Go Back

Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls

These Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls put a fun twist on the traditional holiday stuffing by turning it into bite-sized, crispy-on-the-outside and moist-on-the-inside morsels. They’re perfect as appetizers, side dishes, or even re-heated leftovers, and their make-ahead convenience means less stress on the big day.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Thanksgiving
Calories: 485
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 loaf (about 14 oz) day-old bread Cut into small cubes (about 8 cups)
  • 1 stick unsalted butter (½ cup)
  • 1 large onion finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning or use 1 teaspoon sage + 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 2 large eggs lightly beaten
  • 1½ cups chicken or turkey broth add more if needed
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese optional

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Large skillet
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Parchment paper
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F. Spread the day-old bread cubes (about 8 cups) on a baking sheet and toast them for 10-12 minutes. The goal is to dry them out slightly without browning too much so they can absorb the flavors later.
  2. While the bread is toasting, heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the unsalted butter. Add the finely chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 6-8 minutes until the vegetables are soft and aromatic.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes with the cooked vegetables. Stir in the poultry seasoning, salt, black pepper, chopped fresh parsley, and the optional grated Parmesan cheese.
  4. Add the lightly beaten eggs to the mixture, then slowly pour in the chicken or turkey broth while mixing. Adjust the moisture so the bread is moist enough to hold together when pressed but not soggy.
  5. With your slightly damp hands, form the mixture into golf ball–sized portions and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  6. Increase your oven temperature to 375°F and bake the stuffing balls for 25-30 minutes until they turn golden brown and develop a crispy exterior. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

These stuffing balls are a clever spin on classic Thanksgiving stuffing, offering a portable and appealing version of the holiday favorite. They can be made ahead of time, making them perfect for a stress-free celebration. Feel free to experiment with substitutions like gluten-free bread, olive oil in place of butter, or even adding cranberries and pecans for an extra twist.