Quick Christmas Stuffing Balls

Featured in: Seasonal Treats

These golden stuffing balls combine day-old bread with fresh herbs like parsley, sage, and thyme, enhanced by garlic and onion for a savory bite. Soaked in hot vegetable stock and enriched with melted butter, the mixture is shaped into balls and baked until crisp on the outside. Optional dried fruits and nuts add festive depth, making them an ideal quick holiday side or appetizer. Suitable vegetarian twists include vegan butter substitutions, and they pair wonderfully with cranberry sauce or gravy.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 08:49:00 GMT
Quick Christmas Stuffing Balls, golden and crispy, ready to be served as an easy holiday side. Pin
Quick Christmas Stuffing Balls, golden and crispy, ready to be served as an easy holiday side. | crumbkiss.com

Savory, golden stuffing balls bursting with herbs and festive flavors—perfect for a speedy holiday side or appetizer.

I first served this stuffing during a busy Christmas celebration and it was a huge hit with the family.

Ingredients

  • Bread & Fillings: 200 g day-old white or whole wheat bread, crusts removed and cubed, 1 small onion, finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Dairy: 75 g unsalted butter, melted
  • Liquids: 100 ml vegetable stock (hot)
  • Herbs & Seasoning: 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped, 1 tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried), 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Optional Add-ins: 50 g dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots, 50 g chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Step 2:
Place the bread cubes in a large bowl. Pour the hot vegetable stock evenly over the bread and let soak for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Step 3:
Add the onion, garlic, melted butter, parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. If using, mix in dried fruit and nuts.
Step 4:
Mix well until the ingredients are fully combined and the mixture holds together when squeezed.
Step 5:
Using damp hands, shape the mixture into 12 even balls and place them on the prepared tray.
Step 6:
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden and crisp on the outside.
Step 7:
Serve warm as a festive side or appetizer.
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| crumbkiss.com

This recipe has brought joy to our holiday dinners and continues to be a family favorite.

Required Tools

Large mixing bowl, baking tray, parchment paper, sharp knife, chopping board

Allergen Information

Contains gluten and dairy. May contain nuts if optional ingredients are included. Egg allergies should avoid the optional egg addition.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 145 per serving (2 balls), Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 18 g, Protein: 3 g

These savory Quick Christmas Stuffing Balls are made with golden bread and fresh herbs, perfect for serving. Pin
These savory Quick Christmas Stuffing Balls are made with golden bread and fresh herbs, perfect for serving. | crumbkiss.com

Enjoy these stuffing balls warm for a quick festive treat that everyone will love.

Recipe FAQ

Can I make these stuffing balls vegan?

Yes, replace the melted butter with olive oil or vegan margarine to keep the dish vegan-friendly.

What herbs are used in these stuffing balls?

Fresh parsley, sage, and thyme provide the aromatic, festive flavor in these balls.

Can dried fruit or nuts be added?

Absolutely! Dried cranberries or apricots and walnuts or pecans can be mixed in for added texture and flavor.

How should the bread be prepared before mixing?

Use day-old white or whole wheat bread, crusts removed and cubed, softened with hot vegetable stock before mixing.

What is the best way to bake the balls?

Place shaped balls on a lined baking tray and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 18–20 minutes until golden and crisp.

Can these stuffing balls be prepared in advance?

Yes, they can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve.

Quick Christmas Stuffing Balls

Golden herb stuffing balls, quick to prepare and full of festive flavor for holiday sides or appetizers.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
20 min
Complete duration
35 min


Complexity Easy

Heritage British

Output 6 Portions

Dietary guidelines Vegetarian

Components

Bread & Fillings

01 7 oz day-old white or whole wheat bread, crusts removed and cubed
02 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy

01 2.6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Liquids

01 3.4 fl oz hot vegetable stock

Herbs & Seasoning

01 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
02 1 tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped or 1 tsp dried
03 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
04 ½ tsp salt
05 ¼ tsp black pepper

Optional Add-ins

01 1.8 oz dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots
02 1.8 oz chopped walnuts or pecans

Method

Phase 01

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Phase 02

Soften Bread: Place cubed bread in a large bowl and pour the hot vegetable stock evenly over it. Allow to soak for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.

Phase 03

Combine Ingredients: Add onion, garlic, melted butter, parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper to the soaked bread. Mix in dried fruit and nuts if using.

Phase 04

Form Mixture: Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture holds together when pressed.

Phase 05

Shape Stuffing Balls: With damp hands, shape the mixture into 12 even balls and place them on the prepared baking tray.

Phase 06

Bake: Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the balls are golden brown and crisp on the outside.

Phase 07

Serve: Serve warm as a festive side or appetizer.

Necessary tools

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking tray
  • Parchment paper
  • Sharp knife
  • Chopping board

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult healthcare providers if you're uncertain.
  • Contains gluten (bread) and dairy (butter).
  • May contain nuts if optional add-ins are used.
  • Egg optional; omit if allergic.

Nutritional breakdown (per portion)

These values are approximate guides only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 145
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Protein: 3 g