Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls | Easy Side Dish Recipe for Holiday Dinners

These Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls are a fun, flavorful twist on classic stuffing! Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they’re the perfect bite-sized side dish for your holiday table. Packed with savory herbs, celery, onion, and bread cubes, these stuffing balls deliver all the comforting flavors of Thanksgiving in a neat, make-ahead-friendly form that’s easy to serve and enjoy.

Why You’ll Love These Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls 🧈 Crispy & Tender: Perfect golden crust with a soft, herby center. 🦃 Holiday Favorite: All your favorite stuffing flavors in every bite. 🍽️ Easy to Serve: No scooping or slicing — perfect for guests! ⏱️ Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep and chill the day before baking for stress-free holidays.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 10 cups day-old bread cubes (white or sourdough)
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 ½ cups chopped onion
• 1 ½ cups chopped celery
• 2 tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped (or 2 tsp dried)
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• ½ cup chopped parsley
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 ½–2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt and black pepper to taste

How to Make Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls

Step 1 – Prep the Bread: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). If your bread isn’t already dried, spread cubes on a baking sheet and toast for 10–15 minutes until slightly crisp.

Step 2 – Sauté the Veggies: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and celery, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes). Stir in herbs, salt, and pepper, then remove from heat.

Step 3 – Mix It All Together: In a large bowl, combine toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, and parsley. Pour in broth gradually while mixing until the bread is moistened but not soggy. Stir in beaten eggs to help bind the mixture.

Step 4 – Form the Balls: Scoop about ½ cup of stuffing mixture and shape it into compact balls. Place them on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 5 – Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and crisp on the outside. Serve warm with gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping!

Tips for Perfect Stuffing Balls 🍞

🌿 Use day-old or toasted bread for the best texture.
🧄 Add sausage, apples, or cranberries for extra flavor variations.
❄️ Make-ahead option: Shape and refrigerate the balls overnight before baking.
🔥 Reheat leftovers in the oven to keep them crisp.

What to Serve with Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls 🦃

These Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls are delicious alongside:

• Roast turkey or chicken
• Mashed potatoes and gravy
• Green bean casserole
• Cranberry relish or apple chutney

FAQs

Can I use boxed stuffing mix?
Yes! Use about 2 standard boxes prepared according to the directions, then form into balls and bake as directed.

Can I make them vegetarian?
Absolutely — just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How do I keep them from falling apart?
Make sure the mixture is moist enough and packed tightly before baking. Adding an extra egg can help bind everything together.

Conclusion

These Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls are crispy, savory, and bursting with classic holiday flavor — a creative and crowd-pleasing twist on traditional stuffing! Perfect for serving at family gatherings or Friendsgiving dinners, they’re easy to make, easy to serve, and downright delicious with a drizzle of gravy. 🦃🍂✨