Description
These Stuffing Balls combine smoky turkey bacon and creamy plant-based cheese with toasted bread cubes and fresh herbs for a warm, flavorful side dish. Easy to prepare and perfect for cozy evenings, they offer a comforting texture and savory taste that pairs well with a variety of mains.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups day-old bread cubes (use gluten-free bread for gluten-free option)
- 6 strips smoked turkey bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent (e.g., pectin, agar, or carrageenan)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread Cubes and Aromatics: Chop day-old bread into small cubes and lightly toast them until golden and crispy. Meanwhile, sauté finely chopped onion and celery in olive oil until soft and fragrant to enhance the flavor.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: Gently fry smoked turkey bacon strips until crisp but not dry, then chop into bite-sized pieces to add smoky depth.
- Combine Ingredients in a Bowl: In a large mixing bowl, combine toasted bread cubes, sautéed onion and celery, chopped turkey bacon, plant-based cheese, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), fresh sage and thyme, and a dash of apple cider vinegar. Sprinkle natural gelling agent evenly for binding.
- Mix and Form Balls: Thoroughly mix the ingredients using hands or a spoon until flavors are evenly distributed. Shape the mixture into small, bite-sized balls, pressing gently to hold their shape.
- Bake Until Golden: Place stuffing balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through, until balls develop a crispy golden crust with moist centers.
Notes
- Use sturdy day-old bread like sourdough or whole wheat for ideal texture.
- Toasting bread cubes first prevents sogginess and adds crunch.
- If mixture feels too dry, add a splash of vegetable broth or extra olive oil.
- Use fresh herbs for vibrant flavor; reduce quantity if using dried herbs.
- Keep stuffing balls uniform in size for even cooking and easy serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 stuffing balls
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: stuffing balls, plant-based cheese, turkey bacon, gluten-free side dish, cozy appetizer, baked stuffing balls, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
