Stuffing Balls

Why You’ll Love This Savory Stuffing Balls Recipe

Hey there, fellow food lovers! Are you craving comfort food with a delightful twist? Then you absolutely HAVE to try these savory stuffing balls! They’re incredibly easy to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for any occasion – from a cozy weeknight dinner to a festive holiday gathering. Imagine sinking your teeth into these golden-brown morsels, the crispy exterior yielding to a warm, herb-infused interior. The creamy mushroom soup adds a touch of decadence, creating a truly unforgettable texture and taste experience. You’ll be surprised how quickly these come together, leaving you with more time to enjoy the company of your loved ones. Forget complicated recipes; this one is friendly, approachable, and guaranteed to impress, even if you consider yourself a novice in the kitchen. Prepare to be amazed by the delightful combination of textures and flavors – crunchy, soft, savory, and slightly sweet – it’s the perfect harmony of tastes! These stuffing balls are the epitome of simple comfort food, guaranteed to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. You’ll be making these again and again!

What You’ll Need

This recipe is straightforward, using pantry staples and fresh herbs for an explosion of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

Butter (4 tbsp or ¼ cup): Provides richness and helps bind the stuffing mixture.
Onion (1 medium, finely chopped): Adds a savory base and subtle sweetness.
Celery (1 cup, finely chopped): Offers a crisp texture and fresh herbaceous note. It complements the sage and thyme beautifully.
Dried Breadcrumbs (5 cups): The foundation of our stuffing balls! Store-bought is perfectly fine.
Dried Sage (1 tsp): Earthy and warm, sage is a classic stuffing ingredient.
Dried Thyme (1 tbsp): A slightly lemony herb that adds depth of flavor.
Fresh Parsley (1 cup, chopped): Adds a vibrant fresh herbal note and beautiful green color.
Salt (1 tsp): Enhances all the other flavors.
Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: Adds a touch of spice and complexity.
Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can, 14 oz): This creamy element creates a luxurious texture and binds the stuffing balls together beautifully. You can substitute cream of chicken or celery soup if desired.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps for perfectly delicious stuffing balls:

1. **Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).** This ensures your stuffing balls bake evenly and achieve that lovely golden-brown color. While the oven heats, you can prep the ingredients.

2. **Sauté the aromatics:** Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and celery and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until softened and slightly translucent. This step builds a flavorful base for your stuffing balls. Don’t rush this step; low and slow is key for maximum flavor.

3. **Combine the dry ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the dried breadcrumbs, dried sage, dried thyme, chopped parsley, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix well to distribute the herbs and seasonings evenly.

4. **Add the wet ingredients:** Add the sautéed onion and celery mixture to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Pour in the entire can of cream of mushroom soup. Using your hands (clean hands, of course!), gently combine all the ingredients until they are evenly moistened. Be careful not to overmix; you want the mixture to hold its shape but still be moist enough to form into balls.

5. **Form the stuffing balls:** Using a large spoon or your hands, shape the stuffing mixture into 1-2 inch balls. Make them all roughly the same size for even cooking. A slightly dampened spoon can help prevent the mixture from sticking.

6. **Bake:** Place the stuffing balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through. Keep an eye on them – ovens vary, so you might need to adjust the baking time slightly.

7. **Serve:** Once golden brown and cooked through, remove the stuffing balls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. They’re delicious on their own, as a side dish, or even added to soups or stews!

Tips for Success

* **Don’t overmix the stuffing:** Overmixing can result in dense, heavy stuffing balls. Aim for a moist but not soggy consistency.

* **Use fresh herbs if possible:** Fresh herbs provide a more vibrant flavor compared to dried herbs. If using fresh herbs, use approximately double the amount specified in the recipe.

* **Adjust seasoning to your preference:** Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and herbs to suit your taste.

* **Ensure even cooking:** Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. Arrange the stuffing balls in a single layer to ensure even browning and cooking.

Variations to Try

* **Cranberry Stuffing Balls:** Add ½ cup of dried cranberries to the stuffing mixture for a sweet and tart twist.

* **Vegetarian Stuffing Balls:** This recipe is already vegetarian. For a heartier vegetarian version, you could add cooked vegetables like chopped mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini.

* **Gluten-Free Stuffing Balls:** Substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

* **Spicy Stuffing Balls:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover stuffing balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them for 1-2 minutes, but they might lose some of their crispy texture. For freezing, allow the stuffing balls to cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

* **Can I use different types of soup?** Absolutely! Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup would be delicious substitutes for the cream of mushroom soup. Experiment and find your favorite flavor combination!

* **How long do the stuffing balls last?** Refrigerated stuffing balls will keep for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Frozen stuffing balls can last for up to 3 months.

* **Can I make these ahead of time?** Yes! You can prepare the stuffing ball mixture a day ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Then, form the balls and bake them just before serving.

The Final Word

These savory stuffing balls are a true testament to the magic of simple ingredients and a little bit of love. The combination of textures and flavors is simply irresistible – crispy on the outside, soft and savory on the inside, with a hint of creamy mushroom goodness. They’re incredibly easy to make, perfect for any occasion, and guaranteed to become a new family favorite. So, what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think in the comments below! Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your culinary creations with me!

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