What Makes Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls So Special
There’s a moment, just as they come out of the oven, that truly captures the holidays. The aroma of sage and sausage fills the air, and you’re greeted with golden-brown, perfectly portioned bites of comfort. These Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls offer that beloved savory flavor in every single, crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside bite.
I remember wondering, “How do you keep stuffing balls from falling apart?” before I perfected this recipe. The secret is in the gentle binding of the eggs and broth, and using damp hands to shape them. It’s a little trick my own grandmother taught me, ensuring these easy stuffing balls are as sturdy as they are scrumptious.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground breakfast sausage
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 1 cup finely chopped celery
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups dry seasoned stuffing cubes
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Estimated Prep & Cook Time for Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls
Creating these holiday stuffing balls is a wonderfully straightforward process. From start to finish, you can expect to be pulling golden perfection from your oven in under an hour.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This little step makes cleanup an absolute breeze, giving you more time to enjoy your guests.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat. The savory base of these sausage stuffing balls starts right here.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the butter, onion, celery, and garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. This is where the magic begins!
Step 4: Combine the Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry stuffing cubes with the warm sausage and vegetable mixture. The warmth helps the bread start to absorb all those lovely flavors.
Step 5: Add Wet Ingredients and Herbs
Pour in the chicken broth and beaten eggs. Add the sage, thyme, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined. The mixture should be moist but hold together when pressed.
Step 6: Shape the Balls
Using damp hands, shape the mixture into 1.5-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Damp hands are the best way to make stuffing balls that hold their shape without sticking.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly.
Step 8: Serve Warm
Serve warm alongside your Thanksgiving turkey and other favorite holiday sides. They are best enjoyed fresh from the oven!
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
Every family has its own traditions, and this recipe is a wonderful canvas for your own creations. Here are a few of my favorite ways to make it our own.
- Flavor Swap: For a different twist, try using Italian sausage or even a spicy chorizo instead of breakfast sausage.
- Diet Tweak: To make it lighter, use a lean turkey sausage and low-sodium chicken broth. The flavor is still fantastic.
- Prep Fix: If the mixture feels too dry to hold together, add an extra tablespoon or two of broth. If it’s too wet, a few more stuffing cubes will fix it.
- Storage Tip: You can absolutely prepare stuffing balls ahead of time! Shape them, place them on the baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Healthier Alternatives for Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls
I often get asked, “Can I make these Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls a bit lighter?” Absolutely! My family loves the classic version, but sometimes a healthier alternative is just what the occasion calls for.
For a delightful twist, try using whole-wheat or sourdough stuffing cubes. You can also swap the pork sausage for lean ground turkey and use olive oil instead of butter for sautéing. These small changes create a wonderful, guilt-free version of the best stuffing balls.
How to Serve Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls
There’s a reason these are the ultimate holiday stuffing balls. They are so versatile! Of course, they are a natural companion to your roasted turkey, but don’t stop there.
I love serving them in a basket lined with a checkered napkin, right in the center of the table. They pair beautifully with a drizzle of gravy or a dollop of cranberry sauce. For a cozy post-Thanksgiving meal, they are simply divine with a cup of hot soup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to make stuffing balls that hold their shape?
The secret is twofold: ensure your mixture is moist but not soggy, and always use damp hands when shaping them. The moisture prevents sticking and helps create a smooth surface that holds together beautifully in the oven.
Can you prepare stuffing balls ahead of time and bake them later?
Yes, this is a fantastic time-saver! Simply assemble the Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls, place them on the baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to a day. Bake them straight from the fridge, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
How do you keep stuffing balls from falling apart when baking?
The eggs in this recipe are the key binder that keeps everything intact. Make sure they are well-beaten and thoroughly mixed in. Also, avoid over-handling the mixture when forming the balls, as this can make them crumbly.
What is a simple recipe for traditional Thanksgiving stuffing balls?
This recipe is my go-to for simple, traditional flavor! It uses easy-to-find ingredients like seasoned stuffing cubes, sausage, and classic herbs. It’s a straightforward process that delivers the nostalgic taste we all love.
How long do you bake homemade stuffing balls?
At 375°F (190°C), your homemade stuffing balls will need about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they are a beautiful golden brown and feel firm to the touch.
Can you freeze stuffing balls after they are cooked?
Absolutely! Let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warm and crispy.
Are stuffing balls a good alternative to stuffing a turkey?
They are a wonderful alternative! Baking them separately is safer (avoiding undercooked stuffing) and allows the turkey to cook more evenly. Plus, you get that delightful crispy texture on all sides, which is a crowd-pleaser.
