Description
Crispy Stuffing Balls are bite-sized, golden treats packed with smoked turkey bacon, plant-based cheese, and fresh herbs, offering a perfect balance of crunchy exterior and soft, flavorful interior. Ideal for any occasion, these versatile and easy-to-make bites bring warmth and a playful twist to your meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded
- 3 cups soft bread cubes
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 2 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/2 cup poultry-style vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tbsp natural gelling agent
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Variations
- Finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper (for spicy kick)
- Smoked plant-based gouda or sharp plant-based cheddar (alternative cheese)
- Sautéed mushrooms (to replace smoked turkey bacon for vegetarian version)
- Rosemary or thyme (in addition to parsley and sage)
- Apple cider vinegar (natural) and maple syrup (natural) mixture for glaze topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Dice the bread into small cubes and allow them to slightly dry out to create the perfect texture for absorbing flavors without becoming soggy.
- Cook the Aromatics and Smoked Turkey Bacon: Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook diced onion, celery, and chopped smoked turkey bacon until tender and fragrant, forming the flavorful foundation of the stuffing balls.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the dried bread cubes, cooked aromatics with smoked turkey bacon, plant-based cheese, chopped fresh herbs, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), poultry-style vegetable broth, and natural gelling agent until the mixture holds together but remains soft enough to shape.
- Form the Stuffing Balls: Shape the mixture into small, evenly sized balls about the size of a golf ball using clean hands or a spoon for uniform cooking and crispiness.
- Fry or Bake: For extra crispiness, lightly fry the stuffing balls in hot olive oil until golden and crunchy. Alternatively, place them on a lined baking tray and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even browning.
Notes
- Dry the bread cubes well to absorb flavors without becoming mushy.
- Do not overmix; combine ingredients just until cohesive for a light texture inside.
- Use fresh parsley and sage to brighten flavors more effectively than dried herbs.
- Adjust the broth quantity carefully to avoid soggy stuffing balls.
- Form uniform-sized balls to ensure even cooking and enhance presentation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 stuffing balls
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: crispy stuffing balls, side dish, smoked turkey bacon, plant-based cheese, holiday side, vegan stuffing balls, appetizer
