Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls Recipe
Introduction
These Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls are a delightful twist on traditional stuffing, turning familiar flavors into fun, bite-sized treats. Perfect for holiday gatherings, they’re easy to make and sure to impress your guests with their crispy exterior and savory filling.
Ingredients
- 2 cups bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup cooked cranberries (fresh or dried)
- 1/4 cup sage (fresh or dried)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper and clear your workspace to prepare the ingredients.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the bread crumbs, cooked cranberries, sage, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Mix well to distribute the flavors evenly.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable broth and melted butter until fully blended.
- Step 4: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until you get a moist, cohesive mixture. Add more broth if it feels too dry.
- Step 5: Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, making sure the flavors are balanced.
- Step 6: With clean hands, shape the mixture into balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 7: Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the balls are golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 8: Let the stuffing balls cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm with turkey, gravy, or your favorite dipping sauces.
Tips & Variations
- For a gluten-free version, substitute bread crumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or stale gluten-free bread.
- If fresh cranberries aren’t available, try chopped apples or raisins for a sweet contrast.
- Swap sage with thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning for a different herbal flavor.
- Use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth if you prefer a non-vegetarian option.
- Replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter to make the recipe dairy-free.
Storage
Store leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these stuffing balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture and shape the balls ahead of time. Keep them refrigerated, then bake fresh when ready to serve for the best texture.
Can I freeze the stuffing balls?
Absolutely. Freeze the shaped balls on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
PrintThanksgiving Stuffing Balls Recipe
These Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls are a delicious and festive side dish made from breadcrumbs, cranberries, sage, and savory aromatics. Baked to a perfect golden brown, they combine a moist, flavorful stuffing mixture rolled into bite-sized balls, making them an easy and elegant addition to your holiday meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12–15 stuffing balls 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup cooked cranberries (fresh or dried)
- 1/4 cup sage (fresh or dried)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep Your Workspace and Ingredients: Clear your countertop and gather all your ingredients. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together bread crumbs, cooked cranberries, sage, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic. Stir well so the flavors are evenly distributed and the bread crumbs start to absorb the moisture.
- Prepare the Wet Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable broth and melted butter until fully blended. This will act as the binding agent to hold the stuffing balls together.
- Mix Everything Together: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to stir and combine everything thoroughly until the mixture is moist and cohesive. If needed, add a little more broth if the mixture feels too dry.
- Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper according to your preference. Proper seasoning enhances the stuffing balls’ flavor significantly.
- Shape the Mixture into Balls: Using clean hands, form the mixture into small balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Arrange them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow for expansion during baking.
- Bake Until Golden Brown: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Halfway through baking, turn the balls to promote even browning. Look for a nice golden color to signal they are cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the stuffing balls from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes. This resting time helps them set and makes them easier to handle. Serve warm alongside turkey, gravy, or your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- You can substitute bread crumbs with crushed crackers, stale bread, or gluten-free bread if needed.
- If you don’t have cranberries, chopped apples or raisins work well as a sweet alternative.
- Try thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning if you don’t have sage for a different flavor profile.
- Chicken broth can replace vegetable broth if not making this recipe vegetarian.
- For a dairy-free option, use olive oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter.
- Make sure not to overmix to maintain some texture in the balls.
- Serving suggestion: pair with turkey and cranberry sauce for a classic Thanksgiving plate.
Keywords: Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls, stuffing side dish, holiday recipe, baked stuffing balls, cranberry stuffing, vegetarian stuffing
