Looking to add a unique twist to your next gathering or holiday feast? Look no further than stuffing balls! These delightful bite-sized treats take the classic stuffing to a whole new level, offering a convenient and mouthwatering way to enjoy the flavors of the beloved side dish. Whether you’re hosting a party, planning a potluck, or simply seeking a creative way to use up leftover stuffing, stuffing balls are a surefire hit. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through a simple and delicious recipe for stuffing balls, sharing a list of ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and some helpful tips along the way. Get ready to savor the crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside goodness of stuffing in a delightful, poppable form!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups prepared stuffing (any variety you prefer)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped cooked turkey or chicken (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Cranberry sauce or gravy, for dipping (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the stuffing: Start by preparing your favorite stuffing recipe according to the package instructions or using your preferred homemade recipe. Allow the stuffing to cool completely before proceeding.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the prepared stuffing, finely chopped cooked turkey or chicken (if using), grated Parmesan cheese, and beaten eggs. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape the stuffing balls: Using your hands, scoop about 1-2 tablespoons of the stuffing mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture until you have a batch of stuffing balls ready for frying.
- Coat the stuffing balls: Place the flour and breadcrumbs in separate shallow bowls. Roll each stuffing ball in the flour, ensuring it is evenly coated, then dip it in the beaten egg mixture, and finally roll it in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Place the coated stuffing balls on a baking sheet or plate.
- Fry the stuffing balls: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the coated stuffing balls in the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer the fried stuffing balls to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve and garnish: Once all the stuffing balls are fried and drained, transfer them to a serving platter. Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for added freshness. Serve the stuffing balls hot and pair them with cranberry sauce or gravy for dipping, if desired.
Tips:
- Explore different flavors: Experiment with different types of stuffing, such as cornbread, sage, or wild rice, to create unique variations of stuffing balls.
- Cheese it up: Add extra flavor by incorporating different cheeses, like cheddar, Gruyère, or feta, into the stuffing mixture.
- Incorporate additional ingredients: Feel free to add diced vegetables, cooked bacon, or herbs like thyme or rosemary to the stuffing mixture for added texture and flavor.