5 Pro Tips for Perfect Stuffing Balls
The Cool Down: Ensure your stuffing is completely cool before mixing. Warm stuffing can cook the egg upon contact, making it difficult to bind.
Pack Them Tight: The key to a stuffing ball that doesn’t crumble is rolling it firmly. Don’t be afraid to really press the mixture together.
Make-Ahead Magic: You can form the balls a day in advance. Arrange them on the baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Bake straight from the fridge, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
Freeze for Later: Freeze unbaked balls on a parchment-lined sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Add a Glaze: For extra flavor, brush the balls with a mixture of melted butter and a tablespoon of maple syrup before baking.
Delicious Variations to Try
Sausage & Apple: Replace the turkey with 1 cup of cooked, crumbled breakfast sausage and add ½ cup of finely diced apple.
Brie-Stuffed: Press a small cube of brie cheese into the center of each ball before baking for a gooey, cheesy surprise.
Spicy Kick: Add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the mixture and use a spicy jalapeño-cranberry sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make these without egg?
A: The egg is a crucial binder. For an egg-free version, you can try using a “flax egg” (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 mins), but the balls may be slightly more fragile.
Q: My mixture is too dry. What should I do?
A: Different stuffings have different moisture levels. Simply add more broth, one tablespoon at a time, until the mixture easily holds together when pressed.
Q: Can I use canned jellied cranberry sauce?
A: Whole-berry sauce provides better texture and pockets of flavor. Jellied sauce will work but will make the mixture more uniform and slightly wetter. You may need to reduce the broth slightly.
Q: Are these a good use for Thanksgiving leftovers?
A: Absolutely! This is one of the best leftover recipes. Just substitute your leftover stuffing and turkey for the ingredients listed.
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