Description
Grandma Dot’s Stuffing Balls are a delicious and comforting side dish perfect for holiday dinners or any roast meal. Made with seasoned bread cubes, sautéed onions and celery, and a blend of herbs and spices, these stuffing balls are moist on the inside and golden brown with a slight crisp on the outside. They offer a traditional stuffing flavor in a convenient, handheld form that’s easy to serve and enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Stuffing Ingredients
- 1 bag (12–14 oz) dry seasoned bread cubes
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 ribs celery, finely chopped
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 ½ to 2 cups chicken broth, as needed
- 1 tsp poultry seasoning or a mix of sage, thyme, rosemary
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt, adjust to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for freshness)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a large baking sheet to prevent sticking and to ensure easy cleanup.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and celery and cook until they are soft and translucent, about 5–7 minutes. This softens the vegetables and enhances their flavor.
- Mix Stuffing Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the seasoned bread cubes with the sautéed vegetables, including the butter from the skillet. Add the poultry seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly.
- Moisten the Mixture: Stir in the lightly beaten eggs to bind the mixture. Then gradually add the chicken broth, starting with 1 ½ cups and adding more if necessary, until the mixture is moist and holds together when pressed. The mixture should be firm but not soggy.
- Form Stuffing Balls: Scoop a handful of the mixture and roll it into balls about the size of a golf ball. Place each formed ball on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them for even cooking.
- Bake: Bake the stuffing balls in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and have a slightly crisp exterior.
- Serve: Serve the stuffing balls warm as a delicious side dish alongside turkey, chicken, or roasted meats.
Notes
- You can adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more poultry seasoning or herbs for extra flavor.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- For added texture, you can mix in chopped nuts or dried cranberries if desired.
- These stuffing balls can be prepared ahead of time, formed, refrigerated, and baked just before serving.
- Ensure not to add too much broth to keep the balls from becoming soggy; the mixture should hold its shape when pressed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffing ball (approx. 40g)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
