Perfect Stuffing Balls: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Side Dish

A plate of golden, crispy stuffing balls with herbs and seasonings, garnished with a sprig of parsley, served with a side of gravy.

When it comes to holiday feasts, stuffing is a must-have on the table. But why stick to the traditional dish when you can elevate it into delicious, bite-sized stuffing balls? Estes Thanksgiving stuffing balls are crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful inside, and perfect for serving as appetizers, sides, or snacks. Whether you need a creative dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive gathering, these savory stuffing balls are sure to impress.

In this article, we’ll guide you through an easy and make-ahead stuffing recipe, using simple ingredients, including stuffing from a bag, to create the best stuffing ball appetizers. Get ready to transform your traditional stuffing into a fun and delicious treat!


Por que Você vai Adorar Esta Receita

Perfect for Holiday Gatherings – Great for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or potlucks.
Easy to Make Ahead – Save time by preparing them in advance.
Crispy, Flavorful, and Fun – A delicious alternative to traditional stuffing.
Versátil – Serve as a side dish, appetizer, or even a snack.
Great Use of Leftovers – A fantastic way to repurpose leftover stuffing.


Ingredients for Perfect Stuffing Balls

Este Thanksgiving stuffing balls recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients to create a flavorful, bite-sized dish.

Basic Ingredients

  • 6 cups stuffing mix (from a bag) – Any seasoned stuffing mix works.
  • 1 cup chicken broth – Adds moisture and flavor.
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped – Enhances the savory taste.
  • 2 celery stalks, finely diced – Provides crunch and texture.
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage – Classic stuffing seasoning.
  • 1 colher de chá de tomilho seco – For extra depth of flavor.
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper – To balance the flavors.
  • 1 colher de chá de alho em pó – Adds a subtle garlicky kick.
  • ½ cup butter (melted) – Helps bind and adds richness.
  • 2 ovos grandes – Acts as a binder for the stuffing balls.

Optional Additions

  • ½ cup cooked sausage or bacon – For extra flavor.
  • ½ cup shredded cheese – Cheddar or Parmesan work well.
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries – For a touch of sweetness.
  • ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts – Adds crunch and nuttiness.

How to Make Stuffing Balls

Follow these easy steps to create the best dressing balls recipes Thanksgiving guests will love.

Passo 1: Preparar os Ingredientes

  1. Preheat oven para 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. Sauté the onion and celery in melted butter over medium heat until soft (about 3-4 minutes). Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Mix the Stuffing

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine stuffing mix, dried sage, thyme, garlic powder, and black pepper.
  2. Adicione o sautéed onions and celery, then pour in o caldo de galinha and mix until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Form the Stuffing Balls

  1. In a small bowl, beat the eggs, then mix them into the stuffing mixture.
  2. If using sausage, cheese, cranberries, or nuts, fold them into the mixture.
  3. Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form 1.5-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

  1. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the stuffing balls are crispy on the outside and firm to the touch.
  2. Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

  • Serve warm with gravy, cranberry sauce, or a creamy dipping sauce.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Can I Make These Ahead of Time?

Yes! These stuffing bites Thanksgiving recipe is perfect for meal prep.

  • Refrigerate Unbaked Balls – Form the balls and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.
  • Congelar para mais Tarde – Arrange unbaked stuffing balls on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.

How to Reheat

  • Oven: Bake at A 350°C (175°C) for 10-12 minutos until warmed through.
  • Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

Dips & Sauces

Pair these stuffing ball appetizers with delicious sauces for extra flavor:
Turkey Gravy – Classic and rich.
Cranberry Sauce – A tangy-sweet contrast.
Garlic Herb Aioli – Creamy and savory.
Honey Mustard – A touch of sweetness.

Servindo Sugestões

  • Como um Prato Lateral – Serve alongside roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and green beans.
  • Como um Aperitivo – Skewer with toothpicks for a bite-sized treat.
  • In a Wrap or Sandwich – Stuff inside a leftover turkey sandwich.

Variações para Tentar

Este Xmas stuffing recipes idea is flexible, so you can get creative!

1. Sausage Stuffing Balls

  • Add cooked ground sausage for a heartier version.

2. Vegetarian Stuffing Balls

  • Use vegetable broth and skip the sausage.

3. Cheesy Stuffing Bites

  • Mix in shredded cheese for an extra indulgent treat.

4. Cranberry-Pecan Stuffing Balls

  • Fold in cranberries secas e chopped pecans for a festive twist.

5. Air Fryer Stuffing Balls

  • Instead of baking, cook in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutos until crispy.

Why Stuffing Balls Are a Holiday Favorite

Great for Kids – Fun, bite-sized, and easy to eat.
Mess-Free – No need for serving spoons—just grab and enjoy.
No Waste – Uses up every bit of stuffing, reducing leftovers.
Para Agradar Ao Público – Everyone loves a crispy, flavorful bite!


Common Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Make Stuffing Balls with Leftover Stuffing?

Yes! If you have leftover Thanksgiving stuffing, just mix in an egg, form balls, and bake.

2. Can I Use Store-Bought Stuffing?

Absolutely! This stuffing recipes from a bag method is perfect for saving time.

3. Do Stuffing Balls Need to Be Refrigerated?

Yes, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

4. How Do I Make Crispy Stuffing Balls?

  • Use a hot oven (375°F – 400°F).
  • Don’t over-moisten the stuffing.
  • Lightly coat with melted butter before baking.

5. Can I Use Cornbread Stuffing?

Yes! Cornbread stuffing works great, just reduce the liquid slightly.


Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Holiday Recipe

Estes perfect stuffing balls are a fantastic twist on classic stuffing, making them a must-have for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and beyond. Whether you serve them as a side dish, appetizer, or snack, they’ll bring comfort and warmth to any holiday meal.

Give this Thanksgiving dressing balls recipe a try and impress your guests with these delicious stuffing bites. Don’t forget to pair them with a tasty dipping sauce for the ultimate holiday treat!

Did You Try This Recipe?

Leave a comment below and share your favorite stuffing variations! 🎉

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