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Grandma Dot’s Stuffing Balls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 133 reviews

Grandma Dot’s Stuffing Balls are a nostalgic holiday favorite featuring savory bread cubes, seasoned with traditional herbs and sautéed vegetables, baked to golden crispy perfection on the outside while remaining tender inside. Perfect as a comforting side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 bag (12–14 oz) dry seasoned bread cubes
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 ribs celery, finely chopped
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 ½ to 2 cups chicken broth, as needed
  • 1 tsp poultry seasoning (sage, thyme, rosemary mix)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt, adjust to taste
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional for freshness)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bread: Cube your bread into ½-inch pieces and dry them in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes until slightly crisp but not browned. This step helps prevent sogginess in the final product.
  2. Cook the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and celery and cook until softened and fragrant, about 6–7 minutes. Stir in fresh parsley and poultry seasoning, allowing the flavors to meld.
  3. Mix the Base: In a large bowl, combine the dried bread cubes with the sautéed vegetables and butter. Toss everything together so the bread is evenly coated with flavors and fats.
  4. Bind the Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk eggs with chicken broth. Gradually pour this mixture into the bread mixture, gently tossing with a wooden spoon until the mixture holds together when squeezed but is not wet or soggy.
  5. Shape the Balls: Lightly oil your hands and scoop about ½ cup of the stuffing mixture. Form it into a tight ball and place it on a greased or lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining stuffing mixture.
  6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the stuffing balls for 25–30 minutes, turning them once halfway through cooking. Bake until they develop a golden brown, crispy exterior.
  7. Serve: Remove from oven and serve warm. These stuffing balls are perfect alongside turkey, chicken, or with your favorite gravy.

Notes

  • Day-old bread is best for making stuffing as it absorbs moisture without becoming soggy.
  • You can prepare stuffing balls up to 24 hours in advance and keep refrigerated; simply bake before serving.
  • Freezing unbaked stuffing balls is possible; bake directly from frozen by adding about 10 extra minutes to the cooking time.
  • Vegetarian option: substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
  • Add extras like cooked Italian sausage, shredded cheese, dried cranberries, or sautéed mushrooms for variations.
  • Reheat stuffing balls in a 350°F oven for about 10–15 minutes to regain crispness; avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Keywords: stuffing balls, holiday side dish, Thanksgiving stuffing, baked stuffing, savory stuffing balls, stuffing recipe, holiday recipes

Find it online: https://liamjayne.com/grandma-dots-stuffing-balls-recipe/