Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls Recipe

Introduction

These Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls are a delightful twist on traditional stuffing, offering bite-sized flavor packed with savory herbs and sweet cranberries. Perfect as a side dish or appetizer, they bring festive cheer to any holiday table.

Ingredients

• 2 cups bread crumbs
• ½ cup cooked cranberries (fresh or dried)
• ¼ cup sage (fresh or dried)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup vegetable broth
• ¼ cup butter, melted
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the bread crumbs, cooked cranberries, sage, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Mix these dry ingredients well.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable broth and melted butter until combined.
4. Step 4: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir until the mixture is evenly moistened and well combined.
5. Step 5: Season with salt and pepper to taste, then shape the mixture into balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter using clean hands.
6. Step 6: Arrange the stuffing balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one to ensure even cooking.
7. Step 7: Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning the balls halfway through baking so they brown evenly.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth or add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to the mixture.
• Use fresh herbs when possible for a more vibrant taste, but dried works nicely too.
• Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch.
• Make the balls smaller or larger depending on your preference for appetizer or side dish portions.

Storage

Store leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 °F (175 °C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

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 and shape the balls ahead of time, then refrigerate for up to a day before baking. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Can I use gluten-free bread crumbs?

Absolutely! Gluten-free bread crumbs work well and make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive guests without sacrificing flavor.

Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 73 reviews

Delightful Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls combining savory bread crumbs, tart cranberries, fresh sage, and aromatic onion and garlic, baked to golden perfection for a festive and flavorful side dish.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 20 stuffing balls 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups bread crumbs
• ½ cup cooked cranberries (fresh or dried)
• ¼ cup sage (fresh or dried)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup vegetable broth
• ¼ cup butter, melted

Seasoning

• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and prepare a baking sheet by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the bread crumbs, cooked cranberries, fresh or dried sage, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic. Mix everything thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable broth and melted butter until well blended, creating a moist mixture to bind the stuffing.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir carefully until the mixture is moist and well combined, ensuring the bread crumbs absorb the liquids evenly.
5. Season and Shape: Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. Using clean hands, form the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch balls, shaping them evenly for uniform baking.
6. Arrange and Bake: Place the stuffing balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each to ensure even cooking. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, turning them halfway through baking to achieve a golden brown, crispy exterior.
7. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the balls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Serve warm as a tasty festive side dish.

Notes

• You can use fresh or dried cranberries depending on availability; dried cranberries will add more chewiness.
• For a richer flavor, consider using chicken broth instead of vegetable broth if not strictly vegetarian.
• To make the balls crispier, bake a few extra minutes but watch carefully to avoid burning.
• These stuffing balls can be prepared in advance and reheated in the oven before serving.
• Fresh sage offers a more vibrant flavor, but dried sage works well too if fresh is unavailable.

Keywords: Thanksgiving, stuffing balls, bread crumbs, cranberries, sage, baked side dish, holiday recipe, vegetarian stuffing