Stuffing Balls Topped with Gravy
These stuffing balls are savory, crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside, making them a perfect side dish for holidays or family dinners. Topped with a rich, homemade gravy, they are bursting with flavor and a great complement to roasted meats or vegetables.
Ingredients
For the Stuffing Balls:
- 4 cups (about 400g) dried bread cubes or day-old bread, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups (360ml) chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
For the Gravy:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480ml) chicken or turkey broth (or beef broth for a darker gravy)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
For the Stuffing Balls:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft. Add the minced garlic, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 more minute.
- Prepare Bread Mixture: Place the dried bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Pour the sautéed vegetables and butter over the bread. Mix well to combine.
- Add Eggs and Broth: Add the beaten eggs to the bread mixture, stirring to incorporate. Gradually pour in the chicken broth a little at a time, stirring until the mixture is moist but not soggy. The mixture should hold together when squeezed.
- Form Balls: Use your hands or a scoop to form the mixture into 12 evenly-sized balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside.
For the Gravy:
- Make Roux: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is golden brown.
- Add Broth: Gradually pour in the broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
- Season and Simmer: Add salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Drizzle the warm gravy over the stuffing balls before serving.