Stuffing Balls (or Stuffing Balls / Stuffing Dumplings) are a delicious, bite-sized version of traditional stuffing—crispy on the outside and soft inside. Perfect as a side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any roast dinner.
🥖 Stuffing Balls Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups stale bread, cubed (or 8–10 slices, cut into cubes)
- 1 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1–2 teaspoons poultry seasoning (or sage, thyme, rosemary mix)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2–3/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Optional: chopped parsley or cooked sausage for extra flavor
Instructions
1. Prepare Bread
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast lightly for 10 minutes if not using stale bread.
2. Cook Vegetables
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Sauté onions and celery until soft (5–7 minutes).
- Add poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix Stuffing
- In a large bowl, combine toasted bread, cooked vegetables, and optional parsley or sausage.
- Add beaten egg and enough broth to moisten the mixture so it holds together but isn’t soggy.
4. Form Balls
- Using hands or a spoon, form 2–3 inch balls from the mixture.
- Place on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Bake
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Tips
- Crispier balls: Roll in a little melted butter or oil before baking.
- Make ahead: Form balls and refrigerate for a few hours before baking.
- Flavor boost: Add cooked bacon, sausage, or chopped apples for sweetness.
These stuffing balls are perfect for serving alongside roast turkey, chicken, or pork, and are fun for kids to eat too!
If you want, I can also give a slow-cooker version or a herbed garlic version for extra flavor.
