Name: The Ultimate Guide to Turkey Stuffing Balls: A Holiday Favorite
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 6 cups day-old bread cubes (white or sourdough preferred); 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter; 1 medium onion, finely diced; 2 stalks celery, finely diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp dried sage (or 2 tsp fresh, chopped); 1 tsp thyme; ½ tsp rosemary (optional); Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 ½ cups chicken or turkey broth (warm); 2 large eggs, lightly beaten; ½ cup cooked sausage crumbles (for a meaty version); ¼ cup dried cranberries; ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Ingredients

Scale

For the Stuffing Balls:

6 cups day-old bread cubes (white or sourdough preferred)
1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
1 medium onion, finely diced
2 stalks celery, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried sage (or 2 tsp fresh, chopped)
1 tsp thyme
½ tsp rosemary (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 ½ cups chicken or turkey broth (warm)
2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Optional Add-ins:

½ cup cooked sausage crumbles (for a meaty version)
¼ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bread Base

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast for 8–10 minutes, until dry but not browned.

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Add onions, celery, and garlic; cook for about 5 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
Stir in herbs — sage, thyme, rosemary — along with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 3: Combine Everything

In a large bowl, combine toasted bread cubes and the cooked vegetable mixture.
Pour in the warm broth gradually, stirring gently until the bread is moist but not soggy.
Add beaten eggs and mix lightly to bind.
If desired, fold in sausage, cranberries, and nuts for extra flavor.

Step 4: Form the Balls

Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Scoop out about ¼ cup of the mixture and shape into balls (about the size of a golf ball).
Place each ball on the tray, leaving space between them.

Step 5: Bake

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through for even browning.
The Turkey Stuffing Balls are done when golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside.

Notes

For extra flavor, replace part of the broth with turkey drippings.
To make them vegetarian, use vegetable broth and skip sausage.
Chill the mixture for 15 minutes before rolling — it helps hold the shape.

Want extra crispness? Brush the tops with melted butter before baking.

Author: chef agh
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: dinner
Diet: Vegetarian