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Savory Stuffing Balls with Gravy – A Comfort Food Classic ️
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There’s nothing quite like the cozy satisfaction of biting into warm, golden-baked stuffing paired with rich, velvety gravy. Savory Stuffing Balls with Gravy are the ultimate comfort food — crispy on the outside, moist and flavorful on the inside, and endlessly customizable for any holiday table or weeknight dinner.
This dish combines everything you love about classic stuffing with a creative, handheld twist. Whether you’re prepping for Thanksgiving, a potluck, or simply craving something warm and hearty, these stuffing balls will not disappoint!
Why Make Stuffing Balls Instead of a Casserole?
While traditional stuffing is often baked in a casserole dish or stuffed into poultry, turning it into stuffing balls offers some unique advantages:
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Faster bake time and crispier texture
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Perfect for portion control and serving at parties
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Ideal for dipping or topping with gravy individually
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Freezer-friendly and easy to make ahead
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these savory stuffing balls, you only need a handful of pantry staples and fresh aromatics. Here’s the complete breakdown:
For the Stuffing Balls
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1 box stuffing mix (or 6 cups day-old bread cubes)
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1/2 cup chopped celery
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1/2 yellow onion, diced
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2 large eggs
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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1/2 cup chicken broth (more if needed)
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Optional: 1/2 cup cooked sausage or shredded turkey/chicken
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Olive oil spray or melted butter (for brushing)
For the Gravy
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2 tablespoons butter
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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1 1/2 cups chicken or turkey broth
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Salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Aromatics
Start by sautéing your celery and onion:
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Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
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Add diced onion and celery, cooking for 5–7 minutes until soft and translucent.
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Season with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Mix the Stuffing Base
In a large bowl:
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Combine your bread cubes or prepared stuffing mix with the cooked vegetables.
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Stir in beaten eggs and chicken broth.
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Mix gently until the mixture holds together. If it feels too dry, add more broth a tablespoon at a time.
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Optional: Fold in crumbled sausage or turkey for added flavor and protein.
Step 3: Shape and Bake
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form 2-inch balls.
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Arrange them 1 inch apart on the sheet.
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Brush tops with melted butter or spray with olive oil.
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Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside.
Step 4: Make the Gravy
While the stuffing balls are baking:
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Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
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Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes (this forms a roux).
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Slowly whisk in the broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
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Simmer until thickened (5–8 minutes), then season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
How to Serve Stuffing Balls with Gravy
These savory bites are incredibly versatile! Here are some great ways to serve them:
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️ Classic Dinner Side: Pair them with roast turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce.
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Party Appetizers: Serve with toothpicks and a small bowl of gravy for dipping.
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Lunchbox Favorites: Pack with green beans and a mini container of gravy.
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Leftover Sandwich Filler: Slice and layer into a sandwich with turkey and cranberry spread.
Make Ahead, Freeze & Reheat Tips
These stuffing balls are a dream for meal preppers. Here’s how to store and reheat them:
Storage Method | Duration | Reheating Instructions |
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Refrigerator (Baked) | Up to 5 days | Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes or microwave |
Freezer (Baked) | Up to 2 months | Thaw overnight, then reheat at 350°F until hot |
Freezer (Unbaked) | Up to 3 months | Freeze raw balls, then bake from frozen +5 min |
Variations & Add-Ins
Want to get creative? Try some of these tasty twists on the original:
Protein Additions
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Shredded turkey or chicken
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Cooked sausage crumbles
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Bacon bits
Vegetable Boost
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Roasted garlic
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Grated carrots or chopped mushrooms
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Sweet corn kernels
Flavor Enhancers
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Shredded cheddar or parmesan
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Fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage
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A dash of lemon zest
Perfect Occasions for Stuffing Balls
Stuffing balls work great beyond Thanksgiving! Here are some ideas:
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Weeknight dinners (kids love them!)
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Picnics and potlucks
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Sunday roast side dish
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Holiday spreads (Easter, Christmas, Friendsgiving)
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Meal prep for weekday lunches
️ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Set yourself up for success with these simple kitchen tools:
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Mixing bowls
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Skillet for sautéing
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Cookie scoop or ice cream scoop
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Parchment paper
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Whisk (for gravy)
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Chopping board and knife
What to Serve with Stuffing Balls
Here are some delicious dishes to round out the meal:
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Roast turkey or chicken
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Garlic mashed potatoes
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Steamed green beans
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Cranberry orange relish
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Warm dinner rolls
Nutrition Information (Per Serving: 2 Balls + Gravy)
Nutrient | Amount |
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Calories | ~260 |
Fat | 14g |
Carbohydrates | 25g |
Protein | 8g |
Sodium | 420mg |
Note: Values will vary based on add-ins and portion size.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use leftover stuffing?
Absolutely! Just moisten it slightly with broth and follow the same steps.
Can these be made vegetarian?
Yes. Use vegetable broth and omit meat. Add mushrooms or plant-based sausage for a heartier bite.
How do I prevent them from falling apart?
Make sure the mixture is moist enough to hold, and don’t skip the eggs — they act as a binder.
Can I air-fry them?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.
Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Holiday Helper
Savory Stuffing Balls with Gravy are more than just a clever twist on a classic dish — they’re a crowd-pleasing, versatile, and freezer-friendly favorite that’ll save you time and impress your guests.
Whether you serve them during the holidays, prep them for busy weeknights, or add them to your Sunday roast rotation, these delicious little bites deserve a spot in your regular recipe lineup.