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Crispy Herb Stuffing Balls: The Perfect Make-Ahead Holiday Side

Close-up of several golden brown, crispy stuffing balls seasoned with parsley, served on a white plate.

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Make these easy stuffing balls for a comforting side dish. They bake up crispy on the outside and stay soft inside, making them ideal for Thanksgiving or any festive gathering. This recipe is simple and great for making ahead of time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups day-old bread cubes (sourdough or French bread work well)
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 large eggs

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and celery. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. In a very large bowl, combine the bread cubes, parsley, poultry seasoning, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  4. Add the softened onion and celery mixture to the bread cubes and toss to combine evenly.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the broth and eggs until blended.
  6. Pour the broth and egg mixture over the bread mixture. Toss everything gently until the bread is evenly moistened. Do not overmix.
  7. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.
  8. Scoop the stuffing mixture and roll it firmly into 1.5-inch balls. Place the stuffing balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small space between each one.
  9. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, turning them halfway through, until the stuffing balls are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
  10. Serve hot with gravy or cranberry sauce.

Notes

  • For make-ahead preparation, form the balls and place them on a baking sheet. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, or freeze them. If freezing, bake directly from frozen, adding 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time.
  • If you prefer a richer flavor, substitute half of the butter with bacon grease.
  • For a savory addition, mix in 1 cup of cooked, crumbled sausage or ground turkey with the dry ingredients.

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