The aroma of Thanksgiving is undeniably magical, and there’s something truly special about bite-sized treats that capture that essence. Enter my Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and brimming with all the beloved flavors of the holiday. Not only do these little delights make for an impressive appetizer, but they also allow for fabulous make-ahead convenience—saving you time and stress on the big day. Plus, I adore that you can easily customize them with add-ins like sausage, dried cranberries, or a touch of cheese to create your own memorable twist. Are you ready to impress your guests and elevate your holiday spread with these delectable stuffing balls? Let’s dive in! Why Are Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls a Must-Try? Delightful Flavor: Each bite combines classic Thanksgiving ingredients, creating an irresistible blend of textures and tastes. Versatile Options: Easily zone in on your family’s preferences by adding sausage, or cranberries, or even going all cheesy! Make Ahead: The ability to prepare them beforehand means less stress during the holiday rush. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: These stuffing balls are perfect for both festive gatherings and casual dinners, making them a versatile addition to your meal planning. Gluten-Free Friendly: With a simple swap to gluten-free bread, everyone can join in on the savory goodness, ensuring no one is left out. Serve with gravy or cranberry sauce, and watch your guests marvel at this scrumptious twist on a holiday classic! Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls Ingredients • Experience the joy of making these delightful bites with simple ingredients right from your pantry. For the Bread Base Day-Old Bread – Use about 14 oz of stale bread for the best texture and flavor. Unsalted Butter – Adds richness; olive oil can be a great dairy-free substitute. For the Aromatics Large Onion – Finely chopped to provide a savory flavor base. Celery – Also finely chopped; it contributes essential texture and classic stuffing taste. Garlic – Minced for aromatic enhancement and better integration into the mix. For Seasoning Poultry Seasoning – This flavor profile is key; alternatively, try 1 tsp each of sage and thyme. Salt & Black Pepper – Essential seasonings to balance and enhance the flavors. Fresh Parsley – Adds freshness and a pop of color; can easily swap with other herbs. Binding and Moisture Large Eggs – Acts as a binding agent to help maintain the ball shape. Broth (Chicken or Turkey) – Keeps your stuffing balls moist without being soggy; adjust as needed. Optional Flavor Enhancements Grated Parmesan Cheese – Optional but adds an extra layer of savory flavor to your stuffing balls. Dive into the season with these Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls, perfect for cozy gatherings! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls Step 1: Prepare Bread Base Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). Cut your day-old bread into cubes and spread them evenly on a baking sheet. Toast the bread cubes for 10–12 minutes, or until they are dry but not browned. This step is crucial for ensuring that your Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls have the perfect texture, adding structure to each delightful bite. Step 2: Cook Vegetables In a large skillet, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic, sautéing for about 6–8 minutes. Stir occasionally until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. This aromatic mixture will elevate the flavor of your stuffing balls, creating a savory base that evokes the holiday spirit. Step 3: Mix Stuffing In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, 2 teaspoons of poultry seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Crack in 2 large eggs and pour in enough chicken or turkey broth until the mixture is moist but not soggy—about 1 to 1.5 cups should do. Use your hands to gently mix everything until well combined, ensuring that all the flavors come together beautifully. Step 4: Form the Balls With damp hands, scoop the mixture and shape it into golf ball-sized balls, about 2 inches in diameter. Set them on a greased baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart. This allows your Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls to bake uniformly and develop that delightful crispy exterior. Make sure to create tightly packed balls for the best hold while baking. Step 5: Bake Increase your oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Bake the formed stuffing balls for 20–25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside. As they bake, the warm, savory aromas will fill your kitchen, signaling that a festive treat is on its way. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking. Step 6: Serve Warm Once done, carefully remove the Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Transfer them to a serving platter and consider garnishing them with fresh parsley. For an added touch, serve alongside gravy or cranberry sauce, allowing your guests to enjoy these delightful bites in a variety of ways. Expert Tips for Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls Bread Quality Matters: Use day-old or stale bread for the best texture; fresh bread can make your stuffing balls too soggy, affecting consistency. Moisture Balance: If your mixture feels dry, add more broth during mixing; if too wet, incorporate a few extra breadcrumbs to achieve the ideal consistency. Even Sizes: Ensure all stuffing balls are uniform in size for even baking; this helps them cook through properly and maintain their shape. Chill for Stability: For firmer balls, refrigerate them for 30 minutes after shaping—this step prevents them from falling apart while baking. Customize Freely: Don’t hesitate to add your favorite mix-ins like sausage or cheese for unique Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls that reflect your family’s taste! Test the Flavor: Before baking, taste a small portion of the mixture and adjust seasoning as necessary; it’s better to tweak flavors beforehand for the best outcome! What to Serve with Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls The delightful aroma of Thanksgiving filling the air calls for perfect pairings that elevate your meal to new heights. Savory Gravy: This rich and flavorful addition enhances every bite, offering a perfect balance of moisture and taste. Cranberry Sauce: The sweet-tart notes of cranberry sauce cut through the richness, providing a refreshing contrast to each savory ball. Garlicky Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans sautéed with garlic add a fresh pop of color and crunch that complements the stuffing. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their caramelized edges and nutty flavor bring a delightful contrast, enhancing the comfort food experience. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Soft and buttery, these fluffy potatoes create a comforting layer beneath the stuffing balls, perfect for soaking up gravy. Honey-Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender, they offer a lovely burst of color and a sweet contrast that harmonizes beautifully with the stuffing balls. Spiced Apple Cider: A warm, inviting drink that ties in the essence of the season, it’s a wonderful companion to the festive flavors on your plate. Pumpkin Pie: The classic dessert rounds out your Thanksgiving meal, ending on a sweet note that resonates with the spirit of the holiday. How to Store and Freeze Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls Fridge: Store your Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This way, they stay fresh and ready to be enjoyed. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unbaked stuffing balls for up to 2 months. Simply place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Reheating: To reheat, bake frozen balls directly from the freezer at 375°F (190°C) for about 25–30 minutes, or until heated through and golden. Pre-Made: You can assemble your Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls up to 24 hours in advance; simply refrigerate until you’re ready to bake them. Make Ahead Options These Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls are a lifesaver for busy home cooks! You can easily prepare the mixture up to 24 hours in advance; simply assemble the balls as directed and refrigerate them before baking. This not only saves you time on the big day but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. For optimal quality, form the balls but wait to bake them until you’re ready to serve, ensuring they achieve that perfect crispy exterior. If you prefer, you can even freeze the unbaked stuffing balls for up to 2 months; just thaw in the fridge overnight before baking. You’ll end up with delicious, holiday-ready bites with minimal fuss! Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls: Fun Variations Feel free to infuse your Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls with personal touches to make them your very own culinary masterpiece! Sausage Stuffing Balls: Mix in cooked, crumbled sausage for an extra touch of savory goodness that will delight meat lovers. The combination of spices from the sausage meld beautifully with the classic stuffing flavors. Cranberry-Pecan Stuffing Balls: Add dried cranberries and chopped pecans for a sweet-savory balance that’ll surprise your taste buds. This variation brings a delightful crunch and fruity zest that complements the herbs. Cheesy Stuffing Balls: Incorporate shredded cheese—like cheddar or mozzarella—before forming the balls for a gooey, indulgent twist. The warm, melted cheese adds a layer of comfort that makes these bites even more irresistible. Herb Lovers: Use extra fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme to elevate the aromatic experience. The fresh aroma wafting through your kitchen will feel just like a cozy holiday gathering with loved ones. Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy flair that’ll awaken your taste buds. Just a little heat can transform the stuffing balls into a bold and exciting appetizer. Vegetarian Delight: Swap in vegetable broth and include sautéed mushrooms for a robust flavor punch without meat. Mushrooms add umami and heartiness, making it appealing even to non-vegetarians. Nut-Free Option: Replace nuts with sunflower seeds or omit them altogether for a nut-free version. Your stuffing balls will still shine with flavor while accommodating dietary needs. Quinoa or Rice: For a gluten-free twist, substitute some of the bread with cooked quinoa or rice. This variation provides a different texture while still holding onto that comforting stuffing essence. Explore these creative twists and personalize your Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls! Consider pairing them with a rich gravy or some homemade cranberry sauce for an unforgettable holiday feast. For more hearty comfort, check out my guide on making perfect mashed potatoes or dive into delicious maple-glazed carrots. Your guests are sure to be impressed! Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls Recipe FAQs What type of bread is best to use for stuffing balls? Absolutely! Day-old bread, preferably sourdough or a hearty white bread, works wonders for texture and flavor in your Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls. The slight staleness helps create the ideal structure, allowing the stuffing balls to hold together beautifully. Fresh bread may lead to a soggy mess, so opt for something that’s at least a day old. How should I store leftover stuffing balls? Very! Once you’ve enjoyed your Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls, store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before sealing to avoid condensation, which could affect their texture. Can I freeze Thanksgiving stuffing balls? Yes! If you want to prepare these festive delights ahead of time, freeze unbaked stuffing balls for up to 2 months. Here’s how: after forming the balls, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to serve, bake them straight from the freezer for about 25–30 minutes at 375°F (190°C). What if my stuffing mixture is too dry or too wet? Don’t worry! If your stuffing mixture feels too dry, simply stir in more broth until it reaches the desired moisture level—aim for moist but not soggy. Alternatively, if the mixture is too wet, gradually mix in some extra breadcrumbs to absorb the excess liquid. Remember to taste test the mixture for seasoning before forming the balls! Are Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls gluten-free? Absolutely! You can easily make your stuffing balls gluten-free by substituting gluten-free bread or stuffing mix for the regular bread. Just ensure that all other ingredients, especially any broth or seasonings, are also gluten-free to accommodate dietary needs. This way, everyone can enjoy the savory goodness! Can I prepare these stuffing balls in advance? Yes! You can assemble your Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls up to 24 hours in advance. After shaping them, simply cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This make-ahead option is perfect for reducing stress on the big day, so you can focus more on enjoying time with family and friends! Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls for Cozy Holiday Gatherings Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls are crispy on the outside and tender inside, perfect for holiday gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr Servings: 12 ballsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Bread Base14 oz Day-Old Bread Cut into cubes0.5 cups Unsalted Butter Can substitute with olive oilFor the Aromatics1 large Onion Finely chopped2 stalks Celery Finely chopped2 cloves Garlic MincedFor Seasoning2 tsps Poultry Seasoning Or 1 tsp each of sage and thyme1 tsp Salt0.5 tsps Black Pepper0.25 cups Fresh Parsley Chopped, optionalBinding and Moisture2 large Eggs Large1 to 1.5 Broth Chicken or Turkey, adjust as neededOptional Flavor Enhancements0.5 cups Grated Parmesan Cheese Optional Equipment OvenBaking sheetskilletmixing bowl Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Cut bread into cubes and toast for 10–12 minutes until dry but not browned.Melt butter in a skillet, add onion, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 6–8 minutes until vegetables are softened.Combine toasted bread, sautéed vegetables, poultry seasoning, salt, black pepper, eggs, and broth in a mixing bowl.Shape mixture into golf ball-sized balls and place on greased baking sheet.Increase oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.Let cool for a few minutes, then serve with gravy or cranberry sauce. Nutrition Serving: 1ballCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 4gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 1mg NotesCustomize by adding your favorite mix-ins like sausage or cheese. Refrigerate shaped balls for 30 minutes for better texture before baking. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
