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Make-Ahead Stuffing Balls

Make-Ahead Stuffing Balls
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Make-Ahead Stuffing Balls are a warm, comforting holiday appetizer that combines savory bread cubes, herbs, sautéed aromatics, and broth into easy-to-serve bite-sized rounds. These stuffing balls can be prepared in advance, refrigerated or frozen, and baked when ready to serve, making holiday meal preparation stress-free and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 4 cups day-old bread cubes (preferably dried or lightly toasted)
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 cup finely chopped celery
  • 2 teaspoons fresh sage, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Bread: Start with day-old bread cut into small cubes. Letting the bread dry out overnight or toasting it lightly ensures the stuffing balls hold their structure without becoming mushy.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In a pan, melt butter over medium heat and cook chopped onions and celery until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This flavorful base transforms simple bread into something magical.
  3. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, fresh herbs (sage, thyme, parsley), beaten eggs, and broth. Season generously with salt and pepper. The mixture should be moist enough to hold together when shaped but not soggy.
  4. Shape the Balls: Using your hands or a small ice cream scoop, form the stuffing mixture into golf ball-sized rounds. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy transfer.
  5. Chill or Freeze: Refrigerate the balls for up to 24 hours or freeze them for longer storage. This make-ahead step helps you get ahead of the holiday hustle and bustle.
  6. Bake Before Serving: When ready, bake the stuffing balls at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on the outside and warmed through. They turn out crispy on the outside and soft inside—a true comfort bite.

Notes

  • Use stale or day-old bread to prevent the stuffing balls from becoming mushy.
  • Add broth gradually to keep the mixture moist but firm enough to hold shape.
  • Chill the shaped balls before baking to help them maintain their shape.
  • Incorporate chopped nuts or roasted vegetables to add texture and flavor.
  • Season well with salt and pepper to balance all ingredients.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffing balls, make-ahead stuffing, holiday appetizer, bite-sized stuffing, Thanksgiving sides, Christmas recipes, gluten-free stuffing

Find it online: https://recipesbykaeli.com/make-ahead-stuffing-balls/