Introduction
Get ready to roll with these Absolutely YUM Stuffing Balls! Perfect for your holiday table or as a delicious snack anytime, these bite-sized goodies are popping with flavor. Let’s get cookin’!
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
- 10 slices of white bread, diced and slightly stale
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 stalks of celery, diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 egg, beaten
- Optional: A handful of dried cranberries or chopped nuts for an extra twist
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 stuffing balls
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Time to get the kitchen poppin’!
2. Grab a pan, melt that butter, and sauté the onions and celery until they’re looking soft and fragrant. Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing.
3. In a big ol’ mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes with your sautéed mixture. Add sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Give it a good toss.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and beaten egg. Mix until everything’s well-coated and happy.
5. Feeling adventurous? Stir in those cranberries or nuts if you’d like. Make it your own!
6. Roll the mixture into cute little balls and place them on a greased baking sheet.
7. Bake for about 20–25 minutes, or until they’re firm and golden brown.
8. Let them cool slightly before serving – though it’s hard to wait, I know!
Enjoy these delightful stuffing balls at your holiday gatherings or as a tasty snack any time of the year!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Celery
In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and diced celery. Sauté until they are soft and fragrant, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced stale white bread with the sautéed onion and celery mixture. Season it with dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the bread is evenly coated with the seasonings.
Step 4: Add Liquid Ingredients
Pour in the chicken broth and add the beaten egg to the bread mixture. Mix everything until well combined, ensuring that every piece of bread is happy and coated.
Step 5: Optional Add-ins
If you want to add a special touch, stir in a handful of dried cranberries or chopped nuts at this point.
Step 6: Form Stuffing Balls
Take portions of the mixture and roll them into small balls. Place each ball onto a greased baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
Step 7: Bake the Balls
Bake the stuffing balls in the preheated oven for about 20–25 minutes. They should be firm to the touch and golden brown when done.
Step 8: Cool Before Serving
Allow the stuffing balls to cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving them.
Notes
Storage
Leftover stuffing balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
To reheat, place the stuffing balls on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
Make Ahead
You can prepare the stuffing mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just roll the balls and bake them when you’re ready to serve.
Customization
Feel free to customize your stuffing balls with different herbs or add-ins, such as cooked sausage or diced vegetables, for variations in flavor.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing the onions and celery in butter enhances their sweetness and brings out their flavors. Ensure they are soft and fragrant before combining with the bread.
Mixing
When mixing the bread with the sautéed ingredients, be gentle to avoid breaking the bread too much. A light toss will help maintain texture while ensuring everything is well combined.
Rolling
When forming the stuffing mixture into balls, ensure they are uniform in size for even cooking. Use slightly wet hands to prevent the mixture from sticking to your palms.
Baking
Baking at 375°F (190°C) allows the stuffing balls to cook through while getting a golden brown exterior. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time for optimal crispness.
FAQ
Can I use fresh bread instead of stale?
Yes, fresh bread can be used, but it may not hold together as well. If using fresh bread, consider toasting it slightly to dry it out.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
Vegetable broth is a great substitute for chicken broth if you want to keep the recipe vegetarian.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze stuffing balls?
Yes, you can freeze them. Just make sure they are completely cooled, then store in a freezer-safe container. They can be reheated straight from the freezer.
What other ingredients can I add?
Feel free to experiment with other mix-ins such as diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or cooked sausage for added flavor.
Conclusion
These Absolutely YUM Stuffing Balls are versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy them on your holiday table or as a delightful snack any time of the year!
