Stuffing Balls with Gravy

Stuffing balls are a great twist on traditional stuffing, offering individual portions that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Topped with warm gravy, these make a delicious side to any roast, especially during Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Recipe for Stuffing Balls with Gravy:

Ingredients for Stuffing Balls:

• 1 loaf of day-old bread, cubed (about 6 cups)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth (adjust as needed)

Ingredients for Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken or turkey stock (or vegetable stock)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Prepare the Stuffing Mixture:
   • In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and celery, and sauté until soft, about 5-7 minutes.
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread with the sautéed onion and celery mixture. Add the sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
   • Pour in the beaten eggs and broth. Mix well until the bread is moist but not too soggy. You may need to adjust the amount of broth depending on how dry the bread is.
3. Form the Stuffing Balls:
   • Using your hands or a spoon, form the mixture into golf ball-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the Stuffing Balls:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden and crispy on the outside.
5. Prepare the Gravy:
   • While the stuffing balls are baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden (this creates a roux).
   • Slowly whisk in the stock, making sure there are no lumps. Bring the gravy to a simmer and cook until thickened about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve:
   • Once the stuffing balls are done, drizzle them with the prepared gravy. Serve as a side dish alongside roasted meats or vegetables.

These stuffing balls are not only flavorful but also make portion control easy for large gatherings. You can make them ahead of time and reheat them with the gravy when ready to serve!