Stuffing Balls with Gravy Recipe

Stuffing Balls with Gravy Recipe

Introduction

Stuffing balls are a delightful twist on traditional stuffing. Perfect for holiday meals or as a savory side dish, these little bites bring together all the classic flavors of stuffing in a convenient, portable form. Topped with rich gravy, they are crispy on the outside and tender inside, bursting with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re making them for a festive gathering or a weeknight dinner, stuffing balls are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

For the Stuffing Balls:
4 cups stale bread, cubed
1 cup celery, finely chopped
1 cup onions, finely chopped
1/2 cup carrots, finely chopped (optional)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
2 eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon dried sage
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Gravy:
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Stuffing Mixture:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread, celery, onions, and carrots.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and pour over the bread mixture.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the broth and beaten eggs. Add this to the bread mixture.
Season with sage, thyme, salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Mix until well combined, ensuring the bread is evenly coated.

Form the Stuffing Balls:

Using your hands, form the stuffing mixture into small balls, about 2 inches in diameter. Place them on a greased or lined baking sheet.

Bake the Stuffing Balls:

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Make the Gravy:

While the stuffing balls are baking, prepare the gravy. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned.
Gradually whisk in the broth, continuing to stir until the mixture is smooth and thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve:

Once the stuffing balls are done baking, drizzle with the warm gravy and serve immediately.

History of Stuffing Balls

Stuffing, also known as “dressing” in some regions, has deep roots in culinary history, dating back thousands of years. The earliest recorded stuffing recipes were found in the Roman cookbook “Apicius,” compiled in the 4th or 5th century AD. These early recipes included ingredients like roasted vegetables, nuts, herbs, and spices combined with bread or grains, mixed and stuffed into various meats, such as chicken, rabbit, or pig. The purpose was to enhance the flavor of the meat and to keep it moist while cooking.

As the centuries passed, stuffing evolved across different cultures. In Medieval Europe, stuffing became popular as cooks experimented with using leftover bread, herbs, and offal (like giblets) to fill poultry and game. This method not only added flavor but also maximized the use of all available ingredients, reducing waste and stretching resources.

In America, stuffing became a Thanksgiving staple in the 19th century, with each region developing its unique twist. In the South, cornbread-based stuffing became the norm, while in New England, a bread-based stuffing with sage and onion was more common. As the tradition of Thanksgiving spread, so did the variations of stuffing.

The Invention of Stuffing Balls:

The creation of stuffing balls as we know them today is a relatively recent innovation, likely dating back to the mid-20th century. The idea likely arose from the need to simplify serving and portioning stuffing during large gatherings, like Thanksgiving or Christmas. By forming the stuffing into small, individual balls, cooks could offer a more convenient way to enjoy this beloved dish without needing to carve into a bird or scoop out a large casserole.

Stuffing balls also provided a more uniform texture, allowing the outside to crisp up beautifully while maintaining a moist and flavorful center. This innovation quickly gained popularity, especially for holiday meals, because they were easy to serve, versatile, and ideal for guests who might prefer smaller portions or a bit of extra crunch.

Today, stuffing balls are a cherished part of many family holiday traditions, offering a creative twist on a classic dish. They continue to be enjoyed for their nostalgic ties to home-cooked meals, festive gatherings, and the comforting flavors of herbs, butter, and warm spices.

Would you like to learn more about any specific aspect of stuffing’s history?

Stuffing, or dressing as it is sometimes called, has been a staple in various cultures for centuries. Originally designed to “stuff” poultry or other meats to enhance flavor and retain moisture, the dish has evolved to include different ingredients and cooking methods. The idea of forming stuffing into balls likely emerged as a way to make serving easier and portion control more manageable. Today, stuffing balls are especially popular during Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations in the United States and Canada.

Benefits of Stuffing Balls with Gravy

Stuffing balls are more than just a tasty addition to your meal—they also offer several practical and nutritional benefits:

1. Portion Control

Stuffing balls are pre-portioned, making it easy to control serving sizes. This is particularly helpful during holiday meals where it can be tempting to overindulge. Each ball can be counted to meet specific dietary goals or preferences, allowing for a balanced meal.

2. Easy to Serve and Share

These individual servings are convenient for serving at gatherings or potlucks, making them perfect for holidays or parties. Their bite-sized nature makes them an easy grab-and-go option, reducing mess and minimizing the need for utensils.

3. Versatility and Customization

Stuffing balls can be easily modified to accommodate various dietary needs and preferences:

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread or cornbread to make the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Low-Carb: Substitute some of the bread with cauliflower rice or almond flour.
Vegan or Vegetarian: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and butter with plant-based margarine or olive oil.

4. Nutritional Value

Stuffing balls provide a range of nutrients:

Fiber: Vegetables like celery, onions, and carrots contribute fiber, which is essential for digestive health and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Vitamins and Minerals: The ingredients offer vitamins A and C, potassium, and iron. Vitamin A supports eye health, while vitamin C is crucial for immune function. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure, and iron is important for blood production.
Protein: The eggs in the stuffing mixture add a source of protein, which helps with muscle repair and overall body function.

5. Crispy and Flavorful Texture

Baking the stuffing in ball form allows for a crispy exterior, while the inside remains moist and tender. This creates a delightful contrast of textures that enhances the eating experience.

6. Encourages Leftover Utilization

Stuffing balls are a great way to repurpose stale bread or leftover vegetables. By turning these into a new dish, they help reduce food waste and make the most of ingredients that might otherwise be discarded.

7. Provides Comfort and Tradition

Stuffing is a classic comfort food that is often associated with cherished family traditions and holiday memories. Stuffing balls bring this nostalgic comfort in a new, creative form, making them a hit with both traditionalists and those who enjoy a modern twist.

8. Suitable for Various Dietary Preferences

Stuffing balls can be adapted for different diets—gluten-free, vegan, low-carb, etc. This makes them an inclusive dish that can be enjoyed by a wider range of people, accommodating diverse tastes and dietary restrictions.

9. Rich in Flavors

Stuffing balls bring together a mix of herbs, vegetables, and rich broth, providing a delightful burst of flavor. The addition of gravy further enhances the dish, making it a savory treat that complements a variety of main courses, from roast turkey to vegetarian casseroles.

10. Easy to Prepare Ahead of Time

These can be prepared in advance and refrigerated or frozen until needed. This makes them ideal for busy cooks or those planning large meals, as they can focus on other elements of the meal closer to serving time.

Conclusion

Stuffing balls with gravy offer a tasty, convenient, and nutritious addition to any meal. Their adaptability makes them suitable for various dietary preferences, while their pre-portioned nature helps manage serving sizes. Packed with flavor and essential nutrients, stuffing balls are a delightful twist on traditional stuffing, perfect for holiday feasts or any occasion where comfort food is celebrated.

Would you like to know more about any specific aspect of this dish’s benefits or perhaps additional recipe variations

Stuffing balls provide a wonderful balance of textures, with a crispy outer layer and a soft, flavorful interior. They are customizable, allowing you to add or substitute ingredients based on dietary preferences or what’s on hand. The use of vegetables adds nutritional value, providing vitamins, fiber, and minerals. Making stuffing balls also allows for controlled portion sizes, which can be beneficial for managing calorie intake.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, 2 Stuffing Balls with Gravy)

The nutritional content of stuffing balls can vary depending on the ingredients and portion size. Here is an approximate breakdown based on the ingredients listed in the recipe above. This calculation is for two stuffing balls with a drizzle of gravy:

Calories: ~200 kcal
Protein: 4 grams
Carbohydrates: 25 grams
Sugars: 3 grams
Dietary Fiber: 2 grams
Fat: 10 grams
Saturated Fat: 5 grams
Cholesterol: 40 mg
Sodium: 350 mg
Potassium: 100 mg
Vitamin A: 10% of the Daily Value (DV)
Vitamin C: 2% of the DV
Calcium: 4% of the DV
Iron: 6% of the DV

Key Nutritional Benefits:

Moderate Caloric Content: With around 200 calories per serving, these stuffing balls provide a satisfying dish without being overly high in calories, making them a suitable side dish for various dietary needs.
Rich in Carbohydrates: The primary energy source comes from carbohydrates in the bread and vegetables. This makes stuffing balls an excellent choice for pairing with lean proteins like turkey, chicken, or tofu.
Good Source of Vitamins and Minerals: The inclusion of vegetables like celery, onions, and carrots adds vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and iron, contributing to overall health by supporting immune function, red blood cell production, and fluid balance.
Moderate in Fats: While they do contain fats from butter, these stuffing balls offer a balanced amount that can be adjusted depending on dietary preferences. Replacing butter with a lower-fat alternative can further reduce the fat content.
Customizable Nutritional Profile: The recipe is easily adaptable for different dietary needs. Using whole grain bread increases fiber content, and swapping regular butter for plant-based margarine can reduce saturated fat, making this recipe versatile for many types of diets.

These stuffing balls with gravy offer a delicious and moderately healthy side dish that fits well into many meal plans, especially during the holiday season. They provide a balanced mix of macronutrients and a range of essential vitamins and minerals, while also being customizable to cater to different dietary preferences and needs. Whether enjoyed as a side dish or a standalone snack, stuffing balls are a delightful way to enjoy the traditional flavors of stuffing in a new, fun form.

Would you like further details on any specific nutrient or possible substitutions to make them more diet-friendly?

Calories: ~200
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 350mg

Stuffing balls are a versatile and delicious addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday feast or enjoying them as a side dish on a weeknight, their crispy exterior and soft, savory interior are sure to satisfy. Easy to make and packed with flavor, these stuffing balls bring a comforting, homemade touch to your table. Try them for your next gathering and watch them become an instant hit!

Lovers of Stuffing Balls

Stuffing balls have a dedicated fan base among those who appreciate traditional comfort foods with a modern twist. From holiday lovers to food enthusiasts who enjoy creative cooking, these stuffing balls are cherished for their taste, texture, and ease of preparation.