Walnut Dressing Balls
Warm, savory walnut dressing balls feature crunchy bread and aromatic herbs, perfect as appetizer or side dish for festive gatherings or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut or tear bread into 1/2-inch cubes or crumbs.
- Toss bread cubes with chopped walnuts, salt, poultry seasoning, pepper, chopped celery, and chopped parsley.
- Saute chopped onion in margarine or butter until translucent.
- Add sautéed onion to the bread mixture and mix well.
- Add water gradually to moisten the mixture until it holds together when pressed in hands.
- Firmly press the mixture into 2-inch balls and place on an oiled baking sheet.
- Bake at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes until crisp and brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful dressing, consider using homemade bread or adding herbs like thyme or sage. If you're short on walnuts, pecans can be a great substitute. To ensure the balls hold together well, add water gradually and test the mixture's consistency by pressing it in your hands. This recipe can also be adjusted for a vegan version by using plant-based margarine.
Serving Suggestions
Serve walnut dressing balls as a delightful side dish alongside roasted turkey or chicken, especially during festive occasions. They pair beautifully with Easy Summer Salad for a light meal. You can also serve them with a dipping sauce like Comeback Sauce for added flavor, making them a great appetizer at gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover walnut dressing 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 again. Avoid microwaving as it may make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Walnut Dressing Balls contains roughly 233 calories, with 5g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (82% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 484mg per serving (21% 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 walnut dressing balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Form the balls and bake them just before serving to ensure they are crispy and fresh. This makes for an easy last-minute addition to your meal.
What can I use instead of white bread?
You can substitute white bread with whole wheat bread or gluten-free bread for a different flavor and texture. Just ensure that the bread is stale or dried out for the best results, as this will help the balls hold their shape better.
How can I enhance the flavor of the dressing balls?
To enhance the flavor, add additional spices such as garlic powder or onion powder. You can also mix in some dried cranberries or raisins for a touch of sweetness, which complements the savory ingredients well.
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).