Stuffing Balls blend tradition and convenience, embodying the rich flavors of holiday cooking streamlined into bite-sized delights. This recipe offers a tantalizing mix of savory aromas and textures that transform simple gatherings into festive celebrations. Engaging in the culinary art of creating stuffing balls, families and friends can enjoy the interactive aspect of meal preparations, strengthening bonds over delicious food.
Sharing this recipe comes with a bag full of joyous holiday memories. Each family gathering would see us gathered in the kitchen, everyone taking part. As a child, I would watch as ingredients were mixed, tales were told, and laughter echoed around the warmth of the oven. These stuffing balls aren’t just a dish; they are a precious reminder of joyful togetherness.
Why You’ll Love This Stuffing Balls Recipe
– Simple Ingredients: Basic, wholesome ingredients blend to create comforting, traditional flavors.
– Quick Preparation: From prep to plate, enjoy delicious stuffing balls in about an hour.
– Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or potluck contribution.
– Customizable: Easily adaptable with various herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredient Notes
– Yellow Onion: Finely chopped to blend smoothly within the balls, providing a sweet undertone.
– Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the onion and celery to tender perfection.
– Celery: Offers a crunchy, fresh contrast and pairs well with the onion.
– Parsley: Freshly chopped for a burst of color and freshness.
– Ground Sage and Dried Thyme: Earthy and aromatic, these herbs are quintessential for stuffing.
– Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: For seasoning and enhancing the overall flavors.
– Low Carb Bread & Cornbread Stuffing: A duo that introduces a variety of textures while keeping the recipe lower in carbs.
– Large Egg: Binding the mixture together ensuring the balls hold their shape during baking.
– Chicken Broth: Infuses moisture and flavor, keeping the stuffing balls succulent.
How to Make Stuffing Balls Recipe
– Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s ready for baking.
– Step 2: Prep Your Baking Pan
Use nonstick baking spray on your baking pan for easy removal of the stuffing balls.
– Step 3: Sauté Onions
In a skillet, melt the butter and cook the chopped onions until tender, about 10 minutes, giving them a lightly golden hue.
– Step 4: Add Other Veggies
Incorporate celery and season with parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper, cooking over medium heat while stirring frequently.
– Step 5: Mix Breads
Combine toasted low carb bread and cornbread stuffing in a large bowl, ensuring they are well mixed.
– Step 6: Combine Wet Ingredients
Stir in the beaten egg and ¾ cup of chicken broth to achieve a moist mixture.
– Step 7: Combine All Ingredients
Add the sautéed veggies and herbs into the bowl, mixing well to distribute flavors evenly.
– Step 8: Form the Balls
Using your hands, shape the mixture into small, compact balls and arrange them on your prepped baking sheet.
– Step 9: First Bake
Bake the formed balls at 375 degrees for 20 minutes.
– Step 10: Add More Broth
Drizzle the remaining chicken broth over the balls for additional moisture.
– Step 11: Final Bake
Return them to the oven for another 15 minutes until they are beautifully browned and heated through.
Storage Options
Keep the stuffing balls in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to freeze them, wrap the balls individually in foil and keep them in a freezer bag for up to three months. Reheat in the oven until thoroughly warmed through.
Variations and Substitutions
– Substitute poultry seasoning for sage and thyme for a different herb profile.
– Add chopped nuts like pecans for extra crunch.
– Mix in diced apples for a hint of sweetness.
– Gluten-free bread can replace low carb bread for those with dietary restrictions.
What to Serve With Stuffing Balls
– Meat dishes: Particularly good with turkey or chicken, providing a balanced meal.
– Cranberry sauce: Adds a hint of tartness and fruitiness.
– Steamed vegetables: Such as green beans or carrots to add color and nutrition.
– Gravy: Perfect for drizzling over the top for extra flavor and moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
– Can I make these stuffing balls ahead?
Yes, prepare them up to a day in advance and keep them refrigerated until ready to bake.
– What’s the best way to serve them?
They are delicious both hot from the oven or at room temperature, making them versatile for events.
– Can I use fresh bread instead of low-carb bread?
Absolutely, just ensure it’s somewhat dry or toasted for structure.
– Are stuffing balls suitable for vegetarians?
Vegetarians can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and ensure the bread and butter are suitable for vegetarians.
Delight in the crispy exterior and moist, flavorful interior that stuffing balls bring to your table. The mingling of herbs and seasoned vegetables encapsulated in a deliciously golden crust promises to entice the taste buds. Whether enjoyed as part of a holiday feast or as a savory snack during a family game night, these stuffing balls make for a cherished culinary delight.
Stuffing Balls
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- Skillet
Ingredients
Vegetable Preparation
- 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 stalks celery chopped
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon parsley freshly chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Kosher salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Stuffing Base
- low carb bread toasted
- cornbread stuffing
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1 cup chicken broth divided use
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Use nonstick baking spray on your baking pan.
- In a skillet, melt the butter and cook onions until tender, about 10 minutes.
- Add celery and season with parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper, cooking while stirring frequently.
- Combine toasted bread and stuffing in a large bowl.
- Stir in the beaten egg and 3/4 cup chicken broth.
- Mix the sautéed veggies and herbs into the bowl, evenly distributing flavors.
- Form the mixture into small balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes.
- Drizzle remaining chicken broth over the balls.
- Return to oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes until browned and heated through.