Sage and Onion Stuffing Balls - My Gorgeous Recipes (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Daniela Apostol · This post may contain affiliate links · 6 Comments

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Sage and Onion Stuffing Balls, a delicious vegetarian side dish for your Thanksgiving or festive dinner. Or even a good old Sunday roast. The classic combination of sage and onions might be simple, but heavenly tasty. The stuffing balls can be made from scratch in about 30 minutes.

Sage and Onion Stuffing Balls - My Gorgeous Recipes (1)

Some classic recipes never fail to impress. And stuffing is usually simplicity at its best. And if it can be done from scratch with minimal prep or effort, it would be quite a shame to use the boxed stuff when you can get the real deal as easily.

MySausage Stuffing Balls are more than delicious, but if you'd rather go for a simple vegetarian option, this sage and onion stuffing recipe is for you. I made breadcrumbs from some 2-3 day old granary bread that I had around, but any kind of bread would do.

White bread is probably the more popular option, but do use anything you like. To make the breadcrumbs, simply cut the slices of bread in chunks, add them to a blender, and blitz. It's that easy! If you don't have a blender or food processor, you can grate the bread, and get the same good results.

This classic dish can also be cooked as a casserole, my Old-Fashioned Bread Stuffing Recipe is pretty similar taste-wise, and as easy to make. Another great option is my Chestnut and Cranberry Stuffing Balls.

Jump to:
  • Ingredients needed
  • Step-by-step photos and instructions
  • Baking the stuffing balls
  • A side dish for every occasion
  • Sage and Onion Stuffing Balls
Sage and Onion Stuffing Balls - My Gorgeous Recipes (2)

Ingredients needed

  • breadcrumbs- 4-5 bread slices
  • onion
  • egg
  • fresh sage leaves
  • ground black pepper & sea salt
  • butter
  • vegetable oil - to drizzle on the roasting tray
  • cooking oil spray - for the stuffing balls

Step-by-step photos and instructions

Unlike the sausage stuffing which didn't need any binding ingredients, the vegetarian ones do need one, otherwise they would crumble and it would be impossible to get a good shape. And eggs are usually the best biding ingredients for so many dishes.

  • add the bread slices to a food processor and blitz until you get breadcrumbs
  • in a large bowl, add the breadcrumbs, chopped fresh sage, egg and black pepper - if you don't have fresh sage, the dried one can be used instead
  • chop the onion finely
  • melt the butter over a medium heat, add the chopped onion with a pinch of salt, and fry gently for 2-3 minutes until soft, but not brown
  • leave the fried onion to cool, then add it to the other ingredients
  • mix everything well, then with wet hands shape balls out of the mixture - I got 12, but you might get more or less depending on the size of the balls

Sage and Onion Stuffing Balls - My Gorgeous Recipes (3)

Baking the stuffing balls

Baking the stuffing separately rather than inside the bird brings even better results. The stuffing balls become golden and crunchy on the outside, but deliciously moist and baked to perfection on the inside.

To get that gorgeous golden colour, oil the roasting tray well with 2 tablespoon of oil, arrange the balls on the tray, then spray them generously with cooking oil spray.

There is no need to turn the balls around during baking, then will be baked through and crispy all over. I absolutely love them, and the pictures don't make justice really - they taste even better than they look. They are great with any kind of roast - from turkey, to chicken, goose, you name it!

A side dish for every occasion

While a regular Sunday roast definitely deserves the best dishes, the biggest holidays of the year get the best food on the table.

For Thanksgiving, I have this delicious Thanksgiving Menu put together for small families, where huge amounts of food aren't required.

Also for Christmas, I have put together a similar Christmas Menu, again with smaller portions that won't leave mountains of leftovers behind.

And these delicious sage and onion balls are absolutely perfect for these 2 occasions, do give them a go!

Sage and Onion Stuffing Balls - My Gorgeous Recipes (4)

If you’ve liked mySAGE AND ONION STUFFING BALLS or any other recipe on the blog then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you! You can alsoFOLLOW MEonFACEBOOK, andPINTERESTto see more delicious food and what I’m getting up to.

Sage and Onion Stuffing Balls - My Gorgeous Recipes (5)

Sage and Onion Stuffing Balls

Sage and Onion Stuffing Balls, a delicious vegetarian side dish for your Thanksgiving or festive dinner. Or even a good old Sunday roast. The classic combination of sage and onions might be simple, but heavenly tasty. The stuffing balls can be made from scratch in about 30 minutes.Golden, nice and crispy on the outside, but moist on the inside, this is the best stuffing for any roast.

5 from 3 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: International

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 12 balls

Calories: 92kcal

Author: Daniela Apostol

Ingredients

  • 200 g breadcrumbs (4-5 bread slices)
  • 1 large onion
  • 1 egg
  • 4 fresh sage leaves
  • teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 tablespoon butter
  • vegetable oil to drizzle on the roasting tray
  • cooking oil spray for the stuffing balls

Metric - US Customary

Instructions

  • Cut the bread slices into chunks, and add them to a food processor to blitz until you get breadcrumbs - alternatively you can used store-bought breadcrumbs.

  • Add the breadcrumbs to a bowl together with the egg, sage leaves chopped finely, and ground pepper.

  • Chop the onion finely.

  • In a pan, melt the butter, add the onion and salt, and fry gently on a low to medium heat until the onions are soft, but not brown.

  • Leave to cool, then add them to the rest of the ingredients.

  • Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius (390 Fahrenheit).

  • With wet hands, shape 12 balls out of the stuffing mixture.

  • Drizzle 1- tablespoons of oil over the roasting tray, arrange the stuffing balls, then spray generously with cooking oil spray.

  • Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.

Notes

  • Click on the US Customary link to see the measurements displayed in cups and ounces.
  • The servings can be adjusted by clicking the number next to Servings.

Nutrition

Calories: 92kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 193mg | Potassium: 51mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 79IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 1mg

Tried this Recipe? Share it Today!Mention @GorgeousRecipes or tag #gorgeousrecipes!

Sage and Onion Stuffing Balls - My Gorgeous Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Is sage and onion stuffing good for you? ›

There are 134 calories per portion in this Sage and Onion Stuffing, which means it falls into our Everyday Light category. This Sage and Onion Stuffing is perfect if you're following a calorie controlled diet and fits well with any one of the major diet plans such as Weight Watchers.

How long do you cook Aunt Bessie stuffing balls? ›

Oven cook. Instructions: 180°C/350°F/Gas 4 25 MinsFor a crisp stuffing ball, preheat the oven and remove all the packaging. Place the stuffing balls on a non-stick baking tray in the middle of the oven. Cook for 25 Minutes.

What is sage and onion stuffing made of? ›

Method. Mix together the onion, sage and breadcrumbs and season well. Add enough of the beaten egg to bind the mixture together and use to stuff meat or poultry or to roll into individual stuffing balls. If making stuffing balls, cook in a roasting tin for 30 minutes.

Do you have to cook packet stuffing? ›

It's simple to make – just combine the stuffing mix with boiling water, mix well and leave to stand for five minutes. Then the mix is ready to either place into an ovenproof dish or shape into stuffing balls and bake in the oven.

What does stuffing do for your body? ›

Is Stuffing Healthy? Stuffing provides carbohydrates for energy, and if you choose whole grain bread as a primary ingredient, you're likely to boost your fiber intake. Some recipes also include apples or other fruits or vegetables that provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals. However, stuffing can be high in fat.

Is stuffing better with or without eggs? ›

It's all about personal preference. If you want a sturdier dressing, eggs can help do that. I don't use eggs in this recipe, though, because I like a lighter, more crumbly texture in my dressing.

Is it better to freeze stuffing balls cooked or uncooked? ›

Stuffing. Most stuffing recipes can be made ahead and frozen for up to three months. As a general guide, it's best to shape uncooked stuffing into balls, open-freeze on a tray and then transfer to a freezer bag. You can bake from frozen, adding 10 minutes to the cooking time.

How soggy should stuffing be before baking? ›

The stuffing should be moist but not wet. If there is a puddle of broth at the bottom of the bowl, you've added too much. Add more bread to soak up the excess moisture. If the mix is still dry and crumbly, add more liquid and toss gently until it starts to clump together.

Is it okay to make stuffing a day ahead of time? ›

The short answer to whether you can making stuffing ahead of time is yes.

Is ground sage or rubbed sage better for stuffing? ›

For a more pronounced sage flavor and a light and fluffy texture rubbed, is your best choice. Rubbed sage is perfect for holiday turkey stuffing as well as Italian and Greek dishes. It's a great fit for sausages, poultry, pork, beef, lamb, and fish dishes. Ground sage is best in chicken and soup recipes.

Can you eat sage and onion stuffing mix raw? ›

Oven cook 220°C / Fan 200°C / Gas 6 25-30 mins Unused cooked stuffing should be refrigerated and used within 1 day. Warnings: Do not consume raw.

Can I use red onion instead of white for stuffing? ›

Something as effortless as a chopped onion can completely transform your stuffing mix. Red and Spanish/yellow onions have a sharper bite to them, while white onions are much milder. You could always use shallots for a sweeter, more subtle flavor.

What happens if you don't cook stuffing? ›

It Could Give You Salmonella Poisoning

If that stuffing doesn't reach 165 degrees F, the bacteria won't be killed off, meaning you're passing it on to your guests.

How can you tell when stuffing is done? ›

Insert a food thermometer through the foil into the stuffing. The center of the stuffing must reach a minimum internal temperature of 165 °F.

Why can't you refrigerate uncooked stuffing? ›

USDA recommends that you never refrigerate uncooked stuffing. Why? Remember, stuffing can harbor bacteria, and though bacteria grow slower in the refrigerator they can cause problems because stuffing is a good medium for bacteria growth, therefore a higher risk food in terms of cooking safely.

Is stuffing good or bad for you? ›

It probably comes as no surprise that stuffing isn't the healthiest addition to your Christmas or Thanksgiving plate, but that's no reason to omit it. Typically high in fat, carbs and salt, stuffing can be made fresh or purchased chilled, frozen or dehydrated.

Is stuffing good for your heart? ›

Stick to Whole Grains

You can also use items such as whole-grain breads, quinoa, or barley in your stuffing to provide a heart-healthy alternative to traditional stuffing.

How many calories in a portion of sage and onion stuffing? ›

Storage Instructions
(cooked as per instructions on pack) Per 100g(cooked as per instructions on pack) Per stuffing ball (45g)
123kcal55kcal
Fat1.5g0.7g
of which Saturates0.6g0.3g
Carbohydrate22.4g10.1g
6 more rows

Why is stuffing so high in calories? ›

Besides being primarily a source of starchy carbohydrates, “stuffing is a vehicle for fatty inclusions such as sausage and butter,” Ayoob warns. That's partly why one cup of stuffing contains roughly 400 calories, 20 grams of fat, and nearly 1,000 milligrams of sodium.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Greg Kuvalis

Last Updated:

Views: 6385

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (75 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Greg Kuvalis

Birthday: 1996-12-20

Address: 53157 Trantow Inlet, Townemouth, FL 92564-0267

Phone: +68218650356656

Job: IT Representative

Hobby: Knitting, Amateur radio, Skiing, Running, Mountain biking, Slacklining, Electronics

Introduction: My name is Greg Kuvalis, I am a witty, spotless, beautiful, charming, delightful, thankful, beautiful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.