Easy and Delicious Stuffing Balls Recipe

Stuffing Balls are the ultimate comfort food, combining savory smoked turkey bacon, melty plant-based cheese, and a blend of herbs and spices for a perfectly hearty side dish everyone will rave about. This easy and delicious Stuffing Balls recipe brings all the cozy flavors you love into a delightful bite-sized treat, making them perfect for family dinners or festive occasions. Get ready to enjoy a flavorful, crispy outside with a tender, tasty center that will quickly become a new favorite on your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Savory goodness: The smoked turkey bacon and plant-based cheese create a rich, smoky flavor that’s simply irresistible.
• Easy to prepare: This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps, so even beginners will feel confident making it.
• Perfectly portioned: Stuffing Balls offer convenient, bite-sized servings that everyone can enjoy without the mess of traditional stuffing.
• Customizable: The recipe allows for easy ingredient swaps to suit your taste buds or dietary preferences.
• Crispy texture: The golden crust contrasts beautifully with the soft, flavorful center for a fantastic eating experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these delicious Stuffing Balls, you’ll want to gather simple but impactful ingredients that each play a role in delivering fantastic flavor, texture, and color. Every item adds something special, from the smoky notes of the turkey bacon to the creamy, melty plant-based cheese.

• Smoked turkey bacon: Adds a smoky, savory flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• Plant-based cheese: Provides creamy texture and a rich, cheesy flavor that binds the mixture.
• Day-old bread cubes: The base ingredient that soaks up all the delicious flavors for perfect stuffing texture.
• Onion and celery: Classic vegetables that add freshness and crunch.
• Fresh herbs: A mix of parsley, thyme, and sage to infuse aromatic flavor notes.
• Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural): Brings a subtle tang and depth of flavor.
• Vegetable broth: Moistens the bread and ingredients just right without overpowering flavors.
• Apple cider vinegar (natural): Adds a slight acidity to balance the richness.
• Natural gelling agent: Helps bind everything together for easy shaping.
• Olive oil: Used to crisp the outside of the stuffing balls to golden perfection.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors.

Variations for Stuffing Balls

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to get creative and personalize your Stuffing Balls. Whether you want to add more veggies, swap proteins, or adjust seasonings, it’s simple to make it your own while keeping the essence of the dish.

• Vegetarian version: Omit the smoked turkey bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted nuts for earthy richness.
• Spicy kick: Mix in chopped jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes for warmth and heat.
• Gluten-free adaptation: Use gluten-free bread cubes and ensure all sauces are gluten-free to suit dietary needs.
• Cheese swap: Try different plant-based cheeses like smoked gouda or sharp cheddar (plant-based) for distinct flavors.
• Herb variations: Experiment with rosemary, chives, or basil for a different aromatic profile.

How to Make Stuffing Balls

Step 1: Prepare the bread and veggies

Start by toasting your day-old bread cubes in the oven until they’re lightly golden and crisp. Meanwhile, finely chop onion and celery, then sauté them in olive oil until soft and fragrant. This base brings both crunch and freshness to the stuffing balls.

Step 2: Cook the smoked turkey bacon

Cut smoked turkey bacon into small pieces and cook it in a pan until crispy. This step adds the savory, smoky element that is key to the overall flavor of the stuffing balls.

Step 3: Combine ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, crispy turkey bacon, chopped fresh herbs, and plant-based cheese. Pour in vegetable broth, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), salt, and pepper. Sprinkle in the natural gelling agent to help bind the mixture.

Step 4: Form the stuffing balls

Use your hands or a small scoop to form the mixture into evenly sized balls, about the size of a golf ball. This ensures even cooking and the perfect bite-sized texture.

Step 5: Bake until golden

Place the stuffing balls on a greased baking sheet and drizzle lightly with olive oil. Bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Pro Tips for Making Stuffing Balls

• Use day-old bread: Slightly stale bread absorbs the broth better without becoming too mushy.
• Don’t overmix: Gently combine ingredients to maintain a good texture and prevent dense stuffing balls.
• Test one ball: Bake a single stuffing ball first to check seasoning and binding consistency before shaping the rest.
• Add broth gradually: Pour in vegetable broth little by little to avoid soggy mixture.
• Golden touch: Drizzle olive oil over the balls before baking to achieve a beautiful crispy crust.

How to Serve Stuffing Balls

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or thyme over the stuffing balls just before serving to add a pop of color and a fresh herb aroma that brightens the dish.

Side Dishes

Stuffing balls pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes (plant-based), or a crisp green salad to create a balanced and hearty meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the stuffing balls on a platter lined with lettuce leaves or in mini muffin tins for easy, elegant bite-sized appetizers at gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping them fresh and ready to enjoy again.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked stuffing balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag; they will last for up to 2 months, perfect for quick meals later on.

Reheating

To reheat, place stuffing balls in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crisp on the outside again.

FAQs

Can I make Stuffing Balls without bread?

Bread is essential for the texture and structure of stuffing balls, but you can experiment with gluten-free or alternative bread types if needed.

What can I use instead of smoked turkey bacon?

Try plant-based smoked bacon or sautéed mushrooms as flavorful alternatives that keep the savory profile intact.

Are Stuffing Balls suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! They store well both in the refrigerator and freezer, making them an excellent option for prepping meals ahead of time.

How do I keep Stuffing Balls from falling apart?

Using the natural gelling agent and carefully balancing the broth ensures the mixture holds together without being too wet or dry.

Can I add other vegetables to Stuffing Balls?

Yes, adding finely diced carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini can add extra flavor, color, and nutrition to your stuffing balls.

Final Thoughts

These Stuffing Balls bring warmth, comfort, and delicious flavor into every bite, combining simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dish you’ll return to time and again. Whether for weeknight dinners or special occasions, give this recipe a try and enjoy a savory side that’s both easy to make and delightful to share.

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