Okay, listen up! If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just need a super simple, totally delicious side dish that feels special but takes zero effort. And let me tell you, these Easy Stuffing Balls are exactly that! Seriously, they are my go-to when I want that comforting, savory goodness without spending hours in the kitchen. They’re quick, they’re ridiculously simple, and they make any meal feel a little more festive. Trust me on this one, they’re a perfect side for everything from weeknight roasted chicken to a full-blown holiday feast.
I first started making these little beauties when I was a total beginner cook, terrified of making a big, complicated pan of stuffing. My aunt showed me this trick using a box mix (don’t judge!), and it was a total game-changer. Now, I whip up a batch of these easy stuffing balls whenever I need a reliable winner. They always come out golden, tender on the inside, and packed with that classic stuffing flavor everyone loves. It’s one of those recipes that proves you don’t need fancy ingredients or complex techniques to make something truly yummy.
Why You’ll Love These Easy Stuffing Balls
So, why should these Easy Stuffing Balls become your new favorite side? Let me count the ways! They are just the simplest little things to throw together, perfect for when you’re short on time but still want something homemade.
- They are ridiculously easy! Seriously, a child could make these (with supervision, of course!).
- Packed with that classic, comforting flavor we all adore.
- Super versatile – great with anything, anytime.
- Ready in a flash – we’re talking less than 30 minutes from start to finish!
Honestly, they take all the stress out of making stuffing, leaving you more time to actually enjoy your meal!
Equipment Needed for Easy Stuffing Balls
You won’t need a ton of fancy gadgets for these Easy Stuffing Balls, which is another reason I love them! Just grab a good-sized mixing bowl, something to stir with (a wooden spoon or spatula works great), and a baking sheet. That’s pretty much it! Keep it simple, folks.
Ingredients for Easy Stuffing Balls
Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need for these super simple Easy Stuffing Balls. The beauty here is that it’s just three basic things you probably already have or can easily grab at the store. No weird, hard-to-find stuff, promise!
You’ll need 1 package (6 ounces) dry bread stuffing mix. Grab your favorite kind! Then, you’ll want 1 cup of hot water. Make sure it’s nice and hot, not just warm, it really helps the mix soften up properly. And finally, you’ll need 1/4 cup of butter, melted. That butter is key for getting that lovely golden crust and rich flavor.
How to Make Easy Stuffing Balls
Okay, now for the fun part – actually making these delightful Easy Stuffing Balls! This really is where the “easy” comes in. We’re talking just a few simple steps, and you’ll have piping hot, delicious stuffing ready to go. Just follow along, and you’ll see how quick and painless this is!
Step 1: Preparing the Stuffing Mix
First things first, let’s get that oven ready! Go ahead and preheat it to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grab your mixing bowl. Dump the whole package of dry bread stuffing mix into the bowl. Now, carefully pour in that 1 cup of hot water. Use a spoon or spatula and gently stir it all together. You just want to mix it until all the dry bits are moistened and it starts to look like, well, stuffing! Don’t overwork it, just get everything damp.
Step 2: Adding the Butter for Flavor
Next up, the magic ingredient – butter! Pour that lovely melted butter right into the bowl with the moistened stuffing mix. Now, give it another good stir. Make sure that butter is evenly distributed throughout the mix. This is what’s going to give your Easy Stuffing Balls that rich flavor and help them get nice and golden brown when they bake.
Step 3: Forming the Easy Stuffing Balls
This is my favorite part because it feels a little like playing with food! Take small handfuls of the stuffing mixture and gently roll them into little balls. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter. They don’t have to be perfectly round, just little compact bundles. As you roll them, place them onto your baking sheet. Don’t crowd them too much; give them a little space so they can bake evenly.
Step 4: Baking Your Easy Stuffing Balls
Pop that baking sheet with your little Easy Stuffing Balls into your preheated oven. Now, let them bake for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’re looking for them to turn a lovely golden brown on the outside and be heated all the way through. If they look a little pale after 20 minutes, give them a few more minutes. Once they’re golden and smell amazing, carefully take them out of the oven. And there you have it – perfect, easy stuffing balls ready to enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Easy Stuffing Balls
Making these Easy Stuffing Balls is pretty straightforward, but a few little tricks can make them absolutely perfect! First off, resist the urge to overmix after you add the water and butter. Just stir until everything is combined, that’s it. Overmixing can make them tough, and we want tender little bites!
Also, make sure that water is genuinely hot. It really helps the bread mix absorb the moisture properly and gives you the right texture for rolling. And finally, when they’re baking, trust your nose and your eyes! They should smell wonderfully toasty and look nicely golden brown. If they still look pale, give them a few more minutes. You want them heated through, but not dried out.
Easy Stuffing Balls: Serving Suggestions
Okay, now that you’ve got these perfect little Easy Stuffing Balls, what do you serve them with? Honestly, they go with just about anything! They are, of course, a total classic with roasted chicken, turkey, or pork. But don’t stop there! They make a fantastic side for meatloaf, steak, or even just with some gravy for a simple comfort meal. They’re also amazing served alongside green bean casserole or mashed potatoes for a full-on cozy dinner vibe.
Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Stuffing Balls
Got questions about these Easy Stuffing Balls? Totally understandable! Here are some of the most common things people ask, and my simple answers to help you out.
Q: Can I add herbs to the mix?
A: Absolutely, yes! Adding fresh or dried herbs is a fantastic way to give your bread stuffing balls extra flavor. I love adding a little dried sage or thyme right in with the dry mix before adding the water and butter. It makes them smell and taste even more like traditional holiday stuffing!
Q: Can I use broth instead of water?
A: Oh yes, and I highly recommend it if you want a richer flavor for your side dish! Using chicken or vegetable broth instead of hot water adds another layer of savory goodness. Just heat the broth up the same way you would the water and use the same amount.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: You can definitely make the stuffing mixture ahead of time and roll the balls, then store them covered in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Or, you can bake them completely, let them cool, and then reheat them gently in the oven or microwave. They’re best fresh, but they still work well made ahead!
Estimated Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick heads-up about the nutritional info for these Easy Stuffing Balls. Please know that any numbers you might find or calculate are just estimates. Things like the specific brand of stuffing mix or butter you use can change the final count. I’m not a registered dietitian, and I can’t give you precise nutritional data for this recipe. It’s all just a general idea!
Share Your Easy Stuffing Balls Experience
So, did you make these Easy Stuffing Balls? I really hope you did! If you tried them out, I’d absolutely love to hear about it. Leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out for you! Did you add any extra herbs? What did you serve them with? Your feedback helps me and other readers! You can also snap a pic and share it on social media – tag me so I can see your delicious creations!
Print
Easy Stuffing Balls: 3 Ingredients, 1 Inch
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 balls 1x
Description
These stuffing balls are a simple and tasty addition to any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 package (6 ounces) dry bread stuffing mix
- 1 cup hot water
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine dry bread stuffing mix and hot water. Stir until moistened.
- Add melted butter and mix well.
- Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.
Notes
- You can add herbs like sage or thyme to the mix for extra flavor.
- For a richer taste, use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Stuffing balls, easy stuffing, bread stuffing, side dish