Name: Stuffing Balls: The Ultimate Guide to Perfect Holiday Stuffing
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 85 min
Yield: 12-15 stuffing balls
Ingredients: 1 loaf (about 1 pound) day-old bread, such as sourdough or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter; 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped; 2 celery stalks, finely chopped; 1 pound bulk pork sausage, removed from casings (if applicable); 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage; 2 teaspoons dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 1/2 cups chicken broth, plus more if needed; 2 large eggs, lightly beaten; Salt to taste

Stuffing balls, those savory spheres of holiday goodness, are about to become your new favorite side dish! Forget the days of struggling to scoop uneven portions of stuffing from a casserole dish. We're taking this classic comfort food and transforming it into perfectly portioned, delightfully crispy, and undeniably delicious bites.

While the exact origins of stuffing are debated, its presence at Thanksgiving and Christmas tables is a tradition that stretches back centuries. Originally conceived as a way to utilize leftover bread, stuffing has evolved into a culinary art form, with countless variations reflecting regional and family preferences. These stuffing balls are a modern twist on that tradition, offering a fun and elegant way to enjoy all the flavors you love.

What's not to love about stuffing? The blend of savory herbs, the comforting texture of bread, and the rich flavors of broth and vegetables create a symphony of tastes that evoke feelings of warmth and nostalgia. By shaping the stuffing into balls and baking (or even frying!) them, we achieve a delightful contrast between a crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior. Plus, they're incredibly convenient for serving and portion control, making them perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or even a simple weeknight meal. Get ready to elevate your stuffing game with this easy and impressive recipe!

Ingredients:

1 loaf (about 1 pound) day-old bread, such as sourdough or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
1 pound bulk pork sausage, removed from casings (if applicable)
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup chopped fresh sage
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 1/2 cups chicken broth, plus more if needed
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Salt to taste

Preparing the Bread:

The first step to amazing stuffing balls is to make sure your bread is properly dried out. This prevents the stuffing from becoming mushy. I prefer using day-old bread, but if you only have fresh bread, don't worry! We can easily dry it out.

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low temperature will gently dry the bread without toasting it too much.
Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Make sure the cubes aren't overlapping, so they dry evenly.
Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the bread is dry and crisp, but not browned. Check on them frequently to prevent burning. You want them to be dried out, not toasted.
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely. Once cooled, you can store the dried bread cubes in an airtight container until you're ready to make the stuffing.

Sautéing the Aromatics and Sausage:

This step is crucial for building flavor. Sautéing the onion, celery, and sausage releases their aromatic compounds and creates a delicious base for the stuffing.

Melt the butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Make sure the skillet is large enough to accommodate all the ingredients later.
Add the chopped onion and celery to the melted butter. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Don't let them brown too much.
Add the pork sausage to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until it's browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants greasy stuffing!
Stir in the chopped parsley, sage, thyme, rosemary, pepper, and nutmeg. Cook for another minute or two, until fragrant. This allows the herbs to release their oils and infuse the sausage mixture with flavor.
Remove the skillet from the heat.

Combining the Ingredients:

Now it's time to bring everything together! This is where the magic happens, and the stuffing starts to take shape.

In a very large bowl, combine the dried bread cubes and the sausage mixture. Make sure the bread cubes are evenly distributed throughout the sausage mixture.
Pour the chicken broth over the bread and sausage mixture. Toss gently to combine. The bread should be moistened but not soggy. If the mixture seems too dry, add a little more chicken broth, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency. Remember, you can always add more broth, but you can't take it away!
In a separate small bowl, lightly beat the eggs.
Pour the beaten eggs over the bread and sausage mixture. Toss gently to combine. The eggs will help bind the stuffing together.
Season with salt to taste. Be careful not to over-salt, as the sausage and broth may already contain salt.

Forming the Stuffing Balls:

This is where we transform the stuffing mixture into individual, perfectly portioned balls. This method ensures even cooking and a delightful presentation.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the stuffing balls from sticking to the pan.
Using your hands or a large spoon, form the stuffing mixture into balls about 2 inches in diameter. Don't pack them too tightly, as this can make them dense. Aim for a light and airy texture.
Place the stuffing balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each ball. This allows for even cooking and browning.

Baking the Stuffing Balls:

The final step! Baking the stuffing balls until they're golden brown and cooked through. The aroma will fill your kitchen and make everyone's mouth water.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden brown and heated through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
If the stuffing balls start to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover them with foil. This will prevent them from burning.
Remove the stuffing balls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few extra tips and ideas to customize your stuffing balls and make them even more delicious:

Add dried cranberries or raisins: For a touch of sweetness and chewiness, add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or raisins to the stuffing mixture.
Add chopped nuts: For added texture and flavor, add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the stuffing mixture.
Use different types of sausage: Instead of pork sausage, try using Italian sausage, chorizo, or even vegetarian sausage.
Add mushrooms: Sauté some chopped mushrooms with the onion and celery for an earthy flavor.
Use different herbs: Experiment with different herbs, such as marjoram, savory, or oregano.
Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread cubes to make this recipe gluten-free.
Make it vegetarian: Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra vegetables, such as chopped carrots or bell peppers.
For extra crispy stuffing balls: Brush the stuffing balls with melted butter before baking.
Make ahead: You can prepare the stuffing mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Form the stuffing balls just before baking.
Reheating: Reheat leftover stuffing balls in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may not be as crispy.

Enjoy your delicious homemade stuffing balls! They're perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion. They're also a great side dish for everyday meals. I hope you love this recipe as much as I do!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These aren't just any stuffing balls; they're a flavor explosion waiting to happen, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and, frankly, a game-changer for your holiday table. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it takes all the comforting flavors of traditional stuffing and transforms them into perfectly portioned, crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside bites of pure deliciousness. Forget dry, crumbly stuffing; these stuffing balls are moist, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. But the best part? They're so versatile! While I love serving them alongside roasted turkey or chicken, don't limit yourself. Imagine these little gems as part of a Thanksgiving leftovers sandwich, nestled between slices of cranberry sauce-slathered bread. Or, crumble them over a hearty autumn salad for added texture and flavor. For a vegetarian option, try swapping the chicken broth for vegetable broth and adding more mushrooms or roasted vegetables like butternut squash or sweet potatoes to the mix. You could even add some chopped cranberries or pecans for a touch of sweetness and crunch. And speaking of serving suggestions, these stuffing balls are fantastic with a variety of sauces. A classic gravy is always a winner, of course, but don't be afraid to get creative! A cranberry sauce reduction, a creamy mushroom sauce, or even a simple garlic aioli would be absolutely divine. For a spicier kick, try a sriracha mayo or a chipotle aioli. The possibilities are truly endless! I've also found that these are a huge hit as appetizers. Arrange them on a platter with toothpicks and a selection of dipping sauces for a party-ready snack that everyone will love. They're also perfect for potlucks and holiday gatherings, as they're easy to transport and serve. I know that making something new for a holiday meal can be a little daunting, but trust me, this recipe is incredibly easy to follow, and the results are well worth the effort. The aroma alone, as these bake in the oven, will fill your kitchen with the warm, inviting scents of the holidays. And the taste? Well, that's something you'll just have to experience for yourself. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create some magic in the kitchen. I'm confident that these stuffing balls will become a new family favorite. I'm so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you do, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I'd love to hear what variations you tried, what sauces you paired them with, and how much your family and friends enjoyed them. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to continue creating recipes that you'll love. Happy cooking, and happy holidays! I can't wait to hear all about your stuffing ball success!