Description
Delight your guests with these flavorful Stuffing Balls featuring smoky turkey bacon and creamy plant-based cheese. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, they bring classic autumn and holiday flavors into a convenient bite-sized side dish perfect for any festive occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Dried bread crumbs – 2 cups (use gluten-free if needed)
- Smoked turkey bacon, crumbled – 1 cup
- Plant-based cheese, shredded – 1 cup
- Onion, finely chopped – 1 medium
- Celery, finely chopped – 1 stalk
- Fresh parsley, chopped – 2 tbsp
- Garlic (natural extract) – 1 tsp
- Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) – 2 tbsp
- Apple cider vinegar – 1 tbsp
- Vegetable broth – 1/2 cup
- Natural gelling agent – 1 tsp
- Olive oil – 2 tbsp (for cooking)
Optional Variations
- Rosemary, sage, or thyme (fresh or dried) – 1 tsp each for herb-rich version
- Toasted walnuts or pecans, chopped – 1/4 cup for nutty crunch
- Finely chopped mushrooms or diced bell peppers – 1/2 cup for vegetable boost
- Chili flakes or smoked paprika – 1/2 tsp for spicy kick
- Nut-based plant-based cheese alternative – 1 cup
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Sauté the finely chopped onion, celery, and garlic in olive oil over medium heat until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This will create the flavor foundation for your stuffing balls.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the dried bread crumbs, crumbled smoked turkey bacon, plant-based cheese, fresh parsley, and the sautéed veggies. Add the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar, and vegetable broth gradually, stirring until the mixture is evenly moist but not soggy. Finally, stir in the natural gelling agent to help the mixture bind smoothly.
- Form the Balls: Using your hands or a small scoop, shape the mixture into uniform bite-sized balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, ensuring even cooking and a pleasing presentation.
- Cook Until Golden: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Gently brown the stuffing balls on all sides until crisp and golden brown, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Alternatively, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the balls for about 20 minutes, turning them once halfway through, for a perfectly even bake.
Notes
- Use day-old bread crumbs to help absorb moisture better and hold the shape well.
- Mix ingredients gently to avoid creating a mushy texture.
- Chill the formed balls in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before cooking to help them firm up.
- Test-cook one ball first to check seasoning and binding before cooking the entire batch.
- Cook on medium heat to ensure a golden crust without burning or drying out the inside.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffing balls
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: stuffing balls, plant-based cheese, turkey bacon, holiday side dish, gluten-free appetizer, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, savory bites
