Is there anything better than those little bites of holiday magic that disappear almost as fast as you can make them? I’m talking about those crispy stuffing balls that turn basic leftover stuffing into golden, poppable masterpieces. Every year when the holiday season rolls around, these become my secret weapon—whether it’s for impromptu guests or just satisfying that late-night snack attack while wrapping presents. My grandma started this tradition in our family, transforming what could’ve been boring leftover stuffing into these addictive little flavor bombs. Now I make double batches because trust me—they go fast!
Why You’ll Love These Crispy Stuffing Balls
Let me tell you why these little guys are my holiday MVP:
- Leftover magic: Turns yesterday’s stuffing into today’s star appetizer—no waste, all flavor!
- Golden crunch: That crispy exterior gives way to a soft, herby center. (Yes, it’s as good as it sounds.)
- Party perfect: Pass them warm with gravy for dipping and watch them vanish before the first carol ends.
- Kid-approved: Rolling the mixture into balls is my favorite kitchen task to delegate to little helpers.
Seriously—this is the snack that’ll have your guests asking, “Wait, these are made from leftovers?!”
Ingredients for Crispy Stuffing Balls
Gather these simple ingredients—most might already be in your holiday pantry! Here’s what you’ll need for those perfect little bites:
- 4 cups leftover or prepared stuffing (homemade or boxed—no judgment here!)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped (trust me, these little bursts of tartness make the flavor pop)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley for that fresh herby kick
- 2 eggs, beaten (our trusty binding agent—don’t skip!)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional, but adds a lovely savory depth)
- Salt and pepper to taste (I always give an extra grind of black pepper)
- Olive oil spray or melted butter for that golden crispy finish
See? Nothing fancy—just simple, flavorful ingredients that come together magically. The Parmesan is my little twist, but the recipe works beautifully without it too!
How to Make Crispy Stuffing Balls
Ready to transform those leftovers into golden bites of holiday magic? Follow these simple steps—I promise it’s easier than wrapping presents!
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine your stuffing, cranberries, parsley, Parmesan (if using), and beaten eggs. Mix until everything’s evenly distributed—you want it moist enough to hold together when squeezed, but not soggy. The texture should remind you of damp sand that holds its shape when you make a snowball!
Step 2: Shape and Chill the Balls
Here’s my pro tip: wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking. Roll golf ball-sized portions (about 1.5 inches) and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Now the secret step—pop them in the fridge for 20-30 minutes. This chill time helps them hold their shape beautifully during baking. Bonus: this is the perfect step to let kids help with!
Step 3: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray or brush the balls with olive oil or melted butter—this creates that irresistible golden crust. Bake for 25-30 minutes until they’re crispy outside and warm inside. You’ll know they’re ready when your kitchen smells like holiday heaven!
Tips for Perfect Crispy Stuffing Balls
Want stuffing ball mastery? Here are my hard-earned secrets:
- Chill like you mean it: That 30-minute fridge time isn’t optional—it’s what keeps your balls from becoming stuffing crumbles!
- Even browning: Rotate the tray halfway through baking. Nobody wants pale spots on their golden beauties.
- Garnish game strong: Right out of the oven, sprinkle with extra parsley or Parmesan while they’re still warm and sticky.
Oh—and always make extra. These disappear faster than holiday cookies!
Serving Suggestions for Crispy Stuffing Balls
Oh, the possibilities! These little flavor bombs shine in so many ways. My absolute favorite? Nestled in a pool of warm gravy for the ultimate holiday bite. But don’t stop there—try them with cranberry sauce for that sweet-savory magic or scattered over a winter salad for extra crunch. For parties, I pile them high on a platter with small bowls of different dips (honey mustard is a surprise hit!). Honestly, they’re so good they don’t need anything—I’ve caught more than one family member sneaking them straight from the baking sheet!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
These crispy stuffing balls keep beautifully for up to 3 days in an airtight container—just let them cool completely first. When reheating, skip the microwave (it makes them soggy!) and pop them in a 350°F oven or air fryer for 5-7 minutes to bring back that perfect crunch. I often make extra batches specifically for fridge raids—they’re just as good reheated!
Crispy Stuffing Balls Variations
Oh, the fun you can have with this recipe! Sometimes I jazz it up with extras depending on who’s coming over. Try mixing in cooked crumbled sausage (our Christmas morning favorite) or toasted pecans for extra crunch. For cheese lovers, swap the Parmesan for sharp cheddar—it melts into gooey pockets of happiness. Need it gluten-free? Just use your favorite GF stuffing mix. Vegan? Flax eggs work like a charm here. Honestly, once you’ve got the basic method down, the flavor combos are endless!
Nutrition Information for Crispy Stuffing Balls
These little bites are holiday indulgence at its finest! Nutrition varies based on your stuffing ingredients, but each ball typically runs about 130 calories. Remember—estimates change with different brands and add-ins. Worth every bite though!
FAQs About Crispy Stuffing Balls
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the top things people ask me about these holiday favorites:
Can I Use Fresh Stuffing Instead of Leftovers?
Absolutely! Just let it cool completely first. Fresh stuffing tends to be moister, so you might need an extra egg or a handful of breadcrumbs to get that perfect “packable” texture.
How Do I Prevent Falling Apart?
Two words: chill time! That fridge rest lets the eggs work their binding magic. Also, make sure your mixture isn’t too dry—it should hold together when you squeeze a handful.
Can I freeze these stuffing balls?
Yes! Freeze them after shaping (before baking) on a tray, then transfer to bags. Bake straight from frozen—just add 5 extra minutes. Perfect for last-minute guests!
How to make gluten-free stuffing balls?
Easy! Just use your favorite gluten-free stuffing mix. The eggs and other ingredients bind everything together the same way.
Did these crispy stuffing balls become your new holiday staple? Leave a rating if you love delicious shortcuts that wow a crowd!
Print
37 Unforgettable Crispy Stuffing Balls That Vanish Instantly
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 balls (about 4–6 servings) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These crispy, savory bites are the ultimate side dish upgrade—perfectly poppable and bursting with holiday flavor in every golden, herby mouthful!
Ingredients
- 4 cups leftover or prepared stuffing (boxed or homemade)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional, for a savory kick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray or melted butter (for baking)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix stuffing, cranberries, parsley, Parmesan, and beaten eggs. This mixture should be moist but not soggy—perfect for shaping!
- Roll into golf ball-sized portions using your hands. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This is a fun holiday prep moment—get the kids involved!
- Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to firm them up. This step ensures your stuffing balls hold together for that perfect golden finish.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray balls with olive oil or brush with melted butter. Bake for 25–30 minutes until crispy on the outside and warm inside. Easy comfort food side dish complete!
- Garnish with extra herbs and serve with gravy or cranberry sauce for that flavor-packed holiday win.
Notes
- Chill the mixture before baking to help the balls hold their shape.
- For extra crispiness, lightly spray or brush with oil or butter before baking.
- Serve with gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg