Easy Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls Recipe – Bite-Sized & Delicious!

Table of Contents: Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls

The Perfect Bite-Sized Addition to Your Thanksgiving Feast

Imagine golden-brown, crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside stuffing balls packed with all the comforting flavors of Thanksgiving. These Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining the classic taste of stuffing in a fun, bite-sized form. Whether you’re looking for a creative side dish, a last-minute appetizer, or a way to use up leftover stuffing, these little flavor bombs are the answer.

They’re easy to make, require minimal prep, and bake up beautifully in just 20 minutes. Plus, they’re perfect for kids and adults alike—no forks needed! If you loved my Easy Ground Turkey Stuffed Mushrooms – A Healthy Appetizer Idea!, you’ll adore this playful twist. Ready to make your holiday table even more irresistible? Let’s dive in!


What Are Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls?

Ever wondered why stuffing doesn’t come in ball form all the time? Well, now it does! Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls are exactly what they sound like—delicious, bite-sized portions of traditional stuffing rolled into perfect little spheres and baked until golden.

Some say the best way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, but I say the best way to anyone’s heart is through crispy, buttery stuffing balls. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a snack while watching the Thanksgiving parade, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.

The best part? You can customize them with your favorite herbs, cheeses, or even a drizzle of gravy for extra indulgence. So, why settle for plain stuffing when you can have these irresistible bites? Grab your mixing bowl, and let’s get rolling!


Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls Recipe

1. Crispy, Flavorful, and Fun to Eat

These stuffing balls pack all the cozy flavors of Thanksgiving—sage, thyme, buttery bread, and savory broth—into a crispy, bite-sized package. They’re perfect for dipping in gravy or cranberry sauce, making them a hit with both kids and adults.

2. Budget-Friendly & Easy to Make

Skip the store-bought stuffing mix! This recipe uses simple pantry staples like bread, butter, and herbs, saving you money while delivering way more flavor. Plus, they come together in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy holiday cooking.

3. Versatile & Customizable

Add-ins like shredded cheese, crispy bacon, or dried cranberries can take these stuffing balls to the next level. If you love my Smoked Meatloaf Recipe: Juicy & Flavorful, you’ll enjoy experimenting with different mix-ins here too.

Ready to make the easiest (and most addictive) Thanksgiving side dish? Let’s get cooking!


How to Make Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls

Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls
Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls

Quick Overview

These stuffing balls are simple, delicious, and ready in 30 minutes. They bake up crispy on the outside while staying soft and flavorful inside. Perfect for holiday meals, potlucks, or even as a snack!

Key Ingredients

4 cups stale bread cubes (or dried stuffing bread)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp dried sage
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt & pepper to taste
1 egg, beaten (helps bind the balls)

(Optional mix-ins: shredded cheddar, cooked sausage, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts.)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, parsley, sage, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add wet ingredients: Pour melted butter and broth over the bread mixture. Toss well until evenly coated.
4. Bind with egg: Stir in the beaten egg to help the mixture hold together.
5. Form stuffing balls: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of mixture per ball and roll tightly between your hands. Place on the baking sheet.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve warm with gravy or cranberry sauce.


What to Serve With Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls

These stuffing balls pair beautifully with all your favorite Thanksgiving dishes! Serve them alongside roast turkey, mashed potatoes, or green bean casserole for a complete feast. They also make a fantastic appetizer with a side of homemade cranberry sauce or creamy gravy for dipping.

For a lighter option, try them with a fresh autumn salad or roasted Brussels sprouts. And if you’re looking for more holiday side dish inspiration, check out my Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes roundup for more delicious ideas.


Top Tips for Perfecting Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls

Use stale bread for the best texture—fresh bread can make the balls too mushy.
Press firmly when rolling to prevent them from falling apart.
Add extra flavor with crispy bacon, sautéed onions, or grated Parmesan.
Make them ahead by shaping the balls and refrigerating them overnight before baking.


Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze unbaked stuffing balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 5-10 extra minutes.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to restore crispiness.


People Also Ask: Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls

Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls
Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls

How do you make stuffing balls ahead of time?

You can prepare the mixture up to a day in advance, shape the balls, and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Alternatively, freeze unbaked stuffing balls and bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Can you freeze stuffing balls?

Absolutely! Freeze unbaked stuffing balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5-10 extra minutes. Cooked stuffing balls can also be frozen and reheated in the oven.

What’s in Thanksgiving stuffing balls?

The base includes bread cubes, butter, broth, herbs (sage, thyme, parsley), and an egg for binding. Optional add-ins include cheese, sausage, cranberries, or nuts for extra flavor.

How long do you bake stuffing balls?

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy. If baking from frozen, add 5-10 extra minutes.


Final Thoughts

These Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls are the perfect way to elevate your holiday table with minimal effort. Crispy, flavorful, and endlessly customizable, they’re sure to become a new family favorite. Whether you serve them as a side dish or an appetizer, they’ll disappear fast!

For more delicious holiday recipes, check out my dinner recipes and get ready to impress your guests. Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite!

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Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls

Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls


  • Author: Crystal
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 16 stuffing balls 1x

Description

Savory Thanksgiving stuffing balls baked to golden perfection, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making the perfect holiday side dish or appetizer.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf white bread, cubed and dried
  • 1 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking sheet or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté onion, celery, and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine dried bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and chicken broth. Pour over the bread mixture and stir until evenly moistened.
  5. Shape mixture into balls, about the size of a golf ball, and place on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp on the outside.
  7. Serve warm as a side dish or appetizer.

Notes

For extra flavor, mix in cooked sausage or chopped mushrooms. Best served immediately, but can be reheated in the oven to crisp up again.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 stuffing ball
  • Calories: 110
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 13g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: thanksgiving, stuffing, appetizer, side dish, baked