Easy Party Side

Featured in Delicious Perfect Sides.

Seasoned stuffing mix formed into balls and baked until crispy outside and tender inside. Can be made ahead for easy holiday prep.
Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:13:18 GMT
A tray of golden-brown stuffed meatballs garnished with parsley, resting on a bed of sauce. Pin it
A tray of golden-brown stuffed meatballs garnished with parsley, resting on a bed of sauce. | recipesbyclare.com

I love transforming traditional stuffing into these perfectly portioned balls. After years of watching family members struggle to serve messy stuffing at holiday dinners I started making these bite sized beauties. They're crispy on the outside soft inside and packed with all those cozy holiday flavors we crave.

What Makes These Special

Here's what I love about stuffing balls no more fighting over crispy edges or dealing with serving spoons. Everyone gets their perfect portion with that golden crust. Plus they're so much easier to make ahead and reheat than traditional stuffing. My guests always ask for the recipe.

Grab These Ingredients

  • Dry Stuffing Mix: 4 cups, choose cornbread or sourdough for tailored flavors.
  • Chicken Broth: 1 cup, or substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
  • Unsalted Butter: ½ cup, melted, or plant-based alternatives for vegan recipes.
  • Eggs: 2, beaten, or vegan substitutes like flaxseed meal.
  • Onion and Celery: 1 small onion and ½ cup celery, finely chopped.
  • Poultry Seasoning: 1 teaspoon, or a blend of sage, thyme, and rosemary.
  • Salt and Pepper: To taste, for balanced seasoning.

Let's Roll

Preheat the Oven
Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Mix Ingredients
Combine 4 cups of stuffing mix, 1 cup of broth, and ½ cup of melted butter in a large bowl. Stir in 2 beaten eggs, chopped onion, celery, poultry seasoning, and salt and pepper.
Form the Balls
Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized portions, pressing gently but firmly. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced an inch apart.
Bake
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and firm to the touch. Let cool slightly before serving.
A close-up of golden-brown, breaded meatballs garnished with parsley, served in a foil tray. Pin it
A close-up of golden-brown, breaded meatballs garnished with parsley, served in a foil tray. | recipesbyclare.com

Perfect Partners

These little balls are best friends with gravy and cranberry sauce. I like setting out both so people can choose their favorite. Sometimes I'll drizzle some gravy right over the platter it looks fancy and tastes amazing. They're perfect alongside turkey or ham but honestly I've served them with just about everything.

Make Life Easier

The best part about these is you can make them ahead and freeze them. I always have a batch ready in my freezer during the holiday season. Just pop them straight from frozen into the oven and add a few extra minutes to the baking time. They've saved me during last minute dinner invites.

Mix It Up

Don't be afraid to play with the recipe. Sometimes I add dried cranberries and pecans for something special. My vegetarian daughter loves them with mushrooms and vegetable broth. The key is keeping the moisture level right so they hold together well.

A close-up view of golden-brown, crispy stuffing balls garnished with green herbs in a foil tray. Pin it
A close-up view of golden-brown, crispy stuffing balls garnished with green herbs in a foil tray. | recipesbyclare.com

Common Questions

If your stuffing balls fall apart check your liquid ratio. I find mixing everything except the broth first then adding it gradually lets you get the perfect consistency. For gluten free versions rice based stuffing mix works great just press a bit more firmly when shaping.

Party Presentation

These stuffing balls shine on a holiday buffet. I arrange them on a pretty platter with fresh herbs and serve gravy on the side. For parties I make mini versions using a cookie scoop perfect two bite appetizers that disappear fast.

Shape and Bake

Press firmly when shaping but don't overwork the mixture. I use slightly damp hands to prevent sticking. You want them golden brown all over that's where the flavor is. Let them cool just a few minutes before serving they hold together better.

Healthy Twists

Using whole grain stuffing mix adds fiber and nutrients. I often load up on extra vegetables like finely diced carrots or mushrooms. My sister makes them with olive oil instead of butter and they're still delicious.

A close-up view of golden-brown stuffed bread balls garnished with green herbs in a metal tray. Pin it
A close-up view of golden-brown stuffed bread balls garnished with green herbs in a metal tray. | recipesbyclare.com

Perfect for Potlucks

These travel so well no spills or messy casserole dishes. I transport them in a covered container then reheat at the destination. They stay warm for quite a while in a slow cooker set to warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these ahead?
Form balls and refrigerate up to 1 day. Bake just before serving.
→ What goes well with stuffing balls?
Serve with gravy or cranberry sauce. Great alongside turkey or chicken.
→ Can I freeze them?
Freeze unbaked stuffing balls up to 1 month. Thaw before baking.
→ Why do they fall apart?
Ensure mixture is moist enough and well-mixed. Eggs help bind ingredients.
→ What size should they be?
Form into golf ball sized portions for even cooking.

Conclusion

Stuffing balls are a creative and delicious twist on traditional holiday stuffing. Easy to prepare and make ahead, these golden-brown orbs are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Perfect for serving alongside turkey or chicken, they bring a fun element to your holiday table.

Stuffing Balls

Crispy stuffing shaped into balls and baked until golden. A fun twist on traditional stuffing that's perfect for holidays.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes

Category: Perfect Sides

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 balls)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 4 cups dry stuffing mix.
02 1 cup chicken broth.
03 ½ cup unsalted butter, melted.
04 2 eggs, beaten.
05 1 small onion, chopped.
06 ½ cup celery, chopped.
07 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning.
08 Salt and pepper to taste.
09 Fresh parsley for garnish.

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheet with parchment.

Step 02

Combine stuffing, broth, butter. Add eggs, vegetables and seasonings.

Step 03

Shape into golf ball sized portions.

Step 04

Bake 20-25 minutes until golden and firm.

Step 05

Cool slightly, garnish with parsley.

Notes

  1. Can prepare day ahead.
  2. Serve with gravy or cranberry sauce.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheet.
  • Parchment paper.
  • Mixing bowl.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs.
  • Wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 180
  • Total Fat: 9 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 22 g
  • Protein: 4 g