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Close-up of perfectly browned Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls, ready for a holiday feast.

Best Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls

These Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls are a customizable and delicious alternative to traditional stuffing. Crispy on the outside and flavorful inside, they are easy to portion, fun to eat, and perfect for using leftovers. Make these stuffing balls the star of your Thanksgiving spread!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 6-8 cups cooked stuffing homemade or store-bought
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup chopped celery optional
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled sausage or bacon optional
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries or cherries optional
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts pecans, walnuts, or almonds) (optional
  • 1/2 cup grated cheese cheddar, Gruyere, or Parmesan) (optional
  • 1/4 cup chopped herbs sage, thyme, or rosemary) (optional

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat
  • Ice cream scoop or cookie scoop (optional)
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the cooked stuffing, beaten eggs, melted butter, chicken broth, parsley, celery (if using), salt, and pepper.
  3. If using any optional add-ins, gently fold them into the stuffing mixture.
  4. Using your hands, an ice cream scoop, or a cookie scoop, form the stuffing mixture into balls about 1 1/2 to 2 inches in diameter.
  5. Place the stuffing balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are heated through and golden brown on the outside.
  7. Broil for the last minute or two for extra crispiness, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  8. Let the stuffing balls cool slightly before serving. Serve with gravy, cranberry sauce, or other favorite Thanksgiving sides.

Notes

For dry stuffing balls, add a little more chicken broth, one tablespoon at a time, until the mixture is moist enough to hold its shape. For wet stuffing balls, add a little more breadcrumbs or dried stuffing mix. To prevent burning, lower the oven temperature by 25 degrees. These can be made ahead of time and frozen. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Try variations like Sausage and Apple, Cranberry and Walnut, or Mushroom and Gruyere.