Stuffing Balls

Here’s a detailed, unique article for you on Stuffing Balls with a clear step-by-step recipe explanation:

Stuffing Balls: A Crispy and Flavorful Twist on Classic Stuffing

Stuffing has long been a favorite side dish during festive meals, especially on Thanksgiving and Christmas tables. Traditionally, it’s served baked in a dish or inside poultry, but there’s an exciting way to enjoy it that makes serving and eating much more fun: Stuffing Balls. These golden, crisp-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside bites bring the same warm, herby flavors of classic stuffing, but in a more convenient, handheld form.

Whether you serve them as a holiday side, a party appetizer, or even as a snack with dipping sauces, stuffing balls are a sure crowd-pleaser. Let’s walk through how to prepare them step by step.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Bread – About 6 cups of cubed, slightly stale bread (white, sourdough, or whole wheat work well).
Butter – 4 tablespoons, unsalted, for richness.
Onion – 1 medium, finely diced, for sweetness and depth.
Celery – 2 stalks, finely chopped, for crunch and freshness.
Garlic – 2 cloves, minced.
Fresh Herbs – 2 tablespoons combined (parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme – the classic stuffing mix).
Eggs – 2 large, to bind the mixture together.
Chicken or Vegetable Stock – About 1 cup, to moisten the bread.
Salt and Pepper – To taste.
Optional additions: Cooked crumbled sausage, dried cranberries, chopped nuts, or even a little grated Parmesan for extra flavor.

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the Bread Base

Start with day-old bread, as it absorbs liquid better than fresh bread. Cut it into small cubes (around ½-inch pieces) and spread them on a baking sheet. Lightly toast in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 10 minutes until dry but not browned. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and celery, cooking until softened and translucent (about 5 minutes). Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Add the fresh herbs, stir, and remove from heat. This step infuses the butter with aromatics, which will coat the bread beautifully.

Step 3: Combine Bread and Aromatics

Transfer the toasted bread cubes to a large mixing bowl. Pour the buttery vegetable mixture over the bread and toss gently so that every cube gets coated.