Stuffing Balls

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Stuffing Balls – Full Recipe Guide

Introduction

Stuffing balls are a fun and flavorful twist on traditional stuffing. Instead of baking stuffing in a casserole dish, the mixture is shaped into individual portions that turn golden and crisp on the outside while remaining tender and savory on the inside. These bite-sized gems are perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or holiday feasts when you want a comforting, shareable side that everyone will reach for.

Origin

Stuffing balls have roots in American holiday cooking traditions, particularly in regions where cooks looked for convenient, easily portioned alternatives to stuffing baked inside poultry. They became popular in the mid-20th century as home cooks began experimenting with creative ways to serve traditional Thanksgiving dishes with a modern twist—offering all the flavor of classic stuffing with easier serving and improved texture.

Cultural Significance

Stuffing, in all its forms, is a symbol of togetherness during festive seasons. Whether served at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Sunday dinners, stuffing represents comfort, abundance, and family tradition. Stuffing balls embody the same cultural warmth but with an updated, fun presentation that allows everyone to enjoy identical portions with delicious crisp edges. In many households today, they’ve become a beloved alternative to conventional stuffing dishes.

Ingredients – Quantity

  • 1 cup Yellow Onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter
  • 1 cup Celery, finely chopped
  • ½ cup Parsley, chopped
  • ½ tbsp Ground Sage
  • 1 ½ tsp Dried Thyme Leaves
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper
  • 6 cups Low-Carb Bread, toasted and chopped
  • 6 cups Cornbread Stuffing
  • 1 Large Egg, slightly beaten
  • 1 can Chicken Broth (use ¾ cup for mixing; more as needed)

Optional Additions

  • ½ cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
  • ½–1 cup sautéed mushrooms for earthiness
  • ½ cup dried cranberries for sweet contrast
  • 1–2 cloves minced garlic for deeper flavor
  • A pinch of red pepper flakes for mild heat
  • Grated Parmesan for a savory cheese finish

Tips for Success

  • Don’t over-soak: Add broth gradually to avoid making the mixture too wet.
  • Even shaping: Use an ice-cream scoop to portion evenly for uniform cooking.
  • Chill before baking (optional): Briefly refrigerating the shaped balls helps them hold their shape.
  • Use stale/toasted bread: Dry bread absorbs flavor better and prevents sogginess.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning: The mixture should be well-seasoned before adding the egg.

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Lightly grease a baking pan with nonstick spray.
  3. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
  4. Sauté the chopped onions for about 10 minutes, until soft and fragrant.
  5. Add the celery. Stir in the parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  6. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring often. Remove from heat.
  7. In a large bowl, combine the toasted low-carb bread and cornbread stuffing. Mix well.
  8. Add the beaten egg and ¾ cup chicken broth, stirring until evenly moistened.
  9. Fold in the sautéed onions, celery, and seasonings.
  10. If needed, add small splashes of broth until the mixture holds together when squeezed.
  11. Shape the mixture into balls (about golf-ball size) and place on the prepared baking pan.
  12. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly crisp.

Description

These stuffing balls bake into soft, herby, golden morsels that are crisp on the outside and moist inside. The buttery onions and celery blend beautifully with sage, thyme, and parsley, creating a classic holiday flavor profile. The mix of low-carb bread and cornbread stuffing adds a perfect balance of texture—light, hearty, and comforting with every bite.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving; varies by size)

  • Calories: 180–230
  • Carbohydrates: 18–25g
  • Protein: 3–5g
  • Fat: 10–15g
  • Fiber: 2–4g
  • Sodium: Moderate (varies depending on broth and bread)

Conclusion

Stuffing balls are a flavorful, crowd-pleasing side dish that brings tradition and convenience together. Their crispy exterior and tender, savory interior make them perfect for both formal holiday meals and laid-back weeknight dinners.

Recommendation

Serve these stuffing balls alongside roasted turkey, chicken, ham, or even as a stand-alone snack with gravy for dipping. They are easy to customize and even easier to love—make a double batch because they disappear fast!

Embracing Healthful Indulgence

While stuffing balls are richly satisfying, you can still indulge mindfully by choosing whole-grain or low-carb breads, reducing the butter slightly, or incorporating vegetables such as mushrooms or spinach. Enjoying this dish as part of a balanced meal allows you to savor tradition without compromise—proof that comfort food and wellness can beautifully coexist.

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