Oh my goodness, have you ever tried Thanksgiving stuffing balls? They’re just the best! Imagine the comforting flavors of traditional stuffing, but in a fun, easy-to-handle ball. I love serving these at our holiday gatherings because they’re not only delicious but also a fantastic twist on the classic dish. Everyone can just grab one (or two!) without the fuss of scooping stuffing from a dish. I remember the first time I made them; my family devoured them before the turkey was even carved! They’re packed with savory goodness, from the sautéed veggies to the aromatic herbs. Trust me, once you serve these, your guests will be raving about them long after the last bite. They’re a fun and tasty addition that makes Thanksgiving even more special!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls
- 2 cups bread cubes (you can use any bread you like, but I prefer a hearty white or whole wheat)
- 1 cup vegetable broth (make sure it’s warm for best absorption)
- 1/2 cup diced onion (finely diced for even cooking)
- 1/2 cup diced celery (adds a lovely crunch)
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley (fresh is best for that pop of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried sage (trust me, it’s essential for that classic stuffing taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (the aromatic quality is just perfect)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to your taste, of course!)
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper (just a hint to balance the flavors)
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating! You’ll want to set it to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it helps the stuffing balls cook evenly and get that lovely golden brown color we all crave. So don’t skip this step—trust me, it makes a difference!
Sautéing Vegetables
Now, grab a pan and heat it up on medium heat. Toss in your diced onion and celery. You’re looking for them to soften, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want them tender but not browned. A little tip: if they start to stick, add a splash of broth or water to keep things moving along smoothly!
Mixing Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine those bread cubes with the sautéed veggies, chopped parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. This is where all the flavor magic happens! Now, pour in your warm vegetable broth. You want everything to be nicely moistened but not soggy. Stir it all together gently until the bread absorbs the broth. It should feel a bit like a moist dough—perfect for shaping!
Forming the Balls
Time to get your hands a little messy! Grab a handful of the mixture and shape it into balls about the size of a golf ball. You want them to hold together well, so squeeze gently but firmly. If they’re falling apart, just add a little more broth until you find that sweet spot. Place your formed balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup!
Baking Instructions
Once your oven is preheated, pop those stuffing balls in! Bake them for 25-30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside. You’ll know they’re ready when your kitchen starts to smell heavenly, and you see that beautiful color. Be sure to take a peek around the 25-minute mark to avoid any over-baking—nobody wants dry stuffing balls!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your Thanksgiving stuffing balls are a total hit! First off, don’t be shy with the seasoning—taste your mixture before forming the balls. If you think it needs a little more kick, sprinkle in extra herbs or even some garlic powder. You can also swap out or add ingredients; dried cranberries or nuts can bring a delightful twist! And if you’re making these ahead of time, just form the balls and refrigerate them on the baking sheet. When you’re ready to bake, you can pop them straight from the fridge into the oven—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Trust me, these little tweaks can elevate your stuffing balls from good to unforgettable!
Nutritional Information
These Thanksgiving stuffing balls are not only delicious but also quite manageable in terms of nutrition! Each serving, which consists of 2 balls, has approximately 180 calories. They contain about 4g of fat, 5g of protein, and 32g of carbohydrates, along with 2g of fiber. The sodium content is around 350mg. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. They’re a tasty addition to your holiday table without overwhelming your dietary goals!
FAQ About Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls
Can I make Thanksgiving stuffing balls ahead of time?
Absolutely! One of the best things about these stuffing balls is how well they hold up when made in advance. You can prepare the mixture, form the balls, and then refrigerate them on a baking sheet for up to a day before baking. When you’re ready to serve, just pop them straight into the oven! You may need to add an extra couple of minutes to the baking time when they come straight from the fridge. This way, you can enjoy your holiday prep without any last-minute stress!
What bread is best for stuffing balls?
I love using a hearty white or whole wheat bread for stuffing balls, but don’t feel limited! You can also experiment with sourdough for a tangy twist or a rustic bread for extra texture. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, there are plenty of gluten-free breads available that will work just as well. Just make sure the bread is a bit stale, as it absorbs the broth better and holds its shape while baking. So go ahead, choose your favorite, and let it shine!
How can I add more flavor to my stuffing balls?
Oh, there are so many ways to amp up the flavor! If you want to get adventurous, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper for some heat or a dash of garlic powder for a savory boost. You could also fold in some dried cranberries or chopped nuts for a sweet and crunchy surprise. Fresh herbs like rosemary or basil can bring a delightful freshness, too! Just remember to taste as you go; it’s all about finding that perfect balance for your palate!
Why You’ll Love Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls
- They’re incredibly easy to handle—no need for serving spoons or bowls!
- Packed with flavor from fresh herbs and sautéed veggies, every bite is a delight.
- A fun twist on traditional stuffing that adds a playful touch to your holiday table.
- Perfect for portion control; guests can grab one (or two!) without feeling guilty.
- Made with simple ingredients, they’re a breeze to whip up even for novice cooks.
- Great for leftovers—just reheat and enjoy the next day!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Thanksgiving stuffing balls is super easy! Just place any leftovers in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and arrange the stuffing balls on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re heated through and a bit crispy on the outside. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they won’t have that lovely crispiness. Just remember, they’re best enjoyed fresh, so make only what you think you’ll eat!
Drucken
Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls: 7 Savory Reasons to Try Them
- Gesamtzeit: 50 minutes
- Ertrag: 4 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
Thanksgiving stuffing balls are a delicious alternative to traditional stuffing. They are easy to handle and packed with flavor.
Zutaten
- 2 cups bread cubes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a pan, sauté onion and celery until soft.
- In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pour vegetable broth over the mixture and stir until moist.
- Form the mixture into balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free option.
- Can be made a day ahead and reheated.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 30 minutes
- Kategorie: Side Dish
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 2 balls
- Kalorien: 180
- Zucker: 1g
- Natrium: 350mg
- Fett: 4g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 0.5g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 32g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterin: 0mg
Keywords: thanksgiving stuffing balls
