Name: Stuffing Balls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
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)

If you’re searching for that perfect holiday side or a cozy comfort dish, you’ve got to try this Stuffing Balls Recipe. I absolutely love how these turn out—crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside. When I first tried making stuffing balls, I was amazed at how easy they were to handle and how great everyone raved about them. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll quickly become your go-to for Thanksgiving or any roast dinner!

🤍

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hands-Off Baking: Once you’ve formed the balls, pop them in the oven and relax.
Perfect Crispy Texture: The outside gets golden and slightly crisp while the inside stays soft—an irresistible combo.
Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these in your pantry and fridge already.
Great for Make-Ahead: These balls freeze and reheat beautifully, saving you time on busy days.

The image shows several round meatballs with a golden-brown crust and green herb bits scattered through them, resting in a light brown gravy. A silver fork holds one meatball with a bite taken out, showing a soft and moist inside with visible herbs. The meatballs are arranged closely on a white plate with some chopped green herbs sprinkled on top and the gravy pooling around them. The background is a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Stuffing Balls, Holiday Side Dishes, Easy Stuffing Balls, Crispy Stuffing Balls, Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Stuffing Balls Recipe lies in balancing simple, flavorful ingredients that bring warmth and comfort. I like to use quality seasoned bread cubes because they already carry savory notes, which saves you from loading up on extra salt or spices.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of dry seasoned bread cubes, a medium whole uncracked brown onion, two bright green celery ribs, a small white ceramic bowl with a portion of unsalted butter, two whole uncracked brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of golden chicken broth, a little heap of dried poultry seasoning herbs, a small white ceramic bowl of fine garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl of salt crystals, a small white ceramic bowl of black pepper, and a few sprigs of fresh green parsley placed neatly on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Stuffing Balls, Holiday Side Dishes, Easy Stuffing Balls, Crispy Stuffing Balls, Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Dry seasoned bread cubes: Using pre-seasoned cubes adds depth without extra effort; if you can’t find them, plain cubes with added herbs work too.
Onion: Finely chopped for sweetness and aroma; sautéing softens the sharpness perfectly.
Celery: Adds a subtle crunch and fresh note; make sure to chop finely so it blends well.
Unsalted butter: I prefer unsalted so I control the saltiness, plus it enriches the vegetables nicely.
Eggs: Lightly beaten to help bind the mixture just right.
Chicken broth: Adds moisture and flavor; add gradually—too much can make the balls fall apart.
Poultry seasoning: Classic blend of sage, thyme, and rosemary; you can mix your own if you prefer fresh herbs.
Garlic powder: I find it adds a mellow hit without overpowering, perfect for this comforting dish.
Salt: Adjust to your taste; seasoned bread cubes usually mean you need less.
Black pepper: Freshly ground always makes a difference here.
Fresh parsley (optional): Chopped and added for some color and freshness—my personal favorite touch.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Everyone likes to make this Stuffing Balls Recipe their own, and I’m all for that! Over time, I’ve tweaked mine to fit what I have on hand or what my family prefers—and you’ll enjoy experimenting too.

Vegetarian Variation: Skip the chicken broth and use vegetable broth instead; it still tastes amazing, and I tried this when I had a vegetarian guest who loved it.
Herb Boost: Sometimes I add fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs for a punchier herb flavor; just be sure to chop them finely so they don’t overwhelm.
Add Cranberries or Nuts: For a festive twist, toss in dried cranberries or chopped walnuts—my family goes crazy for this around the holidays.
Spicier Version: If you like a little kick, adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne can warm things up without stealing the show.

How to Make Stuffing Balls Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies Until Tender and Smelling Amazing

Start by melting your butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the chopped onion and celery, stirring occasionally. You’ll want to cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. The buttery vegetables are what give these stuffing balls an incredible flavor base—don’t rush this step!

Step 2: Combine Bread Cubes and Seasonings in a Big Bowl

Once your veggies are ready, pour them (with all that buttery goodness) into a bowl with the seasoned bread cubes. Sprinkle in your poultry seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. I always taste the mix before adding eggs and broth to make sure the seasoning is spot-on. Adjust as you like.

Step 3: Bind and Moisturize the Mixture Just Right

Stir in the beaten eggs; this helps everything stick together when you form the balls. Then add the chicken broth slowly, a little at a time. You want the bread to be moist but not soggy—if you add too much broth, the balls won’t hold their shape. A good test is to press a handful together; it should stay compact without crumbling.

Step 4: Roll into Perfectly Sized Balls

Grab a handful of the stuffing mixture and roll it between your palms into golf-ball-sized spheres. Don’t stress about perfection here—mine are always a bit rustic-looking. Place them onto a greased or lined baking sheet with some space to breathe.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Crisp

Pop the tray into your preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they should be golden brown with a slight crisp on the outside. I love to flip them halfway through for even browning, though it’s not absolutely necessary.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Stuffing Balls Recipe

Don’t Overdo the Broth: I learned the hard way that adding too much broth makes your balls fall apart—add it slowly and test as you go.
Use Seasoned Bread Cubes: It adds flavor without extra effort, so skip plain bread unless you want to mix in extra herbs.
Even-Sized Balls Bake Better: Rolling similar-sized balls ensures they cook uniformly—your oven will thank you.
Don’t Skip the Sauté Step: That step lifts the veggies’ flavor and adds richness from the butter that you can’t fake otherwise.

How to Serve Stuffing Balls Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top right before serving—it adds a bright, fresh contrast to the savory balls. Sometimes a little drizzle of melted butter or a dusting of Parmesan cheese works wonders if you’re feeling indulgent.

Side Dishes

This Stuffing Balls Recipe pairs beautifully with roast turkey or chicken, gravy, and roasted root veggies. Instant hits in our house are mashed potatoes and green beans tossed in garlic butter. Trust me, your family will thank you for the complete feast.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving these to guests, try arranging the balls in a rustic basket lined with a festive cloth or stack them on a platter with sprigs of rosemary and thyme. For a fun twist, serve with small bowls of cranberry sauce or a savory aioli for dipping—my friends always ask for seconds!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once they’ve cooled, I pop leftover stuffing balls into an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They stay good for about 3 to 4 days—a perfect quick snack or side for the next day.

Freezing

I’ve had great success freezing these balls on a baking sheet first, then transferring them to a freezer bag. This way, they don’t stick together, and I can just grab as many as I want. They freeze well for up to 3 months—ideal for prepping early before holidays.

Reheating

To reheat, place the stuffing balls on a baking tray and pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that golden crust—it just doesn’t do the texture justice!

FAQs

Can I make this Stuffing Balls Recipe without eggs?

Absolutely! If you need an egg-free version, you can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) as a binder. Just mix it in and let it sit for a few minutes before adding to the stuffing mixture.
How do I make sure the stuffing balls don’t fall apart?

Make sure you add just enough broth to moisten the bread cubes—not too much. The beaten eggs also help bind everything. Also, pack the balls firmly but not too tightly, and avoid over-stirring the mixture.
Can I prepare Stuffing Balls Recipe in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the mixture and form the balls a day ahead, then refrigerate them covered. Bake fresh when ready to serve for the best texture.
What if I want gluten-free stuffing balls?

Use gluten-free seasoned bread cubes or bake your own with gluten-free bread. Just keep an eye on moisture levels, as gluten-free bread may absorb liquids differently.
Can I use homemade gravy or sauces with stuffing balls?

Definitely! Stuffing balls pair wonderfully with gravy or even a creamy mushroom sauce. I often serve them alongside my homemade turkey gravy, and it’s always a hit.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Stuffing Balls Recipe has become a beloved staple in my kitchen. I love how easy it is to whip up, and how it brings everyone together around the table. Whether it’s a packed holiday gathering or a simple weeknight roast, these little bites of comfort never disappoint. I hope you give it a try soon—you may find it becomes your family’s new favorite too!