Grandma Dot’s Legendary Stuffing Balls: A Holiday Tradition
Every family has that one dish, the one that evokes memories of holidays past, the aroma of which instantly transports you back to a time of warmth, laughter, and togetherness. In my family, that dish is Grandma Dot’s stuffing balls. These aren’t your typical baked stuffing; they’re perfectly portioned, crispy on the outside, and unbelievably moist on the inside, bursts of savory goodness that are impossible to resist. For generations, they’ve graced our Thanksgiving and Christmas tables, and now, I’m thrilled to share the treasured recipe with you.
This recipe isn’t just about ingredients and measurements; it’s about carrying on a tradition, about connecting with loved ones through the act of creating something delicious. It’s about the stories shared while chopping vegetables, the laughter as we roll the stuffing into balls, and the anticipation as the aroma fills the kitchen. So, gather your family, put on some holiday music, and let’s make some magic together.
The Story Behind the Stuffing
Grandma Dot, a woman with a heart as big as her kitchen, was the matriarch of our family. She was a master of comfort food, and her stuffing balls were her signature dish. Legend has it that she perfected the recipe over decades, tweaking and adjusting until she achieved stuffing perfection. Her secret? Love, of course, but also a generous helping of savory herbs, crispy sausage, and a touch of sweetness from dried cranberries. The recipe was passed down through the generations, each family member adding their own little touch, but the core of the recipe remained the same – Grandma Dot’s love and dedication.
Why Stuffing Balls?
You might be wondering, why go to the trouble of making stuffing balls instead of just baking it in a casserole dish? Well, there are several reasons:
* **Perfect Portions:** Each ball is a single serving, making it easy to control portions and ensuring everyone gets their fair share of crispy exterior.
* **Crispy Exterior:** The smaller surface area allows for maximum crispiness, while the inside remains wonderfully moist and flavorful.
* **Easy to Serve:** Stuffing balls are easy to handle and serve, making them ideal for buffet-style dinners or potlucks.
* **Fun to Make:** Rolling the stuffing into balls is a fun and interactive activity that the whole family can enjoy.
* **Aesthetic Appeal:** Let’s face it, stuffing balls look much more elegant and appealing than a scoop of regular stuffing.
Grandma Dot’s Stuffing Balls Recipe
Now, for the moment you’ve all been waiting for: the recipe! This recipe has been adjusted over the years, so I’ve included notes and variations that Grandma Dot herself may have approved of. Get ready to savor this delightful side dish!
**Yields:** Approximately 24-30 stuffing balls
**Prep time:** 45 minutes
**Cook time:** 30-35 minutes
Ingredients:
* 1 loaf (about 1 pound) day-old bread, such as sourdough or Italian bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
* 1 pound bulk pork sausage, preferably breakfast sausage
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 stalks celery, chopped
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
* 4 cups chicken broth
* 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
* 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
* 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
* 1/2 cup dried cranberries (optional, but highly recommended)
* 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
* 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Equipment:
* Large skillet
* Large bowl
* Baking sheet
* Parchment paper (optional)
Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Bread:** Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly toasted and dried out. This step is crucial for preventing soggy stuffing. Alternatively, you can leave the bread cubes out overnight to dry out naturally.
2. **Cook the Sausage and Vegetables:** In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease. Add the chopped onion and celery to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. **Combine the Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, cooked sausage and vegetables, melted butter, chicken broth, parsley, sage, thyme, poultry seasoning, salt, pepper, dried cranberries (if using), and nuts (if using). Gently toss everything together until the bread is evenly moistened. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the stuffing tough.
4. **Add the Eggs:** Add the beaten eggs to the stuffing mixture and gently mix until just combined. The eggs help bind the stuffing together and add richness.
5. **Form the Stuffing Balls:** Using your hands, roll the stuffing mixture into balls about 2 inches in diameter. Pack the stuffing firmly but gently to ensure they hold their shape. Don’t over-squeeze them, or they’ll become dense.
6. **Bake the Stuffing Balls:** Place the stuffing balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (optional, but it makes cleanup easier). Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Turn the stuffing balls halfway through baking to ensure even browning.
7. **Serve and Enjoy:** Remove the stuffing balls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. They’re best served warm, and they’re delicious with gravy, cranberry sauce, or your favorite holiday sides.
Tips for Stuffing Success
* **Use Day-Old Bread:** Using day-old bread is essential for preventing soggy stuffing. If you don’t have day-old bread, you can toast it in the oven as described above.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the stuffing can make it tough. Gently toss the ingredients together until just combined.
* **Adjust the Seasoning:** Taste the stuffing mixture before forming the balls and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your taste.
* **Get Creative with the Ingredients:** Feel free to add other ingredients to the stuffing, such as mushrooms, apples, or different types of nuts.
* **Make Ahead:** You can make the stuffing balls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add a few minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Freezing:** Stuffing balls can be frozen either baked or unbaked. To freeze unbaked, place formed balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time. Baked stuffing balls can be frozen and reheated in the oven.
Variations on a Theme
While Grandma Dot’s recipe is perfect as is, don’t be afraid to experiment and put your own spin on it. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
* **Vegetarian Stuffing Balls:** Substitute the sausage with sauteed mushrooms, lentils, or other vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
* **Gluten-Free Stuffing Balls:** Use gluten-free bread or stuffing mix.
* **Spicy Stuffing Balls:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the stuffing mixture.
* **Apple and Cranberry Stuffing Balls:** Add diced apples and extra dried cranberries for a sweeter and more festive flavor.
* **Mushroom and Herb Stuffing Balls:** Add sauteed mushrooms and a variety of fresh herbs, such as rosemary, oregano, and marjoram.
Serving Suggestions
Grandma Dot’s stuffing balls are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of holiday meals. Here are a few serving suggestions:
* **Thanksgiving Dinner:** Serve them alongside turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and other traditional Thanksgiving sides.
* **Christmas Dinner:** Serve them with roast beef, ham, or chicken, along with your favorite Christmas sides.
* **Potlucks:** Bring them to a potluck or holiday gathering. They’re easy to transport and serve.
* **Everyday Meals:** Serve them as a side dish with roasted chicken, pork chops, or other main courses.
Memories Made with Every Bite
Grandma Dot’s stuffing balls are more than just a recipe; they’re a symbol of family, tradition, and love. Each bite is a reminder of holidays past, of laughter shared, and of the warmth of being together. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your family as it has to mine. So, gather your loved ones, put on some holiday music, and let’s make some stuffing balls! And as Grandma Dot always said, “The secret ingredient is always love!”
Enjoy, and happy cooking!