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Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 148 reviews

These Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls are a delightful twist on classic stuffing, combining toasted bread cubes with sautéed veggies, aromatic poultry seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Shaped into bite-sized balls and baked until golden and crispy, they make a perfect appetizer or side dish for your holiday table.

Ingredients

Scale

Stuffing Balls

  • 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 flavor)

Instructions

  1. Prepare 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. Once toasted, set them aside to cool.
  2. Cook Veggies: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic, sautéing for about 6–8 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
  3. Mix Stuffing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, cooked vegetables, poultry seasoning, salt, black pepper, fresh chopped parsley, and Parmesan cheese if using. Stir in the lightly beaten eggs. Slowly pour in the chicken or turkey broth, mixing gently until the bread is evenly moistened and the mixture holds together well when pressed, but is not soggy.
  4. Shape the Balls: With damp hands, form the stuffing mixture into golf ball-sized balls. Place them on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet arranged evenly.
  5. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the stuffing balls for 20–25 minutes until they are golden brown and crisp on the outside. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Use day-old bread for best texture; fresh bread may result in a soggy mixture.
  • You can customize the herbs by adding rosemary or thyme according to taste.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth and omit the Parmesan or use a vegetarian-friendly alternative.
  • Make sure to not oversoak the bread with broth; the mixture should hold shape when formed.
  • These stuffing balls can be prepared ahead and baked right before serving.

Keywords: Thanksgiving stuffing balls, holiday side dish, baked stuffing, poultry seasoning stuffing, appetizer, holiday recipes

Find it online: https://www.sanacooks.com/thanksgiving-stuffing-balls-recipe/