Name: Special Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls - Easy Holiday Bites
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 4 cups day-old bread, cubed (white, whole wheat, or sourdough); 1 cup onion, finely chopped; 1 cup celery, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup unsalted butter or olive oil; 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth; 1 large egg, beaten; 1 teaspoon dried sage; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed; Salt and pepper, to taste; Optional mix-ins: cooked sausage, chopped nuts, dried cranberries, mushrooms

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Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls

Thanksgiving stuffing balls are a modern twist on the classic holiday side dish that everyone loves. Instead of the traditional baked casserole, these bite-sized delights offer a crispy exterior with a soft, flavorful interior, making them perfect for finger food, appetizers, or a festive addition to your holiday plate. They capture all the comforting aromas and tastes of traditional stuffing herbs, sautéed onions, celery, and spices while providing a convenient, easy-to-serve option for both small gatherings and large family dinners.

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What makes thanksgiving stuffing balls truly special is their versatility. They can be customized to suit a variety of tastes, from adding cooked sausage for a meaty touch to incorporating dried cranberries or nuts for a festive, sweet-savory flavor. They can also be adapted for vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets without compromising on texture or taste. The process of shaping and baking these balls brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients while creating an appealing golden-brown crust that elevates the visual presentation of your holiday table.

Families and guests alike love these stuffing balls because they combine comfort, convenience, and elegance in one dish. They are perfect for pairing with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or a vegetarian main, and they work beautifully as part of a buffet or appetizer spread. Preparing thanksgiving stuffing balls at home allows you to bring a professional touch to your holiday meal, impress your guests, and enjoy the satisfaction of a dish that is as flavorful as it is visually inviting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe for thanksgiving stuffing balls is designed to be foolproof for home cooks, yet it delivers professional-level results:

Crispy, golden-brown exterior and perfectly seasoned interior that holds together without being dense.
Highly customizable, allowing you to add your favorite herbs, spices, or mix-ins like sausage, nuts, or dried cranberries.
Convenient for holiday entertaining, making serving easier and reducing the need for cutting and plating traditional stuffing.
Perfect for smaller gatherings or making ahead for busy Thanksgiving schedules.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Servings: 12-16 balls

Ingredients

4 cups day-old bread, cubed (white, whole wheat, or sourdough)
1 cup onion, finely chopped
1 cup celery, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup unsalted butter or olive oil
1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon dried sage
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional mix-ins: cooked sausage, chopped nuts, dried cranberries, mushrooms

Substitution Notes:

Use vegan butter and flax egg to make the recipe plant-based.
Bread can be gluten-free if needed.
Broth can be substituted with water plus a pinch of seasoning.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Toast the cubed bread in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until lightly crisp. This helps the balls hold together without becoming soggy.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions, celery, and garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread, sautéed vegetables, egg, broth, and herbs. Add salt, pepper, and optional mix-ins. Mix gently until the bread absorbs the liquid and the mixture holds together when pressed.

Step 4: Shape the Stuffing Balls

Using a small ice cream scoop or your hands, form the mixture into 1.5-inch balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crisp on the outside. Serve immediately or keep warm until ready to serve.

How to Serve

Plating and Presentation: Arrange the golden, crispy stuffing balls on a large white platter for an elegant and festive presentation. Garnish with fresh parsley, thyme sprigs, or a light sprinkle of paprika to enhance visual appeal. Using a shallow, modern serving dish can make the colors pop and create an inviting centerpiece for your holiday table.
Accompaniments: Serve alongside roasted turkey, glazed ham, or a vegan holiday roast. Pair with classic sides like cranberry sauce, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes to create a complete Thanksgiving plate. The crispy exterior and savory interior of the stuffing balls complement both rich meats and plant-based mains.
Dipping Options: Offer a small gravy boat with warm turkey or vegetable gravy for dipping. Optional sauces like cranberry chutney, mushroom sauce, or a light mustard aioli can also elevate the flavor experience, giving guests multiple ways to enjoy each bite.
Casual Serving Style: For smaller gatherings or a cozy presentation, place the stuffing balls in a small basket lined with parchment paper. This creates a rustic yet modern feel, perfect for family-style dining or casual holiday parties.
Buffet or Appetizer Setup: Serve stuffing balls as part of a buffet spread or as appetizers before the main course. Place toothpicks or small appetizer forks in each ball for easy grabbing. Guests will enjoy the bite-sized portions while mingling, making them a fun and interactive dish.
Temperature Tips: Serve the stuffing balls warm to ensure the crisp exterior and soft interior are at their best. If serving from a buffet, keep them in a low oven or warming tray until ready to eat.

Additional Tips

Ensure bread is slightly dry or toasted to prevent soggy balls.
Do not overmix the stuffing; gentle folding keeps the texture light.
Use a light brush of melted butter on top before baking to enhance crispness and color.
Cool slightly before serving to allow the balls to firm up.

Recipe Variations

Sausage and Herb Stuffing Balls: Incorporate 1 cup of cooked breakfast sausage into the mixture and increase the sage and thyme slightly. This adds a savory, meaty layer that pairs perfectly with roasted turkey.
Cranberry and Pecan Stuffing Balls: Fold in 1/2 cup dried cranberries and 1/3 cup chopped pecans for a sweet and nutty contrast. The cranberries bring a festive tartness, while the pecans add a satisfying crunch.
Mushroom and Caramelized Onion Stuffing Balls: Sauté 1 cup of sliced mushrooms with 1/2 cup caramelized onions before mixing into the bread. This version offers an earthy, rich flavor that works wonderfully as a vegetarian option.
Cheesy Stuffing Balls: Mix in 1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar or Gruyère cheese for a gooey, melty interior. This adds a decadent twist that’s perfect for kids and cheese lovers.
Spicy Jalapeño Stuffing Balls: Add 1-2 finely chopped jalapeños and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick. This variation is ideal for those who enjoy a spicy holiday treat.
Vegan Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls: Replace butter with vegan butter and egg with a flax egg. Use vegetable broth and optionally add sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for extra flavor, creating a fully plant-based holiday side.
Sweet and Savory Apple Stuffing Balls: Incorporate 1/2 cup diced apples and a pinch of cinnamon. The natural sweetness of the apples complements the savory herbs, creating a unique flavor profile that balances perfectly with turkey or ham.

Freezing and Storage

Cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
Freeze unbaked balls on a tray for 1-2 hours, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or bake directly from frozen for 25-30 minutes.
Store baked balls in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat in the oven to maintain crispness.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per ball)

Calories: 120
Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 180mg

Final Words

Thanksgiving stuffing balls are more than just a side dish they are a celebration of holiday flavors in a perfectly bite-sized form. Each golden, crispy ball encapsulates the comforting aroma of fresh herbs, sautéed vegetables, and warm spices, creating a dish that instantly evokes the feeling of home and festivity. Preparing them at home allows you to infuse your own personal touch, whether it’s adding a hint of spice, a favorite nut, or a special dried fruit, making every batch uniquely yours.

Baking these stuffing balls is not only satisfying but also practical. Their individual portions make them ideal for entertaining, allowing guests to enjoy the classic flavors of stuffing without the mess of slicing from a casserole dish. They are versatile enough to complement a traditional Thanksgiving turkey, a vegetarian main, or even serve as a festive appetizer at a holiday party.

Ultimately, making thanksgiving stuffing balls at home elevates your holiday table while keeping the process approachable. From mixing and shaping to baking and serving, each step is a chance to connect with the tradition of Thanksgiving cooking while impressing your family and friends with a dish that looks as delightful as it tastes. Once you experience the crispy exterior, savory interior, and aromatic spices, these stuffing balls are sure to become a beloved staple in your holiday repertoire, cherished year after year.

FAQ’s

You can prepare the mixture and shape the balls a day before. Store in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Yes, use gluten-free bread and ensure your broth and other ingredients are gluten-free.

Yes, unbaked balls can be frozen for up to 3 months and baked from frozen, or baked balls can be refrigerated and reheated.

Yes, substitute butter with vegan butter and eggs with a flax egg. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Use day-old bread and toast it lightly. Avoid overmixing the mixture and ensure liquid is absorbed properly before shaping.