Simple & Savory Stuffing Balls Recipe for Holiday Magic

Crispy, golden stuffing balls offer a delightful twist on traditional holiday side dishes.

Packed with savory herbs and tender breadcrumbs, these bite-sized morsels burst with flavor.

Comfort meets creativity in this simple yet impressive recipe.

Grandma’s classic approach gets a modern makeover with these crowd-pleasing appetizers.

Perfectly seasoned and wonderfully crisp, they make any meal feel special.

No gathering feels complete without these irresistible little gems.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for your next celebration.

Why Stuffing Balls Are the Ultimate Sidekick

• Craft Culinary Magic: Transform simple ingredients into mouthwatering stuffing balls that bring excitement to your dinner table.
• Master Quick Meal Prep: Create delicious protein-packed bites with minimal kitchen skills and basic ingredients that come together seamlessly.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Delight kids and adults alike with these bite-sized morsels that offer balanced nutrition and irresistible flavor combinations.
• Versatile Dinner Solution: Enjoy these stuffing balls as a main course, appetizer, or protein-packed addition to salads and sides, making mealtime flexible and fun.

Ingredients for Perfect Stuffing Balls

• Ground Turkey: A lean protein base that provides a lighter alternative to traditional red meats.
• Ground Pork: Adds richness and depth of flavor to the stuffing balls.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide a robust, savory foundation and enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: Introduces a bright, fresh herb note to the stuffing balls.

• Breadcrumbs, Eggs, Chicken Broth: Help bind the ingredients together and create a moist, cohesive texture.
• Olive Oil, Salt, Black Pepper: Contribute to seasoning and moisture, ensuring a flavorful and tender result.

• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking during baking.

Simple Guide to Making Stuffing Balls

Step 1: Create Meaty Base

Mix ground turkey and ground pork in a large bowl. Break up the meat with your hands to create a smooth, consistent texture.

Step 2: Chop Flavor Enhancers

• Onion (finely diced)
• Garlic (minced)
• Parsley (chopped into small pieces)

Step 3: Blend Binding Ingredients

• Breadcrumbs
• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Chopped parsley

Gently combine without overworking the meat.

Step 4: Introduce Moisture Agents

• Eggs
• Chicken broth
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix thoroughly with hands to ensure even distribution of flavors and moisture.

Step 5: Shape Delicate Spheres

Form the mixture into compact balls, roughly the size of golf balls. Handle the meat gently to preserve its tender texture.

Step 6: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Step 7: Arrange and Bake

Place meat balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving slight space between each for proper heat circulation. Bake for 25-30 minutes, rotating the pan midway through cooking.

Step 8: Check for Doneness

Confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F. The exterior should appear golden brown and crispy.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Remove from oven and let the meat balls rest for 5 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, maintaining maximum moisture and flavor. Serve hot as a versatile main dish or protein-packed appetizer.

Top Tips for Stuffing Balls You’ll Love

• Gentle Mixing Technique: Blend meat and ingredients with a light touch to keep stuffing balls tender and prevent dense, tough texture.
• Perfect Size Matters: Shape uniform golf ball-sized spheres for consistent cooking and attractive presentation.
• Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe, fully cooked stuffing balls.
• Moisture Retention Trick: Allow stuffing balls to rest 5 minutes after baking to help redistribute juices and maintain succulence.
• Versatile Serving Suggestion: Pair with roasted vegetables, fresh salad, or serve as a protein-packed appetizer for flexible meal options.

Fun Takes on Classic Stuffing Balls

• Mediterranean Turkey Stuffing Balls: Replace ground pork with lamb, add feta cheese, oregano, and sun-dried tomatoes for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Keto Stuffing Balls: Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour, increase eggs for binding, and incorporate shredded parmesan cheese for extra richness.
• Spicy Cajun Turkey Stuffing Balls: Mix in cayenne pepper, paprika, and chopped andouille sausage to create a zesty New Orleans-style version with bold, smoky undertones.
• Vegetarian Lentil Stuffing Balls: Swap meat with cooked green lentils, add nutritional yeast, and use flax eggs as a binding agent for a plant-based alternative packed with protein.

What Pairs Well with Stuffing Balls

• Pair with Zesty Cabernet Sauvignon: Rich red wine cuts through the meat's richness, enhancing the savory flavors with its bold, tannic profile and complementing the herbs in the stuffing balls.
• Create Mediterranean Mezze Plate: Arrange stuffing balls alongside hummus, tzatziki, olives, and warm pita bread to provide a diverse texture and flavor experience that highlights the dish's Mediterranean-inspired ingredients.
• Serve with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a colorful mix of roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant to add vibrant freshness and nutritional balance to the protein-packed stuffing balls, creating a complete and satisfying meal.

Stuffing Balls Storage Tips

• Store cooled stuffing balls in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring they're completely covered to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap individual stuffing balls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 months.
• Place 2-3 stuffing balls on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, and heat for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature midway.

Questions About Stuffing Balls? We’ve Got Answers

• Are these stuffing balls healthy?

Yes, they’re made with lean ground turkey and ground pork, packed with protein, and include fresh herbs like parsley, making them a nutritious option compared to traditional fried meatballs.

• Can I freeze these stuffing balls?

Absolutely! These can be cooled completely, then stored in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

• What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?

You can substitute with crushed crackers, panko, or gluten-free breadcrumbs depending on your dietary needs. Each alternative will slightly change the texture but maintain the overall recipe structure.

Stuffing Balls Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory stuffing balls bring classic holiday comfort to your table with a crispy golden exterior and rich, herb-infused interior. Perfectly seasoned and baked to delightful crunch, these bite-sized delights will elevate your meal and make you the star of any gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 0.5 lb ground pork

Bread and Aromatics:

• 2 cups breadcrumbs
• 1 large onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley

Seasonings and Binders:

• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 0.25 cup chicken broth

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey and ground pork, breaking up the meat with your hands to create a uniform mixture.
3. Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic, releasing their aromatic flavors into the meat mixture.
4. Chop the fresh parsley into small, uniform pieces to distribute evenly throughout the stuffing balls.
5. Add breadcrumbs, diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped parsley to the meat, mixing gently to incorporate all ingredients without overworking the mixture.
6. Crack the eggs into the bowl, then pour in the chicken broth, olive oil, salt, and black pepper to bind the ingredients and enhance the flavor profile.
7. Thoroughly mix all components using your hands, ensuring even distribution of seasonings and moisture throughout the mixture.
8. Gently form the mixture into compact, golf ball-sized spheres, handling the meat delicately to maintain a tender texture.
9. Arrange the stuffing balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow even heat circulation.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through cooking, until the exterior is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
11. Remove from the oven and let the stuffing balls rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and maintain moisture.
12. Serve hot as a versatile protein-packed dish that can complement various side dishes or be enjoyed on their own.

Notes

• Prevent Overworking: Mix the meat mixture gently to avoid tough, dense stuffing balls that can result from excessive handling.
• Moisture Matters: Add chicken broth and olive oil to keep the stuffing balls juicy and prevent them from becoming dry or crumbly.
• Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption and perfectly cooked meat.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg