Healthy Stuffing Balls Recipe

Introduction

These healthy stuffing balls are a flavorful and nutritious twist on traditional stuffing. Packed with chestnuts, almonds, and dried apricots, they offer a delightful texture and a hint of sweetness. Perfect for holiday meals or as a tasty side dish anytime.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 sticks celery, stringed and finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 15g dried apricots, roughly chopped
• 75g peeled chestnuts
• 75g almonds
• 100g wholemeal bread, crusts removed and roughly torn (about 6 slices)
• Large bunch parsley, chopped
• Large pinch dried sage
• 1 egg
• Small pinch of salt (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan/gas mark 6). Gently heat the olive oil in a shallow saucepan over medium heat.
2. Step 2: Add the onion, celery, and garlic to the pan. Cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
3. Step 3: Transfer the cooked vegetables to a food processor. Add the dried apricots, chestnuts, almonds, wholemeal bread, parsley, dried sage, and a small pinch of salt if using.
4. Step 4: Pulse the mixture until all ingredients are finely chopped but still have some texture. Add the egg and pulse a few more times until just combined.
5. Step 5: With wet hands, shape the mixture into walnut-sized balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with baking parchment.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, until the stuffing balls are golden and heated through.

Tips & Variations

• Use gluten-free bread to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Add chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
• If you prefer a softer texture, slightly underbake the stuffing balls.
• Serve with cranberry sauce or a light gravy to complement the flavors.

Storage

Store leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 180°C (160°C fan) for 10–15 minutes until hot. They also freeze well for up to three months — thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these stuffing balls vegan?

You can substitute the egg with a flaxseed or chia seed egg (1 tbsp seeds mixed with 3 tbsp water) to make this recipe vegan-friendly, although the texture might be slightly different.

Can I prepare the mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Roll into balls and bake just before serving for best results.

Healthy Stuffing Balls Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.7 from 101 reviews

• Author: Jake
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 15 stuffing balls 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

These healthy stuffing balls are a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional stuffing, blending the flavors of sautéed vegetables, dried apricots, chestnuts, and almonds. Coated with wholemeal bread and fresh herbs, they are baked to perfection, making them a perfect side dish or appetizer that is both wholesome and flavorful.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 sticks celery, stringed and finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

Fruit and Nuts

• 15g dried apricots, roughly chopped
• 75g peeled chestnuts
• 75g almonds

Main Binding Ingredients

• 100g wholemeal bread, crusts removed and roughly torn (about 6 slices)
• large bunch parsley, chopped
• large pinch dried sage
• 1 egg

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetable base: Heat the olive oil in a shallow saucepan over medium heat, then add the finely chopped onion, celery, and garlic. Sauté gently, keeping the ingredients sizzling, for about 15 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.
2. Combine ingredients in a processor: Transfer the softened vegetable mixture into a food processor. Add the dried apricots, peeled chestnuts, almonds, torn wholemeal bread, chopped parsley, dried sage, and a small pinch of salt if desired. Pulse the mixture until the ingredients are finely chopped but not pureed.
3. Bind with egg: Add the egg to the processor and pulse again just until everything is combined into a cohesive mixture suitable for shaping.
4. Shape the stuffing balls: With wet hands to prevent sticking, roll the mixture into walnut-sized balls. Place these evenly spaced onto a baking sheet lined with baking parchment to prevent sticking during cooking.
5. Bake to finish: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan or gas mark 6). Bake the stuffing balls for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and heated through thoroughly.
6. Storage tip: These stuffing balls freeze well for up to three months, making them ideal for preparing ahead of time.

Notes

• To prevent sticking when shaping the balls, keep your hands wet or lightly oiled.
• You can substitute dried apricots with raisins or other dried fruits if preferred.
• For a nut-free version, omit chestnuts and almonds and add extra bread or cooked grains.
• Ensure bread crusts are removed to get a smoother texture in the stuffing balls.
• These stuffing balls make an excellent vegetarian side for roast dinners or can be enjoyed as a snack.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Keywords: healthy stuffing balls, vegetarian stuffing, baked stuffing balls, chestnut stuffing, holiday side dish, wholemeal bread stuffing