Heirloom Stuffing Balls Recipe
This heirloom recipe for Stuffing Balls is a cherished tradition passed down through generations, ideal for festive gatherings like Thanksgiving and Christmas. These stuffing balls are not only a delicious and convenient side dish, but they can also be made ahead and frozen, easing your holiday preparations.
The unique format of serving stuffing in individual balls makes them perfect for stuffing into poultry or enjoying as leftovers.
Preparation Time: 1 hour (plus time to stale bread)
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: Varies depending on size of balls
Ingredients:
- 2 loaves white bread (or whole wheat for extra flavor)
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 small green pepper, chopped (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 teaspoons ground sage
- 1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
- Turkey broth, for baking
Directions:
- Prepare the Bread:
- Open the loaves of bread and allow them to stale for a day to harden slightly. Tear the bread into 1-1/2 inch pieces, including the crusts.
- Moisten the Bread:
- In a bowl, beat the eggs with the milk and water. Drizzle this mixture sparingly over the bread pieces, tossing gently to just moisten.
- Cook the Vegetables:
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Sauté the celery, onion, and optional green pepper until they are translucent. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix the Stuffing:
- Transfer the sautéed vegetables and butter mixture to a large mixing bowl containing the bread. Add the chopped parsley, sprinkle with ground sage and poultry seasoning. Gently toss everything with your hands to combine without compacting the bread.
- Rest and Form Balls:
- Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes in the bowl to allow the bread to fully absorb the liquid. Afterward, gently form the mixture into balls about the size of a baseball.
- Freezing (Optional):
- If you choose to freeze the stuffing balls, arrange them on a baking sheet and flash freeze. Once frozen, transfer the balls to bread bags or airtight containers and store in the freezer.
- Baking:
- When ready to bake, place the stuffing balls in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour about 1/4 inch of hot turkey broth into the bottom of the pan. You can bake them from frozen or thawed, adjusting your baking time accordingly.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes, basting a few times, until the balls are browned and heated through.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these stuffing balls as a side dish with your holiday meals. They are especially good with turkey and complement other traditional dishes like mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce.
Enjoy the convenience and delicious taste of these heirloom stuffing balls, knowing each bite carries a piece of family history and holiday tradition.