Grandma Dot’s Stuffing Balls are a heartwarming dish that brings nostalgic flavors to your table. Perfect for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or even a cozy weeknight meal, these delightful morsels pack a flavorful punch. With a simple list of ingredients and straightforward preparation, this recipe evokes memories of Grandma’s kitchen where love and warmth were as abundant as the delicious scents wafting from the oven. Let’s dive into why this cherished recipe deserves a spot in your cooking repertoire!
Why you’ll love this dish
So, what makes Grandma Dot’s Stuffing Balls so special? For starters, they are incredibly budget-friendly and easy to prepare, making them a hit for any occasion. This recipe merges humble ingredients into delightful bites that even the pickiest eaters will adore. Whether you’re serving them alongside a golden roast turkey for Thanksgiving, at a festive holiday gathering, or as a comforting addition to a weeknight meal, these stuffing balls will quickly become a family favorite.
"These stuffing balls remind me of family gatherings during the holidays. They’re simple yet so flavorful. Never had a Thanksgiving without them!" – A Happy Cooker
Preparing Grandma Dot’s Stuffing Balls
Creating these stuffing balls is a walk in the park. The process is straightforward and user-friendly, making it perfect for both seasoned chefs and novice cooks. You’ll start by blending together your flavorful ingredients, followed by shaping them into balls and baking until golden and crisp. It’s as easy as pie… wait, that’s another recipe. Here’s how to pull it all together!
Gather these items
To create your batch of flavorful stuffing balls, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of bread cubes (stale bread works great)
- 1 cup of celery, chopped
- 1 cup of onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup of chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 teaspoon of dried sage
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of butter, melted
- 1 egg, beaten
Feel free to substitute ingredients based on personal preferences or dietary needs. For instance, gluten-free bread can be used for a gluten-free version, and olive oil works well in place of butter.
Step-by-step instructions
Now let’s get to the fun part – making these stuffing balls! Follow these simple steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, chopped celery, and onion.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the chicken broth, sage, thyme, salt, pepper, melted butter, and beaten egg.
- Pour the broth mixture over the bread mixture and stir until everything is well combined.
- Form the mixture into balls (about the size of a golf ball) and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until they turn golden brown and look irresistible.
- Serve warm alongside turkey or as a delightful side dish.
Best ways to enjoy it
Grandma Dot’s Stuffing Balls aren’t just for special occasions! They can be served in a variety of delightful ways. Try them as:
- A hearty side dish for your Thanksgiving feast
- A savory addition to Christmas dinner
- An appetizer for your next holiday party
- Dipped in homemade gravy or paired with cranberry sauce for added flavor
Feel free to get creative with your presentation—plating these balls on a beautiful serving platter garnished with fresh herbs will surely impress your guests.
Keeping leftovers fresh
After enjoying these flavorful stuffing balls, you’ll want to ensure any leftovers are stored properly. Here’s how:
- Refrigeration: Place leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: These stuffing balls freeze wonderfully. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, until heated through.
Helpful cooking tips
Here are some tips that will elevate your stuffing ball game:
- Use stale bread: If you’re using fresh bread, cube it a day ahead and let it sit out to dry or lightly toast it. This ensures your stuffing balls have the right texture.
- Experiment with herbs: Feel free to swap in different herbs or spices based on your personal preference—rosemary or oregano can add a unique twist.
- Add-ins: Try adding cooked sausage, dried fruit like cranberries, or chopped nuts for an extra flavor kick.
Creative twists
Looking to mix things up? Here are a few variations to try next time you make this recipe:
- Herbed Stuffing Balls: Add fresh herbs instead of dried for a vibrant flavor boost.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños if you enjoy a bit of heat.
- Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add finely chopped mushrooms for a hearty texture.
Your questions answered
How long does it take to prepare?
Prep time is around 15 minutes, with an additional 25-30 minutes for baking. So, you can have these ready in about an hour!
Can I use different types of bread?
Absolutely! Feel free to use whole wheat, sourdough, or gluten-free bread. Just remember to adjust the seasoning to suit your chosen bread.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them. This makes them an excellent option for meal prep or holiday gatherings.
Give Grandma Dot’s Stuffing Balls a try and enjoy the delightful comfort of this simple, flavorful dish!
Stuffing Balls
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 2 cups bread cubes stale bread works great
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth for vegetarian option
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted can be substituted with olive oil
- 1 large egg, beaten
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, chopped celery, and onion.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the chicken broth, sage, thyme, salt, pepper, melted butter, and beaten egg.
- Pour the broth mixture over the bread mixture and stir until everything is well combined.
- Form the mixture into balls (about the size of a golf ball) and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until they turn golden brown and look irresistible.
- Serve warm alongside turkey or as a delightful side dish.
