Dilly Balls
Dilly Balls are savory meatballs infused with herbs and dill pickle, simmered in a creamy celery soup sauce—perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine hamburger, bread crumbs, diced onions, egg, and seasonings (rosemary, basil, thyme, nutmeg).
- Shape the mixture into small balls.
- Brown the meatballs in a skillet or oven.
- Stir in celery soup, water, and diced dill pickle.
- Cover and simmer for 20 minutes until flavors meld and meatballs are cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider adding minced garlic or substituting half of the hamburger with ground turkey. If you don't have bread crumbs, crushed crackers or oats can work well as a binder. Experiment with the herbs; fresh herbs can elevate the dish even more. You can also swap nutmeg for allspice if preferred.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Dilly Balls over a bed of rice or mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. They pair wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. For a fun twist, try them in a sub sandwich with lettuce and tomato. For a complete dinner, browse more American recipes that complement this dish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Dilly Balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dilly Balls contains roughly 501 calories, with 9g protein, 99g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron.
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 Dilly Balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatball mixture and form the balls a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook. This allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in even tastier meatballs when cooked.
What can I substitute for celery soup?
If you don't have celery soup, you can use cream of mushroom or chicken soup as an alternative. Alternatively, make a quick homemade sauce with sautéed celery, onions, and cream or broth to achieve a similar consistency and flavor.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the Dilly Balls?
To adjust the spiciness, consider adding red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the mixture. For milder flavors, omit any spicy ingredients and focus on the herbs and seasonings like rosemary and thyme for aromatic depth.
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).