Name: Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground sausage; 1 tablespoon butter; 1/2 cup onion, diced; 1/2 cup celery, diced; 1/2 cup carrots, diced; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 tsp dried); 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp dried); 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 tsp dried); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 6 cups dry stuffing mix (unseasoned); 1 1/2 cups chicken broth; 2 eggs, beaten

Why You’ll Love Thanksgiving Stuffing BallsRecipe

Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls are delicious and festive, bringing all the cozy flavors of holiday stuffing into a convenient, handheld form. They’re easy to make, perfect for potlucks or large gatherings, and can be prepared ahead of time. These bites are customizable with your favorite herbs and add-ins, satisfying both traditional and modern tastes alike.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups bread crumbs
1/2 cup cooked cranberries (fresh or dried)
1/4 cup sage (fresh or dried)
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup vegetable broth
1/4 cup butter, melted
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the bread crumbs, cranberries, sage, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Mix well so the flavors distribute evenly.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable broth and melted butter until fully blended.
Pour the wet mixture over the dry mixture, stirring thoroughly until the mixture is moist and cohesive.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
With clean hands, shape the mixture into balls about 1–1.5 inches in diameter and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet with space between each.
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown, turning halfway through for even cooking.
Let the stuffing balls cool for about 5 minutes before serving warm alongside your favorite Thanksgiving mains and sides.

Servings and timing

Serves: About 12–16 stuffing balls (depending on size)
Prep time: ~15 minutes
Cook time: ~20–25 minutes
Total time: ~35–40 minutes

If you’re serving a larger crowd, simply double or triple the ingredients to make more.

Variations

Cheesy Stuffing Balls: Mix in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan for extra richness.
Meat Lover’s Version: Add cooked sausage or diced ham to the mix for a heartier version.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Vegan Version: Use vegan butter and ensure the bread crumbs are plant-based.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeños.
Fruit-Free Option: Omit cranberries for a more savory flavor.
Nutty Twist: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
Herb Variety: Swap sage with thyme, rosemary, or poultry seasoning to change up the profile.
Mushroom Blend: Add finely chopped mushrooms for earthiness and moisture.
Stuffing Loaf: Press mixture into a loaf pan and slice instead of shaping into balls.

Storage/Reheating

To store: Place leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3–4 days.
To freeze: Arrange the cooked balls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2–3 months.
To reheat: Thaw in the refrigerator if frozen, then heat in a 350 °F (175 °C) oven for 15–20 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

What if my stuffing balls fall apart?

If they fall apart, your mixture may be too dry. Try adding a bit more broth or melted butter to help bind the ingredients.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix and shape the stuffing balls a day in advance and store them in the fridge before baking.

What are good substitutions for cranberries?

Dried apples or raisins can replace cranberries for a sweet touch, or you can omit fruit altogether for a savory version.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the recipe gluten-free.

How long can I store leftover stuffing balls?

In the fridge, leftovers are good for about 3–4 days; in the freezer, up to 2–3 months.

Can I use store-bought stuffing mix?

Yes, pre-made stuffing mix can be used in place of bread crumbs for convenience.

Are these stuffing balls kid-friendly?

Yes, they’re bite-sized and flavorful, making them great for kids and adults alike.

Can I add cheese to the mixture?

Yes, small cubes or shreds of cheese can be added for extra richness and flavor.

What herbs pair well with these stuffing balls?

Thyme, rosemary, or poultry seasoning are excellent additions to complement the sage.

Can I make these vegan?

Yes, use vegan butter and vegetable broth, and ensure breadcrumbs are vegan to make this recipe plant-based.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls are a delicious and easy way to bring holiday flavor to your table in a fun and crowd-pleasing form. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a side, their savory herb and breadcrumb mixture will delight guests of all ages. With flexible storage and plenty of variation options, this recipe is a must-try for your holiday menu.