These stuffing balls are more than a side dish—they’re a bite of nostalgia, rolled up and oven-crisped to perfection. Grandma Dot made them every Thanksgiving and Christmas without fail, and now they’re a must-have on our holiday table. The outside gets delightfully golden while the inside stays soft and savory, just like traditional stuffing but even better because of the crispy edges.

What makes them so beloved is the hands-on form. Shaped into palm-sized balls, they bake beautifully without needing a casserole dish. That means more space in the oven, less mess, and a unique presentation that always impresses guests.

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

If you love classic stuffing, you’ll go crazy for this version. They deliver all the herby, buttery flavors of traditional dressing with extra texture from the individually baked balls. Perfect for picky eaters who don’t like soggy stuffing or for anyone wanting a make-ahead option that travels well to potlucks.

They’re freezer-friendly, great as leftovers, and you don’t even need gravy to enjoy them. Although… gravy never hurts.

What Kind of Bread Works Best for Stuffing Balls?

Grandma Dot swore by day-old white sandwich bread, torn into bits and left to dry overnight. But honestly, you can use just about any bread you love—sourdough, French, cornbread or a mix. The key is to make sure it’s dry enough to soak up all that savory broth and butter without turning to mush.

Ingredients for the Grandma Dot’s Stuffing Balls

Name: Grandma Dot's Stuffing Balls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 tablespoons butter; 1 ½ cups chopped celery; 1 ½ cups chopped onion; 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning; 1 tablespoon dried parsley; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 10 cups day-old bread, torn; 1 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth; 2 large eggs, beaten

What goes into these stuffing balls is pretty simple, and that’s part of the charm. A few pantry staples and aromatic veggies build the base while butter and broth bring it all together.

Butter
Celery
Onion
Poultry seasoning
Dried parsley
Salt and pepper
Day-old bread
Chicken or vegetable broth
Eggs

Each ingredient plays a key role. Butter sautés the veggies and adds richness. Celery and onion give the mix that classic stuffing aroma. Poultry seasoning brings a warm, herby flavor while parsley, salt, and pepper round out the seasoning. Day-old bread is the heart, giving the structure. Broth moistens and eggs bind everything into cohesive, scoopable perfection.

How To Make the Grandma Dot’s Stuffing Balls

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped celery and onion and cook until softened and fragrant, about 8 to 10 minutes.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine your torn bread with poultry seasoning, dried parsley, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Bring It Together

Pour the cooked vegetables and butter into the bread mixture. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Then, add the beaten eggs and slowly pour in the broth. The mixture should be moist but not soggy.

Step 4: Shape and Bake

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Scoop the mixture and roll it into balls about the size of a small apple. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden and crisp on the outside.

How to Serve and Store Grandma Dot’s Stuffing Balls

This recipe yields about 12 to 14 stuffing balls, feeding 6 to 8 people depending on how hungry everyone is. Serve them fresh from the oven with turkey, roast chicken, or as the star side on a holiday platter.

They store wonderfully. Let them cool, then pack into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and crisped again. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months—just defrost and bake to bring back the magic.

What to Serve With Grandma Dot’s Stuffing Balls?

Roast Turkey

Naturally, these pair perfectly with a holiday bird. The herbs and buttery bread complement juicy turkey like a dream.

Mashed Potatoes with Gravy

Creamy mashed potatoes give you a contrast in texture and make a great base for sopping up extra gravy.

Green Bean Casserole

The crunchy onions and creamy mushroom sauce go hand-in-hand with the crispy, herby stuffing balls.

Cranberry Sauce

The tartness of cranberry sauce balances out the savory flavor, giving your plate a nice pop.

Creamy Mushroom Ravioli

Try serving these alongside Creamy Mushroom Ravioli for a cozy, comforting dinner.

Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl

For a twist on tradition, mix up your meal with a side of Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl.

Delicious Ooey Gooey Mac and Cheese

Add a scoop of Ooey Gooey Mac and Cheese to your plate for a rich and cheesy addition.

Want More Holiday Side Dish Ideas?

If Grandma Dot’s stuffing balls made you feel warm and nostalgic, you’ll love exploring more of our favorite cozy creations:

Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta for a quick and hearty comfort meal.
Cheesy Ranch Potatoes when you want creamy with a crispy edge.
The Best Cauliflower Cheese Recipe if you need a veggie-based indulgence.
Southern Cornbread Poppers for a bite-sized Southern twist.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest holiday board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you stick to the classic or sneak in some sausage or cranberries? I’d love to hear your twist.

Explore beautifully curated holiday comfort foods and creative spins on traditional sides on Janet Dishes on Pinterest.

Conclusion

Grandma Dot’s Stuffing Balls are more than just a side—they’re a tradition. They bring together family, flavor, and just the right amount of crispy crunch. Whether you’re carrying on a holiday legacy or starting a new one, this recipe brings comfort to every bite.