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Stuffing Balls

Stuffing Balls
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These Easy Stuffing Balls are a crispy, savory appetizer or side that bring warm, flavorful stuffing into a fun, handheld bite. Perfect for holidays, casual gatherings, or anytime comfort food craving, they feature a crispy exterior and moist, herb-infused center. Ready in under an hour and highly customizable, these stuffing balls are perfect for using leftover bread or classic stuffing mix and adaptable to various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 4 cups day-old bread cubes or stuffing mix
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 3 tablespoons butter or olive oil
  • 2–3 eggs
  • 1/4 cup fresh herbs (parsley, sage, thyme), chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup grated cheese (cheddar, Parmesan, optional)
  • Cooked sausage (crumbled, optional)
  • Cayenne pepper or jalapeños (for spicy version)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Base: Chop day-old bread into small cubes or use pre-made stuffing mix. Sauté onions and celery in butter or olive oil over medium heat until soft and fragrant. Combine the sautéed vegetables, bread cubes, and fresh chopped herbs in a large bowl.
  2. Bind the Mixture: Crack eggs into a bowl and whisk lightly. Add eggs, salt, pepper, and optional cheese or cooked sausage to the bread mixture. Stir gently and thoroughly to combine, ensuring the eggs and butter help bind all ingredients.
  3. Shape the Stuffing Balls: Using clean hands, form the mixture into compact, bite-sized balls about the size of a golf ball to prevent falling apart during cooking.
  4. Cook Until Golden: Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook stuffing balls on all sides until golden brown and crispy, about 10–12 minutes total. Alternatively, bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until crispy and cooked through.
  5. Serve Warm and Enjoy: Transfer cooked stuffing balls to a serving plate. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve alongside your favorite dipping sauces or sides for a delightful appetizer or side dish.

Notes

  • Use dry, day-old bread for best texture that holds together without becoming mushy.
  • Mix ingredients just enough to bind; overmixing may result in dense stuffing balls.
  • Test cook one ball first to check seasoning and texture before cooking the entire batch.
  • Ensure oil or butter is hot before frying to achieve crispiness.
  • Drain cooked stuffing balls on paper towels briefly to remove excess oil and keep them crisp.
  • To make vegan, replace eggs with flaxseed or chia seed mixture and use dairy-free butter alternative.
  • Use gluten-free bread or stuffing mix to accommodate gluten-free diets.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffing balls, appetizer, side dish, holiday recipe, leftover bread recipe, easy appetizer, crispy stuffing, gluten-free option

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