Are you looking for a delicious and easy side dish to elevate your next holiday meal or weeknight dinner? Look no further! These savory stuffing balls are incredibly flavorful, surprisingly simple to make, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Forget dry, crumbly stuffing – this recipe delivers moist, perfectly seasoned balls of deliciousness that are both comforting and sophisticated. They're the perfect addition to any roast chicken, turkey, or even a hearty vegetarian meal. Let's get started on this recipe for the best stuffing balls you'll ever taste!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups cubed stale bread (day-old bread works best)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.
Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and brown slightly, another 5-7 minutes. This step builds a fantastic base of flavor.
Add the herbs and seasonings: Stir in the sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked vegetables with the cubed bread. Pour in the chicken broth and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid. This helps ensure moist stuffing balls.
Bind the mixture: Gently stir in the beaten egg. Be careful not to overmix; you want the bread to remain slightly chunky.
Form the balls: Using your hands, shape the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake to perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden brown and heated through.
Cooking Tips for the Best Stuffing Balls:
- Use stale bread: Stale bread is key for stuffing balls that hold their shape. If your bread isn't stale enough, you can dry it out in a low oven for about 10-15 minutes.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the stuffing mixture will result in dense, compact balls. Gentle mixing is best.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile.
- Add some crunch: Incorporate some chopped nuts, cranberries, or sausage for added texture and flavor.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Stuffing Balls: Simply substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and omit any meat products.
- Cranberry Stuffing Balls: Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries to the mixture for a sweet and tart twist.
- Sausage Stuffing Balls: Incorporate 1/2 pound of cooked and crumbled sausage for a heartier dish.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Protein: 5-7 grams
- Fat: 5-8 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
These easy stuffing balls are a perfect addition to any meal, offering a delicious and satisfying side dish that everyone will enjoy. Serve them hot, alongside your favorite main course, and get ready for compliments galore! They’re a great example of homemade cooking at its finest, making even quick dinner ideas feel special and delicious. Enjoy!