Get ready to delight your taste buds and impress your guests with our mouthwatering Stuffing Balls recipe! This delightful dish offers a creative twist on the classic holiday favorite, transforming traditional stuffing into bite-sized balls of savory goodness. Imagine the perfect blend of aromatic herbs, flavorful onions and celery, and hearty bread, all rolled into irresistible spheres and baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply craving a taste of comfort and nostalgia, these stuffing balls are sure to steal the show. So, let’s dive into the culinary magic and learn how to create these delectable treats that will leave everyone craving more!
Ingredients: Gather the following ingredients to embark on your stuffing ball adventure:
- 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
Instructions: Follow these simple steps to create stuffing balls that will elevate your holiday spread:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the finely chopped yellow onion and celery, and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the chopped parsley, ground sage, dried thyme leaves, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onion and celery mixture with the toasted and chopped low carb bread and cornbread stuffing. Mix until well combined.
- Add Binding Agent: Add the slightly beaten egg to the stuffing mixture, along with the can of chicken broth. Stir until everything is evenly moistened and well incorporated. The mixture should hold together when pressed.
- Form Stuffing Balls: Using your hands, scoop out portions of the stuffing mixture and roll them into balls, about 1 ½ inches in diameter. Place the stuffing balls in the prepared baking dish, leaving a little space between each one.
- Bake: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and heated through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once baked to perfection, remove the stuffing balls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Arrange them on a platter and garnish with fresh parsley for an extra pop of color. Serve hot and enjoy the irresistible flavors of stuffing balls!
Cook Notes and Variations: Customize your stuffing balls with these helpful tips and variations:
- Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts into the stuffing mixture for added crunch and nutty flavor.
- Dried Fruit Delight: Add sweetness and texture to your stuffing balls by mixing in dried fruits such as cranberries, apricots, or raisins.
- Cheese Lover’s Dream: For an extra indulgent twist, mix in shredded cheese such as cheddar, Gruyere, or Parmesan into the stuffing mixture for gooey pockets of cheesy goodness.
- Spice it Up: Kick up the heat by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the stuffing mixture for a spicy kick that tantalizes your taste buds.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions: Indulge guilt-free with these keto and low-carb adaptations:
- Keto-Friendly Option: Substitute low-carb bread with almond flour or coconut flour to keep carbs low while maintaining texture and flavor. Use unsweetened cornbread stuffing or omit it altogether to further reduce carb content. Ensure other ingredients are keto-friendly to align with your dietary goals.
- Low-Carb Alternative: Reduce the amount of bread and cornbread stuffing used or omit them altogether, relying on the herbs, aromatics, and egg as the main components. Increase the amount of celery and onion for added texture and flavor without adding extra carbs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Q: Can I make the stuffing balls ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the stuffing mixture and roll it into balls ahead of time. Store the uncooked stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Allow them to come to room temperature before baking as directed.
Q: Can I freeze leftover stuffing balls? A: Absolutely! Leftover stuffing balls can be frozen for future enjoyment. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through before serving.
Q: Can I use store-bought stuffing mix instead of making my own? A: Yes, you can use store-bought stuffing mix as a shortcut if preferred. Simply follow the package instructions to prepare the stuffing mix, then proceed with adding the remaining ingredients as directed in the recipe.
Q: Can I use different herbs and spices in the stuffing mixture? A: Of course! Feel free to customize the seasoning according to your taste preferences. Experiment with herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or savory, and adjust the quantities to suit your flavor preferences.
Q: Can I make a vegetarian version of these stuffing balls? A: Absolutely! Simply omit the meat-based ingredients such as chicken broth and use vegetable broth instead. You can also add additional vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.
In conclusion, Stuffing Balls are a delightful and versatile addition to any holiday feast or casual gathering. With their irresistible combination of aromatic herbs, flavorful onions and celery, and hearty bread, these stuffing balls offer a taste of comfort and nostalgia that everyone will love. Whether served as a festive side dish or enjoyed as a standalone snack, they are sure to be a hit with family and friends alike. So, embrace the spirit of the season and treat yourself to the deliciousness of stuffing balls!
This comprehensive guide equips you with all the tools you need to create a memorable dish that will delight your taste buds and impress your guests. So, why wait? Dive into the world of stuffing balls and savor the warmth and flavor they bring to every bite!
