Crunchy Stuffing Balls
Crunchy stuffing balls are savory, golden-brown bites with onion, celery, herbs, and nuts—perfect as a side or appetizer for holiday gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute onion and celery in fat or margarine until tender.
- Add broken matzos or farfel and toast lightly.
- Combine remaining ingredients and mix well, adding chopped nuts.
- Shape into 2-inch balls and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a gluten-free option, substitute matzos with gluten-free bread or crackers. If you prefer a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken soup. You can also add spices like thyme or sage for extra flavor. Make sure to toast the matzos lightly to enhance their crunchiness, which is key for the final texture of the stuffing balls.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these crunchy stuffing balls as a delightful side with roasted chicken or alongside a warm salad. They pair exceptionally well with dishes like Crunchy Chicken And Rice Bake or Gram'S Chicken Casserole. Consider drizzling them with gravy or serving with a side of cranberry sauce for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy. You can also microwave them, but they may lose some crunchiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crunchy Stuffing Balls contains roughly 427 calories, with 11g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (47% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (40% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1731mg per serving (75% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these stuffing balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it. When you're ready to bake, simply shape into balls and follow the baking instructions. This makes it convenient for holiday meals or gatherings.
What can I use instead of nuts in this recipe?
If you have nut allergies, you can replace the ground nuts with additional breadcrumbs or seeds, like sunflower seeds, for crunch. You may also omit them entirely if you prefer a nut-free version.
Can I freeze the stuffing balls?
Absolutely! Freeze the shaped but uncooked stuffing balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).