Quick Christmas Stuffing Balls

Featured in: Main Dishes

These golden stuffing balls combine day-old bread with fresh herbs like parsley, sage, and thyme, enriched with melted butter and vegetable stock. Quick to prepare and bake, they’re perfect as a festive side or appetizer. Optional dried fruits and nuts add delightful textures and flavors. Vegan alternatives and binding tips provide simple adjustments. Serve warm for a cozy holiday treat that’s easy to make and full of seasonal aromas.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 15:03:00 GMT
Golden brown Quick Christmas Stuffing Balls, crispy outside, savory inside, ready for a warm holiday meal. Save
Golden brown Quick Christmas Stuffing Balls, crispy outside, savory inside, ready for a warm holiday meal. | cheerfulchefs.com

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

I love making these every Christmas because they bring a cozy, flavorful touch to the table in no time.

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.
Herb-infused Quick Christmas Stuffing Balls, a delightful vegetarian holiday side, served from oven to table. Save
Herb-infused Quick Christmas Stuffing Balls, a delightful vegetarian holiday side, served from oven to table. | cheerfulchefs.com

My family always gathers around these stuffing balls with smiles, making holiday dinners extra special.

Required Tools

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

Nutritional Information

Per serving (2 balls): 145 calories, 7 g total fat, 18 g carbohydrates, 3 g protein

Serving Suggestions

Delicious with gravy or cranberry sauce and perfect as a festive side or appetizer for holiday meals.

Fresh herbs and golden crusts on these Quick Christmas Stuffing Balls, an easy recipe, full of flavor. Save
Fresh herbs and golden crusts on these Quick Christmas Stuffing Balls, an easy recipe, full of flavor. | cheerfulchefs.com

These stuffing balls are a warm, comforting addition to any holiday table and easy to customize for different diets.

Quick Christmas Stuffing Balls

Golden balls blending bread, herbs, and spices for a savory festive side or snack in under 35 minutes.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Overall Time
35 minutes
Creator Ruby Smiles

Recipe Type Main Dishes

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Background British

Portions 6 Serves

Dietary Preferences Vegetarian-Friendly

What You’ll Need

Bread & Fillings

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

Dairy

01 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Liquids

01 3.4 fluid ounces hot vegetable stock

Herbs & Seasoning

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

Optional Add-ins

01 1.75 ounces dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots
02 1.75 ounces chopped walnuts or pecans

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Step 02

Soak Bread Cubes: Place bread cubes in a large bowl and pour hot vegetable stock evenly over them; let soak for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Mix Thoroughly: Stir ingredients well until fully combined and the mixture holds shape when squeezed.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes until golden and crisp on the outside.

Step 07

Serve Warm: Present warm as a festive side dish or appetizer.

Tools You’ll Need

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

Potential Allergens

Inspect ingredients for specific allergens and contact a professional for concerns.
  • Contains gluten (bread) and dairy (butter). Nuts if optional add-ins are included. Avoid egg if allergic when using as binder.

Nutritional Details (Per Serving)

Provided as supportive info; always cross-check with your healthcare provider.
  • Calories: 145
  • Fats: 7 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 18 grams
  • Proteins: 3 grams