Description
Stuffing Balls are a festive and flavorful twist on classic stuffing, featuring smoked turkey bacon, creamy plant-based cheese, and a blend of natural seasonings. These bite-sized morsels are easy to prepare, share, and enjoy, making them a perfect addition to any holiday meal or cozy gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded
- 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (or gluten-free crumbs for gluten-free option)
- 1 tsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tsp onion powder (natural)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (natural)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
- 2 tbsp olive oil (natural), plus extra for brushing or frying
Optional Variations
- 1/2 cup finely chopped mushrooms or grated carrots (for veggie-packed option)
- Alternate herbs: 2 tbsp rosemary or thyme, chopped
- Substitute plant-based sharp cheddar cheese for a bolder cheesy flavor
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a spicy flair
Instructions
- Prepare the base ingredients: Cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy, then chop it into small pieces. In a large bowl, combine the cooked bacon, plant-based cheese, breadcrumbs, onion powder, garlic powder, fresh parsley, and natural gelling agent. Toss well to blend flavors and textures.
- Add moisture and seasonings: Pour in the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) and apple cider vinegar (natural), then drizzle olive oil (natural) over the mixture. Mix gently but thoroughly to ensure even flavor and that the mixture can hold together well for shaping.
- Shape the stuffing balls: Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into bite-sized balls about the size of a walnut. Place them evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking tray.
- Cook to perfection: Bake the stuffing balls at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes or until golden and crisp on the outside, flipping halfway through for even browning. Alternatively, pan-fry gently in olive oil (natural) until crunchy and browned to your liking.
Notes
- Use day-old breadcrumbs for better moisture absorption and ideal texture.
- Do not overmix the mixture to keep a tender bite and prevent toughness.
- Make the stuffing balls uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
- Let shaped stuffing balls rest for 10 minutes before baking to help them set and hold their shape.
- Brushing the stuffing balls lightly with olive oil (natural) before baking creates a beautiful golden finish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 stuffing balls
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: stuffing balls, holiday appetizer, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, gluten-free stuffing, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, savory bites
