Perfect Stuffing Balls Recipe: A Delicious Side Dish for Any Occasion
Stuffing balls are a delightful twist on traditional stuffing, offering a convenient and tasty way to serve this classic side dish. They are perfect for holiday dinners, family gatherings, or even as a unique appetizer.
Ingredients:
- 8 cups of cubed, day-old bread (preferably a mix of white and whole wheat)
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried sage)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the cubed bread on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the bread is lightly golden and dry. Let the bread cool slightly.
- Cook the Vegetables:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped sage, thyme, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes with the sautéed vegetables and herbs. Mix well to ensure the bread is evenly coated with the butter and vegetable mixture.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring gently to moisten the bread. Add the lightly beaten eggs and mix until everything is well combined. If using, fold in the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Form the Stuffing Balls:
- Using your hands or a small ice cream scoop, form the mixture into balls, about the size of a golf ball. Place the stuffing balls on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced slightly apart.
- Bake the Stuffing Balls:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden brown and crispy on the outside. The internal temperature should reach at least 160°F (71°C) to ensure they are cooked through.
- Serve:
- Serve the stuffing balls warm, as a side dish to your favorite main courses. They pair perfectly with roast turkey, chicken, beef, or even as a stand-alone appetizer. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Tips for Perfect Stuffing Balls:
- Bread: Using day-old bread is crucial for the right texture. Fresh bread can become too soggy, while stale bread absorbs the flavors and liquids beautifully.
- Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to suit your taste. You can add rosemary, marjoram, or even a pinch of nutmeg for a unique twist.
- Broth: For a richer flavor, you can use homemade broth. If you prefer a vegetarian option, vegetable broth works just as well.
- Eggs: The eggs help bind the stuffing balls together. If you prefer an egg-free version, you can use a flaxseed or chia seed substitute (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg).
- Cheese: Parmesan cheese adds a wonderful depth of flavor, but you can omit it for a dairy-free version or substitute with another hard cheese like pecorino romano.
Perfect Stuffing Balls Recipe
Stuffing balls are a delightful twist on traditional stuffing, offering a convenient and tasty way to serve this classic side dish.
Ingredients
- 8 cups of cubed day-old bread (preferably a mix of white and whole wheat)
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried sage)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the cubed bread on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the bread is lightly golden and dry. Let the bread cool slightly.
- Cook the Vegetables:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped sage, thyme, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes with the sautéed vegetables and herbs. Mix well to ensure the bread is evenly coated with the butter and vegetable mixture.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring gently to moisten the bread. Add the lightly beaten eggs and mix until everything is well combined. If using, fold in the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Form the Stuffing Balls:
- Using your hands or a small ice cream scoop, form the mixture into balls, about the size of a golf ball. Place the stuffing balls on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced slightly apart.
- Bake the Stuffing Balls:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden brown and crispy on the outside. The internal temperature should reach at least 160°F (71°C) to ensure they are cooked through.
- Serve:
- Serve the stuffing balls warm, as a side dish to your favorite main courses. They pair perfectly with roast turkey, chicken, beef, or even as a stand-alone appetizer. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Conclusion:
Stuffing balls are a versatile and delicious addition to any meal. With their crispy exterior and flavorful, tender interior, they are sure to become a favorite at your dining table. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday feast or simply looking to jazz up a weeknight dinner, this stuffing balls recipe is a winner. Enjoy these delightful bites, and don’t forget to share the recipe with friends and family!
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