Name: Grandma Dot's Stuffing Balls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups day-old bread cubes; 4 tablespoons butter; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 stalks celery, chopped; 1 cup chicken broth, warm; 2 large eggs, beaten; 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning

Golden, savory, and irresistibly nostalgic—Grandma Dot’s Stuffing Balls are the kind of dish that never goes out of style. Each bite delivers the cozy flavors of the holidays: herbed breadcrumbs, buttery onions, and a rich broth that holds everything together in perfect balance. Whether you’re serving them as a Thanksgiving side, a comforting weeknight dinner, or a potluck favorite, these little gems bring warmth and joy to any table.

What makes them truly magical is their crispy exterior that gives way to a soft, fluffy center. These stuffing balls are pan-seared and baked to achieve that golden crust, and smothered in homemade gravy that makes them unforgettable. Passed down through generations, this treasured family recipe is simplicity at its finest—just a few wholesome ingredients, prepared with love.

Why You’ll Love This Grandma Dot’s Stuffing Balls

These stuffing balls are the perfect union of crunch and comfort. They’re easy to make, freezer-friendly, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for feeding a group or batch-making ahead of time, you can serve them alongside roasted meats or enjoy them solo with a spoonful of gravy.

With their rustic charm and mouthwatering aroma, they stand proudly as more than just a holiday side dish. Think weeknight comfort or Sunday supper centerpiece. Plus, they’re a great way to use up leftover bread or rolls!

What Kind of Bread Should I Use for Stuffing Balls?

While you can use any type of bread, day-old crusty white bread works best for structure and flavor. Avoid overly soft sandwich bread as it can become too mushy. Sourdough, Italian, or even whole wheat loaves give a nice texture and hold the broth well without becoming soggy. The key is to cube and dry out the bread slightly before mixing for maximum flavor absorption.

Ingredients for the Grandma Dot’s Stuffing Balls

These ingredients are humble yet powerful—each one bringing depth and savory warmth to the dish.

Day-old bread cubes: The base of the stuffing; provides texture and soaks up all the delicious broth and seasonings.
Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps saute the vegetables to soften and release their aroma.
Onion: Brings a sweet, mellow backbone to the flavor profile.
Celery: Adds subtle crunch and freshness.
Chicken broth: Binds everything together while infusing savory flavor.
Eggs: Help hold the stuffing balls together once formed.
Fresh parsley: Brightens the dish with a hint of color and herbal lift.
Salt and pepper: Season to perfection.
Poultry seasoning: Gives that classic holiday stuffing flavor.

How To Make the Grandma Dot’s Stuffing Balls

Step 1: Toast the Bread Cubes

Spread the cubed bread on a baking sheet and toast in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes until dry and lightly golden. This step helps the bread absorb broth evenly.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and celery, cooking until tender and translucent. This infuses the base with flavor.

Step 3: Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine toasted bread cubes, cooked vegetables, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning. Stir in beaten eggs and gradually pour in the warm chicken broth until the mixture is moist but not soggy.

Step 4: Form the Balls

Scoop the mixture and form into golf ball-sized balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until the stuffing balls are firm and the tops are golden brown. For a crispier exterior, lightly pan-sear them in a skillet before baking.

How to Serve and Store Grandma Dot’s Stuffing Balls

These stuffing balls are best served warm with a drizzle of homemade gravy. They make a hearty side dish or can even be the star of the plate when paired with roasted veggies or mashed potatoes. One batch makes about 12 stuffing balls, feeding approximately 4-6 people depending on portion size.

To store leftovers, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or microwave with a splash of broth to keep them moist. You can also freeze them after baking—just thaw overnight before reheating.