Stuffing Balls: A Holiday Classic with Year-Round Appeal
Crispy on the outside, soft and savory on the inside — the best part of stuffing, now bite-sized.
Every family has that one side dish that must appear at every holiday meal — and for many of us, it’s stuffing. But what if you could take that nostalgic, savory stuffing and turn it into something crispy, golden, and perfectly portioned?
Enter: Stuffing Balls.
These delicious bites take everything you love about traditional stuffing — the herbs, the buttery bread, the cozy flavor — and shape it into a crisp-edged, tender-centered ball that’s perfect for serving, sharing, or snacking.
Whether you’re making use of leftover stuffing or preparing them fresh for a party or potluck, stuffing balls are the unsung hero of the holiday table — and maybe your new favorite comfort food.
🛒 Ingredients
These can be made with leftover stuffing or completely from scratch. Here’s a basic from-scratch version:
6 cups cubed bread (preferably day-old or toasted)
1/2 cup butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ tsp poultry seasoning (or mix of sage, thyme, rosemary)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 large eggs, beaten
1 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
Optional: chopped fresh parsley, cooked sausage, cranberries, or pecans for added texture and flavor
👩🍳 Instructions
Prep the bread:
If your bread isn’t already dry, toast cubes in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes until firm but not browned. Let cool.
Sauté the veggies:
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions, celery, and garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 5–7 minutes.
Mix it all together:
In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, sautéed veggies, herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir in the beaten eggs and slowly pour in broth until the mixture is moist but holds its shape when squeezed.
Form the balls:
Using clean hands or a scoop, form the mixture into balls about the size of a golf ball. Place on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake:
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden and slightly crisp on the outside.
Serve hot:
These are best served warm with gravy, cranberry sauce, or just as they are!
🍴 Why You’ll Love Stuffing Balls
Perfect portions – No more scooping from a dish or guessing how much to serve.
Crispy + soft combo – You get the golden edges AND the tender middle in every bite.
Great for leftovers – Turn yesterday’s stuffing into today’s crowd-pleasing snack.
Freezer-friendly – Make ahead and reheat for stress-free hosting.
