Every Thanksgiving, I find myself drawn back to the comforting aromas of sage, butter, and warm bread — the heart of holiday cooking. These Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls capture that nostalgic flavor in a fun, bite-sized twist on a classic dish. They’re golden, savory, and perfectly seasoned with hints of cranberry and herbs, making them the ideal addition to any festive table. Whether served as an appetizer or a side, they bring family and friends together through every flavorful bite — a true taste of the season, made with love and tradition.
Why You’ll Love Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls
These Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls are the ultimate holiday comfort food — flavorful, easy, and perfect for sharing. The combination of herbs like sage and thyme with sweet-tart cranberries creates a beautiful balance that captures the essence of Thanksgiving. Plus, their fun, bite-sized shape makes them great for kids, potlucks, or even as a snack before the main feast. Best of all, they’re versatile — you can prepare them ahead of time, freeze them, or customize them with your favorite add-ins like sausage, cheese, or nuts.
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls
- 2 cups breadcrumbs (day-old bread works best)
- ½ cup cooked cranberries (fresh or dried)
- ¼ cup fresh or dried sage
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup vegetable broth
- ¼ cup melted butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup cooked sausage for a savory twist
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
- A handful of shredded cheddar for cheesy richness
How to Make Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls
Step 1 – Prep the Oven and Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Grease lightly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2 – Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, cranberries, sage, onion, and garlic. This combination sets the foundation for those hearty, savory stuffing flavors we all love.
Step 3 – Add Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable broth and melted butter until fully blended. This will act as the binder, helping the stuffing balls hold their shape.
Step 4 – Mix and Form the Balls
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients, stirring gently until everything is well combined and moist. If the mixture feels too dry, add a bit more broth; if it’s too wet, sprinkle in some extra breadcrumbs. Once perfect, roll the mixture into 1–1.5 inch balls and place them evenly on your prepared baking sheet.
Step 5 – Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through for even browning. When finished, the stuffing balls should be golden, crisp on the outside, and tender inside. Let them cool slightly before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls alongside roast turkey, gravy, or cranberry sauce. They’re also amazing with mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, or roasted vegetables. For parties or potlucks, serve them with small skewers and a side of creamy dip like ranch, garlic aioli, or honey mustard.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for 2–3 months.
Reheat: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid the microwave, as it can make them soggy.
Tips for the Best Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls
- Use day-old bread: It absorbs the broth better and gives a more authentic texture.
- Let butter cool slightly: This prevents soggy crumbs when mixing.
- Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on them to retain that perfect soft center.
- Make ahead: Prepare the mixture a day in advance, shape, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Variations to Try
- Sausage Stuffing Balls: Add cooked breakfast sausage or Italian sausage for a hearty twist.
- Cornbread Version: Replace breadcrumbs with cornbread for Southern flair.
- Cheesy Delight: Mix in shredded cheddar or mozzarella before rolling for melty goodness.
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Use olive oil or vegan butter and swap broth for plant-based stock.
Storage, Reheating, and FAQs for Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls
Once your Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls have baked to golden perfection, you may be wondering how to store, reheat, and serve them for later — especially if you’re planning ahead for a busy holiday. The great news is that these flavorful bites are not only easy to make but also store beautifully, keeping their delicious texture and taste even after a few days.
Storage Tips
Refrigerate: Let the stuffing balls cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. This helps preserve their flavor and prevents them from becoming soggy.
Freeze: If you want to make them ahead of time, these freeze wonderfully. Arrange the cooled stuffing balls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date so you can enjoy them throughout the season.
Tip: For the best texture, avoid freezing them with sauce or gravy — add those fresh when serving.
Reheating Instructions
When you’re ready to serve your Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls, reheating them properly will help maintain that crisp-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside texture.
Oven Method (Best for Crispiness):
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange the stuffing balls on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Cover lightly with foil to prevent them from drying out.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes or until warmed through. Remove the foil for the last few minutes to restore their crispy exterior.
Air Fryer Method (Quick Option):
- Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange the stuffing balls in the basket, leaving space between them.
- Heat for 5–7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crisping.
Microwave (For Individual Portions):
If you’re in a rush, place one or two stuffing balls on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals until warm. Keep in mind that this method may soften the texture slightly.
Pro Tip:
To keep your stuffing balls from drying out during reheating, brush them lightly with melted butter or a touch of broth before warming. This helps restore moisture and enhances the flavor.
Frequently Asked Question
1. Can I make Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and shape the stuffing balls a day before baking. Store them covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This makes Thanksgiving prep much easier, especially if you’re juggling multiple dishes.
2. How do I keep them from falling apart?
If your mixture feels too crumbly, add a little extra broth or melted butter before shaping. The key is to have a moist but not soggy consistency so the balls hold together when rolled.
3. Can I make these vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and replace the butter with olive oil or vegan butter. For a completely plant-based option, ensure your bread or crumbs are dairy-free.
4. What can I add for extra flavor?
You can mix in cooked sausage for a heartier version or shredded cheese for added richness. Chopped nuts, diced apples, or even a hint of maple syrup can also bring a festive twist.
5. Can I reheat them directly from frozen?
Yes — just place them on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes. Remove the foil for the last few minutes to crisp them up.
6. What can I serve with Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls?
These pair wonderfully with turkey, gravy, and cranberry sauce, but they’re just as good alongside mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. For parties, serve them as appetizers with small skewers and dipping sauces like ranch or garlic aioli.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re preparing them in advance, freezing leftovers, or simply reheating for round two, Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls are as practical as they are delicious. They retain their hearty flavor and texture beautifully, making them the perfect side to complement your Thanksgiving feast or any cozy meal during the fall season. With a little care in storage and reheating, these savory bites will taste just as amazing as when they first came out of the oven — warm, aromatic, and full of holiday joy.
Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs, cooked cranberries, sage, chopped onion, and minced garlic.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together vegetable broth and melted butter. Pour over breadcrumb mixture and stir gently until well combined and moist. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- If using optional add‑ins (sausage, nuts, cheese), gently fold them into the mixture.
- Roll the mixture into 1–1.5‑inch balls and place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the stuffing balls are golden and crisp outside but tender inside.