Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when the air is crisp, and the smell of roasted turkey fills the house. One dish I can’t imagine our holiday table without is my *thanksgiving stuffing balls*. These little gems are not just easy to make; they’re bursting with flavor and have become a beloved family tradition. I remember the first time I made them—my kids were so excited to help shape the mixture into balls, and now it’s a cherished part of our Thanksgiving prep! They’re crispy on the outside, soft and savory on the inside, and they perfectly complement all the other dishes on the table. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll be a staple at your holiday gatherings too!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls
- 4 cups stale bread cubes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls
Preheat the Oven
First things first—let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for achieving that perfect golden-brown crust on your stuffing balls. While it’s heating up, you can prep your ingredients, so we’re ready to roll!
Sauté the Vegetables
Next, grab a skillet and add those 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s nice and warm, toss in your 1/2 cup of chopped onion and 1/2 cup of chopped celery. You’ll want to sauté these for about 5-7 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. Trust me, the smell alone is going to get everyone excited for Thanksgiving dinner!
Combine Ingredients
Now, in a large mixing bowl, combine your 4 cups of stale bread cubes with the sautéed onion and celery mixture. Sprinkle in your dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Then, pour in that 1 cup of vegetable broth and give everything a good stir until it’s all evenly mixed. You want those bread cubes to soak up all that delicious flavor!
Form and Bake the Balls
Time to get your hands a little messy! Form the mixture into balls—about the size of golf balls—and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once they’re all shaped, pop them in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside. Oh, and the aroma wafting through your kitchen will make it hard to wait!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness of these delightful *thanksgiving stuffing balls*! Each serving (that’s 1 stuffing ball) is packed with flavor while keeping it relatively light. Here’s an estimated breakdown for you:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 1g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But hey, who’s counting when they taste this good? Enjoy them guilt-free at your holiday feast!
Tips for Success
Now, let me share my top tips for ensuring your *thanksgiving stuffing balls* turn out absolutely perfect! These little nuggets of joy deserve some extra love and care, and I promise, following these suggestions will make all the difference.
- Use Stale Bread: This is key! Stale bread cubes soak up more broth without getting mushy. If you happen to have some bread lying around, leave it out overnight to dry out a bit, or pop it in the oven for a few minutes to crisp up.
- Mix Up the Flavors: Don’t hesitate to add in your favorite nuts or dried fruits! Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a lovely crunch, while dried cranberries or apricots can bring a delightful sweetness. The combination of textures and flavors will elevate your stuffing balls to the next level!
- Season Generously: Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to your taste. If you love a bit of kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes. Want more freshness? Throw in some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a pop of flavor!
- Don’t Pack Too Tightly: When forming the balls, make sure not to pack them too tightly. You want them to be fluffy and allow for some air to circulate while baking, which helps them get that lovely golden-brown exterior.
- Experiment with Broth: If you want to switch things up, try using chicken broth instead of vegetable broth for a richer flavor. Just keep in mind that it won’t be vegetarian anymore!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to make the most delicious *thanksgiving stuffing balls* that your family will rave about! Happy cooking!
Variations for Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls
Now, let’s get creative with those *thanksgiving stuffing balls*! One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can really make it your own by mixing in different flavors, textures, and ingredients. Here are some of my favorite variations that I think you’ll love:
- Herb Medley: Switch up the herbs! Instead of just sage and thyme, try adding fresh rosemary or dill for a unique twist. A combination of herbs can really brighten up the flavor!
- Cranberry Orange: For a festive touch, mix in some dried cranberries and a bit of orange zest. The sweetness of the cranberries paired with the citrusy zing is a match made in heaven!
- Nutty Goodness: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for an added crunch. They bring a delightful texture that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the stuffing balls.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the mix. It’ll give your stuffing balls a spicy surprise that your guests will love!
- Cheesy Delight: Fold in some shredded cheese, like cheddar or Parmesan, to give your stuffing balls a cheesy richness. Just keep in mind that this will add a bit more moisture, so you might need a touch less broth.
- Mushroom Magic: Sauté some chopped mushrooms along with your onions and celery for an earthy flavor boost. Mushrooms add depth and a lovely umami taste to the stuffing balls.
- Vegetable Medley: Get colorful by incorporating finely chopped veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients and make the stuffing balls even more vibrant!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create the perfect stuffing balls that suit your taste. The beauty of cooking is that there’s no right or wrong—only delicious results! So, get in the kitchen, have fun experimenting, and make this recipe your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve made your delicious *thanksgiving stuffing balls*, you might be wondering how to store any leftovers (if there are any!). Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
First things first, let them cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them anywhere. Once they’ve cooled, store your stuffing balls in an airtight container. This will keep them fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them for a bit longer, you can freeze them! Just layer them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper in between, and they’ll last for up to 2 months.
When it comes time to reheat your stuffing balls, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place them on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re heated through and nice and crispy again. You can also use the microwave if you’re in a hurry, but be careful not to overdo it! Heat them in short bursts and check often, so they don’t get rubbery.
With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your *thanksgiving stuffing balls* even after the holiday feast is over. They’ll still be delicious and ready to impress at any meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Flavor: The combination of herbs, sautéed vegetables, and crispy bread creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will love.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these delicious stuffing balls without any fuss. Perfect for busy holiday preparations!
- Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste by adding nuts, dried fruits, or different herbs and spices—so you can make them your own!
- Vegetarian-Friendly: These stuffing balls are a great side dish for everyone at the table, making them a perfect addition to your holiday feast.
- Make Ahead: They can be prepared in advance and stored, which helps ease the stress of cooking on Thanksgiving Day.
- Crispy on the Outside, Soft on the Inside: The texture is just divine! You get that satisfying crunch with each bite, followed by a savory, tender center.
- Perfect for Leftovers: They store well and reheat beautifully, so you can enjoy them long after the holiday is over!
Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls: 7 Tips for Irresistible Flavor
- Całkowity Czas: 45 minutes
- Ustępować: 12 stuffing balls 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
Thanksgiving stuffing balls are a flavorful and easy-to-make side dish that complements your holiday meal.
Składniki
- 4 cups bread cubes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and celery, sauté until soft.
- In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Pour vegetable broth over the mixture and stir until evenly combined.
- Form the mixture into balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Uwagi
- Use stale bread for best results.
- You can add nuts or dried fruits for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 30 minutes
- Kategoria: Side Dish
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 stuffing ball
- Kalorie: 120
- Cukier: 1g
- Sód: 200mg
- Kwasy: 5g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 1g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 4g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 16g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Słowa kluczowe: thanksgiving stuffing balls, holiday side dish, vegetarian stuffing
