If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing side dish that’s both easy to make and absolutely packed with flavor, these Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls are exactly what your holiday table needs. Imagine all the best parts of traditional stuffing—herbs, buttery bread, tender onions—rolled into bite-sized portions with irresistibly crisp edges. These little gems are golden on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfect for dipping in gravy or just popping straight into your mouth.

They’re not only delicious but also incredibly practical. Since they’re baked as individual portions, they make serving a breeze and help eliminate the soggy middle you sometimes get with casserole-style stuffing. You can even make them ahead and reheat just before serving, making them a lifesaver on a busy Thanksgiving day.

Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls Recipe

Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls take everything we love about stuffing and make it more festive, more snackable, and honestly more fun. The outer crisp gives way to a soft, savory center that pairs beautifully with turkey, cranberry sauce, or your favorite vegetarian main.

These stuffing balls also offer a smart solution for picky eaters who might skip traditional stuffing. Since they’re rolled into neat little portions, kids and adults alike find them more appealing. They also reheat well, making them an excellent addition to your leftover lineup.

What Kind of Bread Should I Use for Stuffing Balls?

The best bread for stuffing balls is a hearty one with structure—think sourdough, Italian, or French bread. You want a loaf that can hold its shape and soak up all those rich flavors without turning to mush. Day-old bread works even better, as it absorbs the broth more effectively and gives you a better texture when baked.

Avoid overly soft sandwich bread or anything too airy. If that’s all you have on hand, you can toast it to dry it out before using it in the recipe. The key is balance: enough moisture to bind, but dry enough to hold that perfect ball shape.

Ingredients for the Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls

Stuffing Balls come together with just a handful of simple, savory ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen during the holidays. Each element plays a role in creating flavor and structure, giving you a stuffing ball that’s golden and crisp on the outside and moist and flavorful on the inside.

Bread cubes — The base of the recipe. Use day-old hearty bread for the best texture.
Butter — Adds richness and that classic stuffing flavor.
Celery — Brings crunch and a fresh note to balance out the richness.
Onion — A must-have for savory depth.
Garlic — For a boost of aromatic warmth.
Fresh herbs — Sage, thyme, and parsley add traditional Thanksgiving flavor.
Chicken or vegetable broth — Moistens the bread and carries flavor throughout.
Eggs — Help bind the mixture together for perfect round shapes.
Salt and pepper — Essential seasoning to balance all the flavors.

How To Make the Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls

Step 1: Toast the Bread

Start with dry bread cubes. If yours are still fresh, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F for about 10 minutes to dry them out. Let them cool while preparing the vegetables.

Step 2: Cook the Veggies

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and garlic. Cook for about 7-10 minutes, until the veggies are soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Mix It All Together

In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread, sautéed veggies, herbs, salt, and pepper. Add broth slowly while mixing, then stir in the beaten eggs. The mixture should be moist but not soggy.

Step 4: Shape the Balls

Using your hands or a scoop, form the mixture into 2-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the stuffing balls for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re crisp on the outside and golden brown. Serve warm with gravy on the side or on top.

How to Serve and Store Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls

This recipe makes about 16 to 20 stuffing balls, which can easily serve 6 to 8 people as a side dish. They’re great for holiday dinners, but also make a fabulous next-day snack or sandwich filling.

To store, let them cool completely and place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them and reheat in the oven to bring back the crispy exterior.

What to Serve With Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls?

Classic Roast Turkey

The most iconic Thanksgiving pairing. These stuffing balls make a beautiful match for juicy, roasted turkey.

Homemade Gravy

Drizzle or dunk — you can’t go wrong with a rich, savory gravy alongside each ball.

Cranberry Sauce

A tangy, sweet contrast that lifts the savory notes of the stuffing.

Roasted Green Beans

Simple and fresh, roasted green beans add a light and crunchy side to balance things out.

Mashed Potatoes

Soft, creamy mashed potatoes and crispy stuffing balls are a textural dream team.

Baked Mac and Cheese

Comfort food meets comfort food. This combination is indulgent and beloved by all ages.

Maple-Glazed Carrots

Add some color and a touch of sweetness with roasted carrots glazed in maple syrup.

Creamy Garlic Orzo

If you want a twist, serve your stuffing balls with something unexpected like this Creamy Garlic Orzo with Lemon Chicken Meatballs.

Want More Holiday Side Dish Ideas?

If these Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls are calling your name, you’ll probably enjoy these other comforting, holiday-perfect dishes:

Cheesy Brussels Sprout Bake with its rich, cheesy pull.
Loaded Scalloped Potatoes that bring comfort in every creamy layer.
Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole for seafood lovers at the table.
Old Time Oven Peach Cobbler to wrap up dinner with a warm, Southern dessert.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole when you need an ultra-cozy, cheesy dish.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest holiday board so you can come back to it when Thanksgiving rolls around.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the herbs or keep it simple? Did you add sausage or keep them vegetarian?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other make holiday meals smoother and more delicious.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and everyday recipes on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next go-to for celebrating with family and friends.