Crispy Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls Recipe
When it comes to reinventing holiday traditions, these Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls are an absolute game-changer. This recipe transforms the beloved classic side dish into delightful bite-sized portions that boast a beautifully crispy exterior while maintaining a wonderfully soft interior. Whether you’re looking for an innovative side dish or an eye-catching appetizer for your festive gathering, these golden spheres deliver all the savory goodness you crave during the holidays.
Complete Recipe Card
Crispy Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 12 portions
Ingredients:
1 loaf (approximately 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 teaspoons poultry seasoning (or 1 teaspoon sage plus 1 teaspoon thyme)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1½ cups chicken or turkey broth (additional as needed)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for enhanced flavor)
Preparation Steps:
Toast the Bread Cubes
Distribute bread cubes across a baking sheet in a single layer. Toast in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 to 12 minutes until dried but not browned. Set aside to cool.
Prepare Aromatic Vegetables
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion, celery, and garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, approximately 6 to 8 minutes.
Combine Stuffing Elements
In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes with the cooked vegetable mixture. Add poultry seasoning, salt, pepper, parsley, and Parmesan if using. Stir in beaten eggs thoroughly. Gradually pour in broth while mixing, just until the bread becomes moist and holds together when compressed (avoid making it soggy).
Form the Balls
Dampen your hands slightly with water. Scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll into a sphere about the size of a golf ball. Place each formed ball onto a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Continue until all mixture is used.
Baking Process
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the stuffing balls for 20 to 25 minutes, until they develop a golden-brown color and achieve a crispy exterior.
Serving Suggestion
Transfer to a serving platter and offer warm, alongside gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping.
Final Thoughts
These Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls represent more than just another holiday recipe—they’re a clever solution to making traditional flavors feel fresh and exciting. The combination of convenience, visual appeal, and delicious taste makes them a valuable addition to any holiday menu. Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or an intimate dinner party, these golden spheres of savory goodness will undoubtedly become a requested favorite year after year.
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Recipe
These stuffing balls offer numerous compelling advantages that make them worthy of your holiday table. First, they provide perfect portion control—each ball is a complete serving of stuffing in convenient bite-sized form. The crispy edges combined with tender centers create an irresistible textural experience that traditional stuffing simply cannot match.
This recipe also brilliantly solves the leftover dilemma, transforming excess stuffing into something exciting rather than repetitive. If you’re working with boxed stuffing mix, this preparation method elevates it significantly, making it feel special and homemade.
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