why make this recipe

Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls are a wonderful way to elevate your holiday meal. They combine the warmth of traditional stuffing into fun, bite-sized treats. These delightful morsels are great for sharing and are easy to prepare. The combination of flavors from sage, cranberries, and the buttery texture of the bread makes these stuffing balls a perfect fit for your Thanksgiving table. Plus, they are a great way to use up any stale bread you might have.

how to make Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls

Ingredients:

Stale bread
Sage
Cranberries
Onion
Celery
Butter
Chicken broth
Salt
Pepper

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and celery, then sauté until softened.
In a large bowl, combine stale bread, sautéed vegetables, sage, cranberries, salt, and pepper.
Gradually add chicken broth, mixing until the mixture is moist but not soggy.
Form the mixture into balls and place them on a baking sheet.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve warm during your Thanksgiving feast.

how to serve Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls

Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls are best served warm right out of the oven. Arrange them on a platter and add a festive garnish like fresh herbs or cranberries for an appealing presentation. They can be enjoyed as a side dish or as an appetizer before the main meal. Many people love to dip them in gravy or cranberry sauce for added flavor.

how to store Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls

To store leftover Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls, allow them to cool completely. Then place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you’re making them ahead of time, you can also freeze them. Freeze the baked stuffing balls in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months.

tips to make Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls

Use day-old bread for the best results. Stale bread helps the stuffing hold together.
Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your taste. Add herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
If you like a bit of crunch, mix in some chopped nuts or cooked sausage into the stuffing mixture.
Make sure not to add too much chicken broth. The mixture should be moist but still hold its shape.

variation (if any)

You can easily customize Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls to your liking. For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can also add diced apples for a hint of sweetness or substitute cranberries with raisins or chopped apricots. If you want a spicier kick, consider mixing in some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.

FAQs

Q: Can I make Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the stuffing mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just form the balls and bake them on the day of serving.

Q: Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread?
A: Stale bread works best because it absorbs moisture without becoming too soggy. If you only have fresh bread, let it dry out for a few hours or toast it lightly.

Q: Can I add meat to the stuffing balls?
A: Yes! You can mix in cooked and crumbled sausage or diced turkey for a heartier version of Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls.

Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls