Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls

What Makes Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls So Special

There’s a moment, just as they come out of the oven, that truly captures the holidays. The aroma of sage and sausage fills the air, and you’re greeted with golden-brown, perfectly portioned bites of comfort. These Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls offer that beloved savory flavor in every single, crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside bite.

I remember wondering, “How do you keep stuffing balls from falling apart?” before I perfected this recipe. The secret is in the gentle binding of the eggs and broth, and using damp hands to shape them. It’s a little trick my own grandmother taught me, ensuring these easy stuffing balls are as sturdy as they are scrumptious.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb ground breakfast sausage
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
• 1 cup finely chopped celery
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups dry seasoned stuffing cubes
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Estimated Prep & Cook Time for Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls

Creating these holiday stuffing balls is a wonderfully straightforward process. From start to finish, you can expect to be pulling golden perfection from your oven in under an hour.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This little step makes cleanup an absolute breeze, giving you more time to enjoy your guests.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat. The savory base of these sausage stuffing balls starts right here.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the butter, onion, celery, and garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. This is where the magic begins!

Step 4: Combine the Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry stuffing cubes with the warm sausage and vegetable mixture. The warmth helps the bread start to absorb all those lovely flavors.

Step 5: Add Wet Ingredients and Herbs

Pour in the chicken broth and beaten eggs. Add the sage, thyme, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined. The mixture should be moist but hold together when pressed.

Step 6: Shape the Balls

Using damp hands, shape the mixture into 1.5-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Damp hands are the best way to make stuffing balls that hold their shape without sticking.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly.

Step 8: Serve Warm

Serve warm alongside your Thanksgiving turkey and other favorite holiday sides. They are best enjoyed fresh from the oven!

Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks

Every family has its own traditions, and this recipe is a wonderful canvas for your own creations. Here are a few of my favorite ways to make it our own.