Stuffing Balls with Gravy

Stuffing balls are a fantastic alternative to traditional stuffing, providing a perfect balance of crunch and moisture. They are easy to serve, as each ball is portioned perfectly for individual servings, and they can be customized with different flavors and ingredients to suit your taste. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any meal that calls for a cozy, home-cooked side dish.

Ingredients:

For the Stuffing Balls:

• 4 cups of cubed bread (stale or toasted)
• 1 cup celery, finely chopped
• 1 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
• 1 teaspoon sage
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Stuffing Mix:
   • In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped celery and onions, sautéing until they are softened (about 5 minutes).
   • In a large bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables, bread cubes, parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
   • Add the beaten eggs and broth to the mixture, and stir well until the bread is evenly moistened.
2. Form the Stuffing Balls:
   • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Shape the stuffing mixture into golf balls and place them on a greased baking sheet or in a baking dish.
   • Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden brown and crisp outside.
3. Prepare the Gravy:
   • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
   • Slowly add the broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook until the gravy thickens about 5-7 minutes.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve:
   • Drizzle the hot gravy over the baked stuffing balls and serve immediately. Enjoy!

For a unique twist, feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite herbs, spices, or even add-ins like sausage, mushrooms, or cranberries!

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