Introduction
If you love traditional stuffing, but want a fun, bite-sized version, then Stuffing Balls Recipe are the perfect recipe for you! These delicious, crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside stuffing balls are packed with savory herbs, butter, and seasonings, making them an excellent addition to holiday feasts, Sunday dinners, or as a tasty snack.
Stuffing Balls are not only easier to serve than traditional stuffing, but they also have a crispy texture that stuffing lovers crave. Plus, they’re perfect for meal prep, easy to freeze, and great for using up leftover bread.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Stuffing Balls, including ingredient choices, step-by-step preparation, variations, storage tips, and FAQs. Ready to make the best stuffing balls ever?
What Are Stuffing Balls?
Stuffing Balls are a delicious twist on traditional stuffing, shaped into handheld, bite-sized portions. They have all the savory flavors of classic stuffing but with the added bonus of a crispy exterior and soft, flavorful interior.
Instead of baking stuffing in a casserole dish, the mixture is rolled into balls and baked until golden brown, making them perfect for individual servings at holiday gatherings, potlucks, or as an everyday side dish.
Why You’ll Love Stuffing Balls
✔ Crispy & Flavorful – The outside gets golden and crunchy, while the inside stays moist and packed with herbs and seasonings.
✔ Perfect for Holidays or Everyday Meals – Serve them at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or as a side with roasted chicken or pork.
✔ Great for Leftover Bread – An excellent way to use up old bread and reduce food waste.
✔ Make-Ahead & Freezer-Friendly – Prepare them in advance and freeze for easy meal prep.
✔ Easy to Customize – Add sausage, cheese, or cranberries to make them unique!
Key Ingredients in Stuffing Balls
✔ Bread Cubes – The base of the stuffing; use day-old bread, cornbread, or store-bought stuffing mix.
✔ Butter – Adds richness and helps bind the mixture together.
✔ Eggs – Essential for keeping the stuffing balls firm and holding their shape.
✔ Broth (Chicken or Vegetable) – Keeps them moist and full of flavor.
✔ Celery & Onion – Classic stuffing ingredients that add crunch and depth.
✔ Seasonings – Poultry seasoning, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper enhance the savory flavor.
Ingredients for Stuffing Balls
To make the perfectly crispy, flavorful stuffing balls, you’ll need a mix of classic stuffing ingredients and a few pantry staples. Here’s everything you’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
✔ 6 cups bread cubes (day-old white bread, cornbread, sourdough, or a mix)
✔ ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
✔ 1 small onion, finely chopped
✔ 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
✔ 2 large eggs (beaten)
✔ 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
✔ 1 teaspoon salt
✔ ½ teaspoon black pepper
✔ 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning (or a mix of sage, thyme, and rosemary)
✔ ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor:
✔ ½ cup cooked sausage (crumbled, for a hearty stuffing ball)
✔ ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Parmesan for extra richness)
✔ ¼ cup dried cranberries (adds a sweet contrast to the savory flavors)
✔ ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (for crunch)
Best Bread Choices for Stuffing Balls
Using day-old or toasted bread cubes ensures the stuffing balls hold their shape and absorb flavors without becoming mushy. Here are some great bread options:
✔ White bread – Classic and neutral in flavor.
✔ Sourdough – Adds a slight tang for a deeper taste.
✔ Cornbread – Gives a slightly sweet Southern twist.
✔ Whole wheat bread – A heartier, more nutritious option.
How to Make Stuffing Balls – Step-by-Step Guide
Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s go through the step-by-step process to make these crispy, flavorful stuffing balls.
Step 1: Prepare the Bread Cubes
✔ If using fresh bread, cut it into small cubes (about ½-inch pieces) and let it sit out for a few hours or overnight to dry out.
✔ If short on time, spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Pro Tip: Dry bread absorbs flavors better and prevents the stuffing balls from becoming too soggy!
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
✔ In a large skillet, melt ½ cup butter over medium heat.
✔ Add chopped onions and celery and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and fragrant.
✔ Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Mix the Stuffing Base
✔ In a large mixing bowl, add the dried bread cubes.
✔ Pour the sautéed onion and celery mixture over the bread.
✔ Sprinkle in salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, and garlic powder (if using).
✔ Toss everything together to evenly coat the bread cubes with the seasonings.
Step 4: Add the Liquids and Bind the Mixture
✔ In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 eggs and 1 cup of broth (chicken or vegetable).
✔ Slowly pour the egg-broth mixture over the stuffing, stirring gently. The bread should be moist but not soaked.
✔ If the mixture feels too dry, add a little more broth, one tablespoon at a time, until it holds together when squeezed.
Step 5: Shape the Stuffing Balls
✔ Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
✔ Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
✔ Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the stuffing mixture into golf ball-sized portions (about 2 inches in diameter).
✔ Place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet, about 1 inch apart.
Pro Tip: If the mixture is too sticky, lightly grease your hands with butter or oil before rolling the balls.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden & Crispy
✔ Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
✔ If you like extra crispiness, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
✔ Remove from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes before serving.
✔ Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
✔ Serve with gravy, cranberry sauce, or as a side dish with roasted turkey, chicken, or ham!
Variations and Storage Tips for Stuffing Balls
Now that you’ve mastered the classic stuffing balls recipe, let’s explore some fun variations to customize them and the best ways to store and reheat them for later!
Delicious Variations to Try
1. Sausage Stuffing Balls
✔ Add ½ cup cooked crumbled sausage to the stuffing mixture for extra heartiness and a boost of savory flavor.
2. Cheesy Stuffing Balls
✔ Mix ½ cup shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan cheese into the stuffing mixture before rolling into balls.
✔ For a gooey center, press a small cube of cheese inside each ball before baking!
3. Cranberry & Pecan Stuffing Balls
✔ Stir in ¼ cup dried cranberries and ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for a slightly sweet and nutty flavor.
✔ This variation pairs perfectly with roast turkey and cranberry sauce!
4. Spicy Jalapeño Stuffing Balls
✔ Add 1 small diced jalapeño for a mild kick.
✔ For even more heat, sprinkle ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper into the seasoning mix.
5. Herb & Garlic Butter Stuffing Balls
✔ After baking, brush the balls with melted garlic butter and sprinkle with fresh parsley for an herby, buttery finish.
How to Store & Reheat Stuffing Balls
Storing in the Refrigerator
✔ Let the stuffing balls cool completely.
✔ Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing Instructions
✔ Place cooled stuffing balls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour.
✔ Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
✔ When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Best Ways to Reheat
✔ Oven (Best Method): Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until warmed through.
✔ Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 4-5 minutes for an extra crispy texture.
✔ Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm (not as crispy).
FAQs – Stuffing Balls
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you make the best stuffing balls every time!
1. Why Are My Stuffing Balls Falling Apart?
If your stuffing balls aren’t holding their shape, try these fixes:
✔ Not enough moisture? Add a little more broth, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the mixture sticks together.
✔ Too dry bread? Let the bread soak in the liquid mixture for an extra few minutes.
✔ Not enough binding? Make sure to use eggs—they help hold everything together.
2. Can I Make Stuffing Balls Without Eggs?
Yes! If you need an egg-free version, try these substitutes:
✔ ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce per egg.
✔ 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water (let sit for 5 minutes before using).
3. Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
✔ Yes! You can assemble the stuffing balls up to 24 hours in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator.
✔ When ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before putting them in the oven.
4. What’s the Best Bread to Use?
The best bread choices for stuffing balls include:
✔ White bread – Classic, neutral flavor.
✔ Sourdough – Adds a slight tang.
✔ Cornbread – For a Southern-style stuffing.
✔ Whole wheat bread – A hearty, fiber-rich option.
Tip: Avoid soft, fresh bread—it will get too mushy. Dry, day-old bread works best!
5. Can I Cook Stuffing Balls in an Air Fryer?
✔ Yes! Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crispy.
6. What Can I Serve with Stuffing Balls?
Stuffing balls pair well with:
✔ Turkey, Chicken, or Ham – A classic side dish for holiday meals.
✔ Gravy – Dip them in homemade turkey or sausage gravy.
✔ Mashed Potatoes & Vegetables – For a complete meal.
✔ Cranberry Sauce – The sweet-tart flavor balances the savory stuffing balls.
Now that you have all the tips, tricks, and variations, you’re ready to make the best-ever stuffing balls! 🎉