Description
These Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls are a delightful twist on traditional stuffing, transformed into crisp, golden-brown bite-sized treats. Perfect as a side dish or appetizer, they combine savory herbs, cheese, and buttery richness for a scrumptious holiday addition.
Ingredients
Scale
Stuffing Mixture
- 3 cups cooked stuffing
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup grated cheddar or Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Moisture Adjustment
- 2 to 4 tablespoons chicken or vegetable broth (as needed)
Instructions
- Prepare Stuffing: Let the cooked stuffing come to room temperature if refrigerated. Break up any large clumps into smaller pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl to ensure an even mixture.
- Add Ingredients: To the stuffing, add the eggs, grated cheese, chopped parsley, melted butter, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined, ensuring the eggs and cheese bind the stuffing together.
- Adjust Moisture: Check the texture of the mixture. If it feels dry or crumbly and doesn’t hold shape, gradually add chicken or vegetable broth one tablespoon at a time, mixing after each addition until the mixture becomes moist and moldable.
- Form Balls: Roll approximately 2 tablespoons of the mixture into firm balls; this size ensures a crispy exterior and tender inside. Place each ball evenly spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Chill: Refrigerate the formed balls for 20 to 30 minutes. This chilling step helps the balls set and maintain their shape during cooking.
- Preheat Cooking Equipment: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) or, if using an air fryer, preheat it to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.
- Cook the Balls: Bake the stuffing balls in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes or air fry for 10 to 12 minutes. Be sure to turn them halfway through to achieve an evenly golden-brown and crispy exterior.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the stuffing balls to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. They pair wonderfully with gravy, cranberry sauce, or your choice of dipping sauces for a festive touch.
Notes
- Using day-old stuffing or stuffing that has been refrigerated overnight works best to hold together.
- Adjust the broth quantity carefully; too much liquid can make the mixture too soft to shape.
- If desired, substitute cheddar cheese with Parmesan for a sharper flavor.
- These balls can be made ahead and refrigerated before cooking or frozen for longer storage.
- Turning the balls halfway during cooking ensures even browning and crispness.
- Serve warm for the best taste and texture.
