with laughter, love, and plenty of seconds (and thirds!) on Grandma’s Stuffing Balls.
Why This Stuffing Balls Recipe Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
Grandma’s Stuffing Balls Recipe is truly a time-honored classic, and for good reason. There’s just something so satisfying and comforting about those tender, flavorful bites of bread, herbs, and savory goodness. But what sets this recipe apart is the perfect balance of textures – the crisp, golden exterior gives way to a soft, pillowy interior that practically melts in your mouth. It’s a flavor and experience you simply can’t get from a typical Thanksgiving stuffing.
The Secret Behind Perfect Stuffing Balls Recipe
The secret lies in the technique. Unlike traditional stuffing that’s baked inside the turkey, these Stuffing Balls are formed into individual portions and cooked separately. This ensures each bite is evenly seasoned and perfectly cooked, with no soggy or dry spots. Plus, the method of scooping the stuffing mixture into balls and then baking them creates an irresistible crunchy shell that seals in all the delicious flavors.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make Grandma’s famous Stuffing Balls Recipe, you’ll need a few key ingredients:
- Bread cubes – The foundation of the dish, you’ll want to use a hearty, country-style bread for the best texture.
- Onions – Sautéed onions add sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Celery – Crisp celery provides a nice contrast and balances the richness.
- Herbs – A blend of fresh sage, thyme, and parsley gives the Stuffing Balls their signature seasoning.
- Eggs – Helping to bind the mixture and keep the Stuffing Balls together.
- Broth – Chicken or vegetable broth moistens the bread and infuses even more savory goodness.
- Butter – For sautéing the veggies and adding that irresistible buttery taste.
Step-by-Step Stuffing Balls Recipe Instructions
Preparing Your Stuffing Balls Recipe
This Stuffing Balls Recipe is surprisingly simple to make, and the results are downright delicious. It takes about an hour from start to finish, including the baking time. You’ll need a mixing bowl, a baking sheet, and a scoop or spoon to portion out the Stuffing Balls.
1- Start by cubing the bread and letting it sit out overnight to dry out slightly. This helps the Stuffing Balls hold their shape better during baking.
2- In a large skillet, sauté the onions and celery in butter until softened and fragrant.
3- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the herbs, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
4- In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, sautéed veggie mixture, beaten eggs, and broth. Gently mix until everything is evenly distributed.
5- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion the stuffing mixture into uniform balls and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6- Bake the Stuffing Balls at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, until the exteriors are golden brown and crispy.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Stuffing Balls is to not overmix the ingredients. Gently fold everything together to maintain the airy, light texture. Also, be sure to let the bread cubes dry out sufficiently before assembling the stuffing – this helps the Balls hold their shape during baking.
Serving and Storing Your Stuffing Balls Recipe
Perfect Pairings for Stuffing Balls Recipe
Grandma’s Stuffing Balls Recipe is the ultimate Thanksgiving side dish, but they also make a fantastic accompaniment to roasted chicken, pork chops, or even as a main course with a fresh salad. For the holiday table, they pair beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, rich turkey gravy, and cranberry sauce.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Stuffing Balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the Balls on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
For make-ahead convenience, you can assemble the Stuffing Balls up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate them unbaked. When ready to serve, just pop them in the oven and bake as directed. This makes Thanksgiving prep a breeze!
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Stuffing Balls Recipe
Creative Stuffing Balls Recipe Variations
While Grandma’s classic version is tough to beat, you can easily customize the Stuffing Balls to suit your tastes. Try adding diced apples or cranberries for a festive twist, or swap in Italian sausage or chopped pecans for extra texture and flavor. You can even experiment with different herbs like rosemary or oregano.
Making Stuffing Balls Recipe Diet-Friendly
To make the Stuffing Balls gluten-free, simply substitute gluten-free bread cubes. For a vegan version, use plant-based butter or olive oil in place of the regular butter, and replace the eggs with a flax or chia “egg” mixture. Low-carb eaters can enjoy Stuffing Balls by using a keto-friendly bread substitute and omitting the broth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use leftover bread to make the Stuffing Balls?
A: Absolutely! Stale or day-old bread works great for this recipe. Just be sure to cube it and let it sit out overnight to dry it out before assembling the stuffing.
Q: How do I know when the Stuffing Balls are done baking?
A: The Stuffing Balls are ready when the exterior is golden brown and crispy. You can also test one by cutting it in half – it should be heated through with a soft, tender interior.
Q: Can I make the Stuffing Balls ahead of time?
A: Yes, the Stuffing Balls can be assembled up to 2 days in advance and refrigerated unbaked. When ready to serve, simply bake them as directed.
Q: How many Stuffing Balls does this recipe make?
A: Depending on the size of your scoop or spoon, this recipe will yield approximately 18-24 Stuffing Balls.
Q: Help! My Stuffing Balls are falling apart. What did I do wrong?
A: If the Stuffing Balls are falling apart, it’s likely that the bread cubes weren’t dry enough before assembling the stuffing. Next time, make sure to let the bread sit out overnight to really dry it out. The eggs should help bind everything together, too.
Stuffing Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 12
Description
Prepare to delight your guests with these award-winning Stuffing Balls! This old-fashioned recipe delivers divine flavor and a simple, professional-level presentation in just 30 minutes. Savor the comforting, herbed bread cubes nestled in a crisp, golden-brown exterior.
Ingredients
– 6 cups cubed bread
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1 tsp dried sage
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. 2. In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread, onion, celery, and garlic.
3. 3. Pour the melted butter over the bread mixture and toss to coat evenly.
4. 4. Stir in the broth, beaten eggs, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined.
5. 5. Scoop the stuffing mixture into a greased muffin tin, forming 12 equal-sized balls.
6. 6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and crispy.
7. 7. Serve the Stuffing Balls warm, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
For a heartier meal, serve the Stuffing Balls alongside roasted turkey, chicken, or your favorite holiday protein. They also make a delicious vegetarian main course when paired with a fresh salad. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Snacks & Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Grandma’s famous Stuffing Balls Recipe is a Thanksgiving must-have that’s sure to become a new family favorite. With their crispy exteriors and soft, flavorful interiors, these Stuffing Balls are simply irresistible. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try – I know you and your loved ones will enjoy every bite as much as I do. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below, and be sure to share this Stuffing Balls Recipe with all your friends and family!