Easy Stuffing Balls Recipe for Holiday Fun

If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer, these Stuffing Balls bring together smoky turkey bacon and plant-based flavors in a delightful way that’s perfect for any holiday celebration. Bursting with herbs, savory notes, and a crispy golden exterior, this recipe is simple to put together yet impressive enough to wow your guests. Whether you want a comforting starter or a tasty finger food, Stuffing Balls offer a fresh twist on a classic favorite that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless preparation: Simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients make this recipe perfect for busy cooks and beginners alike.
• Perfect party bites: Bite-sized and portable, these Stuffing Balls are easy to serve at gatherings and holiday events.
• Flavorful and satisfying: Smoked turkey bacon and fresh herbs create a savory depth that keeps everyone coming back for more.
• Customizable ingredients: You can easily swap or add vegetables, spices, or plant-based dairy for your personal touch.
• Warm and comforting: The nostalgic flavors of holiday stuffing updated into fun balls make for a festive appetizer everyone will appreciate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Using straightforward yet flavorful ingredients, this recipe balances textures and tastes perfectly. Each item contributes to the overall moistness, color, or richness of the Stuffing Balls. Here’s what you’ll gather for these delicious bites:

• Smoked turkey bacon: Provides a smoky, savory backbone enhancing the stuffing flavor.
• Day-old bread cubes: The base ingredient that soaks up all the delicious flavors and holds the balls together.
• Chopped onions and celery: Add crunch and freshness, balancing the richer elements.
• Fresh herbs: Sage, thyme, and parsley lift the flavor profile with earthy and fragrant notes.
• Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural): Adds a subtle tang and complexity to every bite.
• Vegetable broth: Keeps the mixture moist while infusing gentle flavor.
• Plant-based (dairy) butter: Brings a creamy richness and helps with browning.
• Natural gelling agent: Assists in binding everything for perfect shaping without dryness.
• Ground black pepper and salt: Essential seasonings to elevate every other ingredient.

Variations for Stuffing Balls

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to tweak it to match your taste or dietary preferences. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different add-ins and flavors!

• Vegetarian twist: Replace smoked turkey bacon with smoked tempeh or mushrooms for a satisfying vegetarian alternative.
• Nutty crunch: Add toasted walnuts or pecans for extra texture and richness.
• Spicy kick: Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to bring heat to your stuffing balls.
• Cheesy boost: Fold in shredded plant-based (dairy) cheese for creamy, melty pockets inside the balls.
• Sweet and savory: Incorporate dried cranberries or chopped apples for a subtle, festive sweetness.

How to Make Stuffing Balls

Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Vegetables

Start by cutting your day-old bread into small cubes and toasting them lightly in the oven until golden and crisp. While the bread is cooling, sauté the chopped onions and celery in plant-based butter until softened and fragrant. This combination forms the flavorful base of your Stuffing Balls.

Step 2: Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon

In a separate pan, cook the smoked turkey bacon until it crisps up and releases its smoky aroma. Once done, chop it finely so it can be evenly mixed throughout the stuffing.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients with Broth and Spices

In a large bowl, mix the toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, crisped turkey bacon, fresh herbs, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), ground black pepper, and salt. Slowly add vegetable broth while stirring gently to moisten the mixture without making it soggy. Sprinkle in the natural gelling agent to help bind everything perfectly.

Step 4: Shape and Bake the Stuffing Balls

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Shape the mixture into small, bite-sized balls using your hands or a scoop, pressing gently so they hold together well. Place the balls on a lightly greased baking tray and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside.

Pro Tips for Making Stuffing Balls

• Use day-old bread: It absorbs liquids better and provides a firmer texture that holds up during baking.
• Don’t over-moisten: Add vegetable broth gradually to avoid soggy stuffing balls.
• Chill before baking: Refrigerate the formed balls for at least 15 minutes to help them hold their shape better while cooking.
• Even sizing: Use a small cookie scoop to ensure uniform balls that cook evenly and look professional.
• Fresh herbs are key: They add brightness and complexity; avoid dried if possible for best results.

How to Serve Stuffing Balls

Garnishes

Fresh sprigs of parsley or thyme make simple, elegant garnishes that add a pop of green and fresh aroma on your serving platter. A light drizzle of vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) or a side of a tangy cranberry dip complements the warm, savory flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve Stuffing Balls alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad to balance the richness. They also pair wonderfully with warm plant-based (dairy) mashed potatoes and hearty roasted squash or sweet potatoes for a festive meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging the Stuffing Balls on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces such as apple cider vinegar mustard or herbed olive oil. For a party, serve them skewered with rosemary sprigs for an eye-catching finger food display everyone will admire.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, place leftover Stuffing Balls in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their texture and flavor while keeping them fresh for later enjoyment.

Freezing

Stuffing Balls freeze wonderfully. Arrange them on a baking sheet so they aren’t touching, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. This way, you can have homemade appetizers ready anytime.

Reheating

To reheat, bake frozen or refrigerated Stuffing Balls at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and crispy on the outside. This restores their fresh-baked texture and flavor like just made.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free bread for Stuffing Balls?

Absolutely! Gluten-free bread works well; just make sure it’s slightly stale so it holds together properly and absorbs moisture evenly.

How do I keep Stuffing Balls from falling apart?

Adding the natural gelling agent and chilling the balls before baking helps them hold their shape. Also, avoid adding too much broth which can make the mixture too wet.

Can I make Stuffing Balls vegan?

Yes! Swap the smoked turkey bacon for smoky mushrooms or smoked tempeh and use plant-based (dairy) butter to keep it fully plant-based and delicious.

What’s the best way to store leftover Stuffing Balls?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep longer, freeze them and reheat as needed.

Are Stuffing Balls suitable for parties?

Definitely. Their bite-sized shape and flavor-packed profile make them an ideal finger food for holiday parties and cozy get-togethers.

Final Thoughts

Stuffing Balls are a delightful way to bring a new twist to a classic favorite. With their easy preparation, hearty flavors, and versatile nature, they are sure to become a holiday staple. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share these tasty little bites with your friends and family they truly add a special touch to any celebration.

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