Imagine transforming the classic Thanksgiving stuffing into irresistible, crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside balls that will have your guests begging for seconds! These Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Balls are not just a side dish – they're a culinary revelation that combines the nostalgic flavors of traditional holiday stuffing with a fun, portable twist that makes serving and eating a pure joy. Whether you're looking to impress your family or add a creative spin to your holiday menu, these stuffing balls are about to become your new favorite Thanksgiving tradition.
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups stale bread, cubed
- 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1 tablespoon sage
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your stuffing balls cook evenly and develop a nice golden color.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 4 cups of stale bread cubes. If your bread is not already stale, you can dry it out by placing it in the oven for a few minutes until it's slightly toasted.
- Add the 1 cup of shredded cooked turkey to the bowl with the bread cubes. This will add flavor and protein to your stuffing balls.
- Next, add 1/2 cup of chopped onion and 1/2 cup of chopped celery to the mixture. These vegetables will provide moisture and enhance the overall flavor of the stuffing.
- Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of sage, which will give the stuffing its signature Thanksgiving flavor. You can adjust the amount based on your taste preferences.
- Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth to moisten the mixture. You may need to adjust the amount of broth depending on how dry your bread is.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Remember to start with a small amount, as you can always add more later.
- Using your hands or a large spoon, mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined. The mixture should be moist but not overly wet.
- Once combined, take a small handful of the mixture and form it into a ball, about the size of a golf ball. Repeat this process until all the mixture is shaped into balls.
- Place the stuffing balls on a greased baking sheet, making sure to leave some space between each ball to allow for even cooking.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden brown and heated through.
- Once cooked, remove the stuffing balls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They can be enjoyed on their own or as a delicious side dish for your Thanksgiving feast.
Tips
- Use Stale Bread: Slightly dry bread absorbs flavors better and helps create the perfect texture for your stuffing balls.
- Don't Overwork the Mixture: Mix ingredients gently to keep the stuffing light and airy, avoiding dense, heavy balls.
- Check Moisture Level: The mixture should hold together when squeezed but not be too wet. Add chicken broth gradually.
- Size Matters: Keep the balls uniform in size for even cooking and consistent texture.
- Space Them Out: When baking, leave enough room between stuffing balls on the baking sheet to ensure they crisp up on all sides.
- Make Ahead Friendly: You can prepare these stuffing balls in advance and reheat them just before serving, making holiday meal prep easier.
- Customize Your Flavor: Feel free to add herbs like thyme or rosemary, or mix in additional ingredients like chopped nuts or dried cranberries for a unique twist.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 183kcal
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 15mg
