Ah, Thanksgiving stuffing balls! They’re like little flavor-packed gems that bring so much joy to the holiday table. There’s something about these delightful bites that just screams comfort and warmth. I remember the first time I made them, the kitchen filled with the most amazing aroma of herbs and buttery goodness—it felt like a hug in the form of food! These stuffing balls are not only super easy to whip up, but they also add a fun twist to the traditional stuffing. They’re perfect for scooping up gravy or just enjoying on their own! Trust me, once you have these little beauties on your table, everyone will be coming back for seconds (or thirds!). So let’s dive in and make this holiday season a little more delicious!
Ingredients List
- 4 cups cubed bread (any type, preferably stale for better texture—sourdough, whole wheat, or even cornbread work beautifully)
- 1 cup vegetable broth (low-sodium recommended to control the salt level, but feel free to use homemade for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup diced onion (adds a lovely sweetness and depth; sautéing it lightly beforehand can enhance the flavor even more)
- 1/2 cup diced celery (brings that classic crunch and freshness; it’s a must-have in stuffing)
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley (for a pop of color and freshness; you can also use fresh herbs if you have them on hand)
- 1 teaspoon dried sage (the quintessential Thanksgiving herb—trust me, it really makes a difference in flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (adds an earthy note that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste; if your broth is salted, you might want to hold back a bit)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (for a hint of spice; feel free to add more if you like a bit of heat)
- 1/2 cup melted butter (this is what makes them golden and delicious—don’t skip it!)
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls
Getting these Thanksgiving stuffing balls ready is a breeze, and I promise, you’ll love every step of the process! It’s all about combining those incredible flavors and making sure everything bakes up perfectly. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because it ensures your stuffing balls cook evenly and get that beautiful golden color. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step—your kitchen will start smelling amazing in no time!
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread, diced onion, celery, chopped parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Give it a good toss to mix everything together. Then, pour in that melted butter and vegetable broth. This is where the magic happens—mix everything well until the bread is nicely coated and all the ingredients are evenly distributed. You want a moist mixture, but not soggy!
Step 3: Shape the Mixture
Now comes the fun part! Using your hands (don’t be shy!), shape the mixture into balls about the size of a golf ball. If you find the mixture is a bit crumbly, just add a splash more broth until it holds together nicely. You want them to be firm enough to keep their shape while cooking, so don’t worry if they’re not perfect—each ball will have its own character!
Step 4: Bake the Stuffing Balls
Place your beautiful stuffing balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them a little space to breathe. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside. You’ll know they’re done when you can smell that irresistible aroma wafting through your kitchen, and they have a lovely crust. Just wait until you take that first bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—these stuffing balls come together in no time, leaving you with more moments to enjoy with family and friends.
- Easy to customize—feel free to switch up the bread or herbs based on what you love or have on hand!
- Packs great flavor—each bite is bursting with deliciousness, thanks to the blend of herbs and buttery goodness.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings—these little bites are a crowd-pleaser and make a stunning addition to your Thanksgiving spread.
- Vegetarian-friendly—everyone can enjoy these savory treats, making them a great option for diverse diets!
Nutritional Information Section
These delightful Thanksgiving stuffing balls are not just tasty but also reasonably nutritious! Each serving (1 ball) contains approximately 120 calories, 7g of fat, 2g of protein, and 12g of carbohydrates. Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients used. Enjoy with a side of guilt-free indulgence!
Tips for Success
To make your Thanksgiving stuffing balls truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t be afraid to experiment with the bread. Using a mix of different types, like whole grain and brioche, can add unique textures and flavors. If you want to enhance the taste, try adding some sautéed mushrooms or garlic to the mix—wow, that’ll elevate the dish! And if you’re short on time, you can prepare the mixture a day ahead; just cover it and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, shape the balls and pop them in the oven. Oh, and if you’ve got leftovers, they freeze beautifully! Just make sure to let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. You’ll thank yourself later when you have a delicious, easy side dish ready to go!
Variations
One of the best parts about these Thanksgiving stuffing balls is that they’re incredibly versatile! Feel free to get creative and make them your own. For a warm, spicy kick, try adding some chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. If you’re a fan of nuts, throw in some toasted pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch! Fresh herbs can really elevate the flavor, so consider using rosemary or basil instead of sage and thyme for a different twist. And if you want a touch of sweetness, some dried cranberries or chopped apples would pair beautifully with the savory elements. The sky’s the limit, so don’t hesitate to experiment and find your perfect combination. Your holiday feast will be all the more special with your personalized stuffing balls!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Thanksgiving stuffing balls properly is key to enjoying their deliciousness for days to come! After they’ve cooled completely, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to hold onto them longer, they freeze beautifully—just layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they’ll last for up to 2 months. When it’s time to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This will help restore their lovely crispiness!
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thanksgiving stuffing balls that will amaze your guests
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Thanksgiving stuffing balls are a delicious and easy side dish perfect for your holiday meal.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cubed bread
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, onion, celery, parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pour melted butter and broth over the mixture and mix well.
- Shape the mixture into balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
- Use any type of bread for different flavors.
- Adjust the herbs to your taste.
- Can be made ahead and frozen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: thanksgiving stuffing balls
