Grandma Dot’s Stuffing Balls

Gather around the table this holiday season and enjoy Grandma Dot’s traditional stuffing balls. This family recipe has been loved for generations. It’s a true homemade holiday side dish, filled with warm, nostalgic flavors. These crispy, savory balls are great for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Grandma Dot’s Stuffing Balls are full of butter, onion, and celery flavors. They’re made with fresh bread cubes, eggs, and chicken broth. Each bite is a mix of textures and tastes that brings you back to your family’s holiday table.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Stuffing Balls

Making delicious stuffing balls is all about the right mix of ingredients. At the core of this holiday classic are a few key parts. They come together to make a savory and satisfying side dish.

The base of the stuffing balls is the bread. For the best taste, use 10 cups of cubed whole wheat bread or 30 slices of soft white bread. This gives the right texture and soaks up the flavors well.

• Butter is crucial, with 3/4 cup being the perfect amount for a moist stuffing.
• Diced onion (1/2 cup) and celery (1/2 cup) create a great aroma. 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of poultry seasoning add the savory taste.
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper and 1/2 cup of chicken broth balance the flavors and keep the stuffing moist.
• Lastly, 2 large eggs and 1/2 cup of fresh parsley help hold everything together and add freshness.

For even more flavor, try adding a pinch of sage or some garlic powder. With these stuffing ingredients, bread selection, herbs and spices, and vegetable mix, you’re ready to make the perfect stuffing balls for your holiday meal.

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Making the perfect homemade stuffing balls is all about balance. You need to prepare the bread, sauté the veggies, and mix everything just right. Each step is key to getting the right texture and taste.

Bread Preparation Techniques

The base of a great stuffing is the bread. It’s important to toast and dry the bread for 24 hours. This step removes extra moisture, making the stuffing balls sturdy.

Vegetable Sautéing Methods

After preparing the bread, it’s time to cook the veggies. Melt butter in a pan and sauté onions and celery over medium heat for 5-7 minutes. They should be soft and fragrant. This step enhances the flavors and makes the stuffing tender.

Mixing and Forming the Balls

In a big bowl, mix the toasted bread, sautéed veggies, broth, eggs, and seasonings. Mix gently until everything is well combined. Then, shape the mix into 2-inch balls, pressing them firmly to keep their shape.

To bake the stuffing balls, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, until they’re golden and crispy. Or, bake them in a 9×13-inch dish at 325°F (165°C) for 1 hour for a casserole-style dish.

“The secret to perfectly baked stuffing balls is in the preparation. Toasting the bread, sautéing the veggies, and carefully shaping the mixture into uniform balls ensures a delightful texture in every bite.”

By following these steps, you’ll make homemade stuffing balls that will wow your family and friends. Enjoy the amazing smell and the crunchy texture of these holiday treats!

Expert Tips

Making the perfect stuffing balls is more than just mixing ingredients. It’s about finding the right mix of flavors and textures. Here are some expert tips to make your stuffing balls a hit at your holiday feast.

Start with stale bread for the best texture. Day-old bread is dry and crumbly, perfect for soaking up flavors without getting soggy. Be careful with the liquid, adding just enough to hold the mixture together without making it too wet.

1. Try different herbs to add more flavor. Sage and parsley are classics, but feel free to experiment with new combinations.
2. Use homemade broth for a richer taste. It will make your stuffing balls even more delicious.
3. Make sure the balls are all the same size. This ensures they cook evenly, so no one gets a dry or undercooked ball.

Creating amazing stuffing balls is all about paying attention to detail. Be your own chef and adjust the recipe to your liking. With these tips, you’re ready to make a side dish that will impress everyone.

Ingredient	Amount
Stale Bread Cubes	15 thick slices
Butter or Margarine	1/4 cup
Onions, Chopped	2
Poultry Seasoning	2 tsp, divided
Salt	2 tsp, divided
Black Pepper	2 tsp, divided
Eggs, Lightly Beaten	2 large
Milk or Chicken Broth	1 1/2 cups

Using stale bread, savory herbs, and the right amount of liquid makes for a great texture. Follow these tips to make stuffing balls that will be the star of your holiday meal.

“The key to exceptional stuffing balls lies in the attention to detail. Embrace your inner chef and don’t be afraid to tweak the recipe to suit your personal taste preferences.”

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

Preparing Grandma Dot’s stuffing balls ahead of time can change your holiday game. With a few easy steps, you can enjoy these treats long after they’re made.

Refrigeration Guidelines

Uncooked stuffing balls can stay in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This makes them perfect for make-ahead meals. Just form the balls, refrigerate them, and bake when you’re ready.

Freezing and Thawing Methods

Baked stuffing balls can be frozen for up to a month. To thaw, put them in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat them in a 350°F oven until warm.

Reheating Techniques

To keep stuffing balls tasty, reheat them right. Place them in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Watch them to avoid drying out.

Follow these tips for storing and reheating stuffing balls. Grandma Dot’s recipe will be a hit at your holiday meals.

Variations and Customization Options

Grandma Dot’s classic stuffing balls can be easily adapted to suit various dietary preferences and flavor preferences. From gluten-free alternatives to herb and spice combinations, the versatility of this beloved holiday dish allows for endless personalization.

Gluten-Free Alternatives

For those with gluten sensitivities or following a gluten-free diet, traditional bread-based stuffing can be swapped out for gluten-free options. Try using gluten-free bread, cubed and toasted, or a blend of gluten-free breadcrumbs and cooked quinoa or rice. This creates a satisfying and texture-rich stuffing ball.

Herb and Spice Combinations

The classic poultry seasoning can be enhanced with a variety of fresh or dried herbs and spices. Try adding fragrant sage, earthy thyme, or aromatic rosemary for a savory twist. For a bolder taste, add a pinch of garlic powder, paprika, or a touch of cayenne pepper for a subtle heat.

Vegetarian and vegan cooks can also experiment by replacing the chicken broth with a flavorful vegetable broth. This maintains the moist and delicious texture of the stuffing balls.

For an extra layer of flavor and texture, consider adding chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, or dried fruits like cranberries or apricots to the stuffing mixture. These add-ins can elevate the dish and cater to different taste preferences.

With a little creativity and experimentation, the humble stuffing ball can be transformed into a true showstopper. It satisfies a range of dietary needs and flavor preferences. Whether you’re catering to gluten-free guests or seeking a new twist on a classic, the possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing Grandma Dot’s beloved recipe.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Grandma Dot’s Stuffing Balls are great for any holiday meal. They’re perfect for a festive dinner or a tasty side dish. These savory balls will surely impress your guests.

Enjoy them with roast turkey, chicken, or ham for a classic holiday feast. Add homemade cranberry sauce, rich gravy, and roasted veggies for a complete meal. They’re ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion.

These balls are also great as appetizers or sides. Serve them as bite-sized hors d’oeuvres with fresh herbs for a nice look. Or, make them the main dish in a stuffing-based casserole.

Serving Suggestion	Ingredients	Serving Size	Prep Time
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls	2 cups cooked turkey, 3 cups prepared stuffing, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, 1/4 cup chicken or turkey broth	Serves 6	30 minutes
Stuffing Casserole	6 cups Stove Top stuffing, 1 can cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup milk, 2 cups cooked chicken	Serves 6	50 minutes
Air Fryer Stuffing Balls Appetizer	3 cups Stove Top stuffing, 2 eggs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese	Serves 12	25 minutes

Whether as a main dish, side, or appetizer, these stuffing balls are a hit. Their savory flavors and texture make any holiday meal special.

“Grandma Dot’s Stuffing Balls are the perfect way to make any holiday meal even more special. They’re a crowd-pleasing classic that brings back all the cozy, comforting flavors of the season.”

FAQ

How did stuffing balls evolve from traditional bread-based dressings?

Stuffing balls came from traditional bread-based dressings. Family recipes were passed down through generations. They became popular as a convenient, portion-controlled option. Now, they’re a holiday staple because they’re versatile and can be made ahead of time.

What is the recommended bread preparation technique for Grandma Dot’s Stuffing Balls?

Toast and dry the bread for 24 hours. This helps the stuffing balls have a better texture.

How should the stuffing balls be baked?

Bake the stuffing balls at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes until they’re golden and crisp. Or, bake them in a 9×13-inch dish at 325°F (165°C) for 1 hour.

What are some variation options for Grandma Dot’s Stuffing Balls?

You can make a gluten-free version using gluten-free bread. Try herb variations with sage, thyme, or rosemary. Add spices like garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne for extra flavor. For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add chopped nuts, dried fruits, or sausage for extra taste and texture.

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