Savory Stuffing Balls with Herb Gravy are a creative twist on traditional stuffing, transforming a classic holiday side dish into bite-sized portions packed with flavor. These golden, crisp-on-the-outside and tender-on-the-inside balls are seasoned with herbs, vegetables, and a touch of broth to bring warmth and comfort to your table. Paired with a smooth herb gravy, they make a delightful side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family gathering. Easy to prepare, portion-friendly, and bursting with festive aromas, these stuffing balls will become a cherished favorite for both holiday feasts and casual dinners.
Ingredients
- 8 cups cubed day-old bread (preferably whole grain or sourdough)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 1/2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For Herb Gravy
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, add onion, celery, and carrots, and sauté until softened. Stir in garlic, sage, thyme, and rosemary, cooking for another minute. In a large bowl, combine the sautéed mixture with cubed bread. Pour in broth gradually until the mixture is moist but not soggy. Stir in beaten eggs, season with salt and pepper, and mix well. Shape into golf ball-sized portions and place them on the baking sheet. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and firm.
- To make the herb gravy, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, whisk in flour to create a roux, and cook for 1–2 minutes. Slowly pour in broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Add thyme, sage, salt, and pepper, then simmer until thickened.
- Serve the stuffing balls warm with a generous drizzle of herb gravy and garnish with fresh parsley.
Servings
Makes 10–12 servings (about 2 stuffing balls each)
Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)
Calories: 220
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 340mg
Notes
Use day-old bread for best texture, as fresh bread can become mushy. Whole grain bread adds extra fiber and nutrients. The stuffing balls can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated, then baked right before serving.
Tips
If the mixture feels too dry, add more broth a little at a time. To make them extra crispy, brush lightly with olive oil before baking. You can also air fry them at 375°F for 12–15 minutes for a healthier option. Add chopped nuts, cranberries, or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
Health Benefits
These stuffing balls incorporate vegetables like onions, celery, and carrots, which provide fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Using whole grain bread boosts heart health and digestion due to higher fiber content. Baking instead of frying reduces excess oil, making them a lighter choice. The herb gravy not only enhances flavor but also contains sage, thyme, and rosemary, which have natural anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting properties.
Q & A
Q: Can I make these stuffing balls vegetarian?
A: Yes, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for both the stuffing mixture and gravy.
Q: Can I freeze stuffing balls?
A: Yes, bake them first, let them cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.
Q: What can I serve alongside these?
A: They pair well with roast turkey, chicken, or even roasted vegetables for a vegetarian spread.
Q: How do I prevent them from falling apart?
A: Make sure the mixture is moist enough and well-bound with eggs before shaping into balls.
Q: Can I make them gluten-free?
A: Yes, use gluten-free bread cubes and a gluten-free flour blend for the gravy.