Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls

When the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to fall, my thoughts drift toward family gatherings and the comforting aromas of roasted turkey, sweet potato pie, and of course, stuffing. This isn’t just any stuffing; it’s a recipe that has been passed down, tweaked over the years, and finally distilled into what I like to call Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls. Honestly, every time I make them, it feels like a hug from the inside out.

Now, let’s dive into why this recipe means so much to me.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls are the epitome of cozy comfort food. Imagine golden, crispy exteriors encasing a flavorful medley of bread, herbs, and sweetness from dried cranberries. They’re perfect as a side dish, and let’s face it, they’re even better than regular stuffing.

Each bite transports you straight to that moment when you’re gathered around the table sharing stories and laughter. Plus, they are super easy to make and can be prepped ahead of time. What’s not to love? The combination of savory onions and celery, combined with the earthy sage and the surprise pop of sweetness from cranberries, creates a dish that sings with flavor. It’s not just food; it’s a piece of memory awaiting to be made and cherished.

Gather These Ingredients

• 1 loaf of bread, cubed: Use your favorite bread—sourdough, whole wheat, or even a fluffy brioche. Each type will bring its own unique texture and flavor.

• 1 cup celery, chopped: Celery adds that delightful crunch and freshness—bonus points for color!

• 1 cup onion, chopped: Onions provide depth with their sweetness, which will get beautifully caramelized in the skillet.

• 1/2 cup butter: Because butter makes everything better. Seriously, it’s the secret to richness and flavor.

• 1 cup chicken broth: Using good quality broth is key. You can go low-sodium for control over salt levels or even use vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist.

• 1 tsp sage and 1 tsp thyme: These herbs bring that quintessential Thanksgiving aroma to your stuffing.

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries: This is where the magic happens! The sweetness from the cranberries contrasts perfectly with the savory elements, making each bite a mini celebration.

• Salt and pepper to taste: Always taste as you go—seasoning is everything!

Preparing Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped celery and onion, sautéing until softened. Keep stirring; this should take about 5–7 minutes. Trust me—it’s where all the magic begins.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread, sautéed veggies, sage, dried cranberries, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together—don’t be shy!
4. Pour in the chicken broth slowly, mixing until the bread is well moistened. You want it nice and cohesive, not swimming in broth.
5. Now comes the fun part! Form the mixture into balls—about the size of a golf ball—and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and you can hardly wait to dig in.
7. Serve them warm alongside your favorite holiday feast, and watch how quickly they disappear!

Best Way to Enjoy It

These stuffing balls are pretty versatile, so feel free to get creative with how you serve them. They’re fantastic as a side dish, but I love them as party appetizers too! Pair them with a homemade cranberry sauce or a drizzle of gravy for an extra layer of flavor. A simple side salad or roasted vegetables can brighten up your plate alongside these delicious bites.

How to Store and Freeze

Got leftovers? Lucky you! These stuffing balls can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To rehear them, pop them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through—about 10 minutes will do.

If you’re thinking ahead, you can freeze them as well! Just let them cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for about a month. When you crave the taste of Thanksgiving, just thaw them and reheat as mentioned above.

Pro Chef Tips

• For an extra layer of flavor, let your cubed bread dry out for a couple of hours before using it. It absorbs the broth better and leads to a scrumptious texture.
• Don’t be afraid to add in other ingredients like nuts or crispy pancetta for added crunch and flavor.

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Swap out the cranberries for raisins or chopped apples for a fruity twist! You can also experiment with different herbs like rosemary or oregano if sage and thyme aren’t your cup of tea. Oh, and why not try adding some shredded cheese for a gooey texture? The sky’s the limit, really!

Common Questions

1. Can I make these a day in advance?
   Absolutely! Just follow the recipe up until the baking step, then cover the formed balls and keep them in the fridge. Bake just before serving.

2. What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
   No fresh herbs? No problem! Use about 1/3 of the amount if you’re using dried herbs instead.

3. Can I use gluten-free bread?
   Yes! Simply substitute with your favorite gluten-free bread, and you’re good to go.

4. How do I know when they are done?
   They should be golden brown on the outside and firm to the touch.

5. What should I serve them with?
   They pair wonderfully with turkey, ham, or even as a part of a vegetarian platter with dips!

Making these Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls is more than just following a recipe; it’s creating a moment shared with loved ones while savoring each bite. I hope you give them a whirl and infuse your own magic into the mix. Venture forth, experiment, and don’t forget to share how it goes in the comments! Happy cooking!

Print Recipe

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Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls

Cooking Method: Baking Cuisine: Italian-American Courses: Dinner, Side Dish

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Cook Time Total Time 50 hrs

Cooking Temp: 350  C Servings: 12 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 250

Best Season: Fall, Thanksgiving

Description

Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls are the perfect comfort food with crispy exteriors and a flavorful medley of bread, herbs, and dried cranberries. They make a delightful side dish or party appetizer!

Ingredients for Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 loaf bread, cubed (Your favorite type (sourdough, whole wheat, brioche))
• 1 cup celery, chopped (Adds crunch and freshness)
• 1 cup onion, chopped (Provides depth and sweetness)
• ¹⁄₂ cup butter (For richness and flavor)
• 1 cup chicken broth (Low-sodium or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
• 1 tsp sage (Brings a quintessential Thanksgiving aroma)
• 1 tsp thyme
• ¹⁄₂ cup dried cranberries (Adds sweetness to balance savory flavors)
• to taste salt and pepper (Season as you go)

Preparation Steps

Baking the Stuffing Balls

1. Preheat the Oven

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   Mark as complete

2. Sauté Vegetables

   In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped celery and onion, sautéing until softened (about 5–7 minutes).
   Mark as complete

3. Mix Ingredients

   In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread, sautéed veggies, sage, dried cranberries, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
   Mark as complete

4. Add Broth

   Pour in the chicken broth slowly, mixing until the bread is well moistened.
   Make sure the bread is not swimming in broth.
   Mark as complete

5. Form Balls

   Form the mixture into balls about the size of golf balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
   Mark as complete

6. Bake

   Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
   Mark as complete

7. Serve

   Serve them warm alongside your favorite holiday feast.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 12

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 250kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 12g19%

Saturated Fat 7g35%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 30mg10%

Sodium 500mg21%

Potassium 150mg5%

Total Carbohydrate 30g10%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%

Sugars 3g

Protein 5g10%

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Vitamin A 500 IU

Vitamin C 2 mg

Calcium 30 mg

Iron 1 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 1 IU

Vitamin K 5 mcg

Thiamin 0.2 mg

Riboflavin 0.1 mg

Niacin 1 mg

Vitamin B6 0.1 mg

Folate 20 mcg

Vitamin B12 0 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg

Phosphorus 80 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 15 mg

Zinc 0.5 mg

Selenium 2 mcg

Copper 0.2 mg

Manganese 0.1 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

These stuffing balls can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge before baking.

Keywords: Thanksgiving, stuffing, comfort food, side dish, appetizer