Description
These Stuffing Balls are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, combining classic savory herbs, rich textures, and easy-to-find ingredients. They offer a fun, bite-sized twist on traditional stuffing, perfect as a side or appetizer for holiday gatherings or any festive occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs
- 1 cup cooked sausage, crumbled
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- ½ cup finely chopped celery
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics Start by heating butter in a skillet, then add finely chopped onion, celery, and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Step 2: Cook the Sausage Add crumbled sausage to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the mixture balanced.
- Step 3: Combine Ingredients In a large bowl, mix the sautéed sausage and vegetables with breadcrumbs, fresh herbs, egg, and broth. Stir until everything is just combined and moist enough to hold together.
- Step 4: Shape the Balls Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into 1.5-inch balls, pressing gently to compact them without smashing.
- Step 5: Bake Until Golden Place the stuffing balls on a greased baking sheet, brush lightly with melted butter, and bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden and crispy on the outside.
Notes
- Don’t Overmix: Stir ingredients until just combined to maintain a tender texture inside.
- Moisture Balance: Gradually add broth to avoid a soggy mixture that won’t hold shape.
- Uniform Size: Use a small cookie scoop for consistent ball sizes and even cooking.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh sage and thyme dramatically boost flavor and aroma.
- Test a Ball: Bake one sample ball first to check seasoning and texture before shaping the rest.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffing balls
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: stuffing balls, holiday appetizer, savory bites, crispy stuffing, party food, make-ahead side dish