Are you tired of the same old Thanksgiving sides? This year, ditch the traditional stuffing dish and elevate your holiday spread with these delightful Turkey Stuffing Balls! These savory little spheres are incredibly easy to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for sharing (or sneaking extra bites!). They're a delicious and fun twist on a classic, making them ideal for both seasoned cooks and kitchen newbies looking for easy recipes and healthy meals. Get ready to impress your guests with this simple yet elegant addition to your Thanksgiving feast, or any dinner for that matter!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded or diced (leftovers work perfectly!)
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon sage
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups bread cubes (day-old bread is best)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step builds a delicious base of flavor for your stuffing balls.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables, shredded turkey, cranberries, parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything together.
Step 3: Add Bread and Egg
Add the bread cubes and the beaten egg to the bowl. Pour in about 1/4 cup of the chicken broth and gently toss to combine. Add more broth, one tablespoon at a time, if needed, until the mixture is moist but not soggy. The bread should absorb the liquid and hold its shape.
Step 4: Shape the Balls
Using your hands, gently shape the mixture into 1-inch to 1 1/2-inch balls. This is a fun part of the process – get creative with the size!
Step 5: Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the stuffing balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve these delicious Turkey Stuffing Balls warm as a delightful side dish with your Thanksgiving turkey or as a quick dinner idea any time of the year. They're also wonderful served with a side of gravy!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Stuffing Balls:
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the stuffing mixture can make the balls tough. Gently combine the ingredients until just moistened.
- Use day-old bread: Day-old bread is ideal because it absorbs the liquid better than fresh bread, resulting in firmer stuffing balls.
- Adjust seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. Add more or less sage, thyme, salt, or pepper depending on your preference.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the stuffing balls ahead of time and bake them just before serving. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Variations:
- Add some spice: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Cheese please!: Mix in some shredded cheddar cheese or crumbled goat cheese for extra flavor.
- Nutty addition: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch.
- Herby twist: Experiment with other fresh herbs like rosemary or chives.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on ingredients and size)
- Protein: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Fat: 5-8g
These Turkey Stuffing Balls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a delicious and easy way to elevate your meal. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned chef, this recipe is perfect for showcasing homemade cooking at its finest. So ditch the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary this Thanksgiving (or any day)!