Chestnut and Cranberry Stuffing Balls – Easy Make Ahead Side

Chestnut and Cranberry Stuffing Balls deliver loads of flavor in a fun, bite-sized package. Sweet, tart cranberries and mellow, nutty chestnuts pair with herbs and crisp bread cubes, rolled and baked until golden. These are perfect for serving as a vegetarian side, a buffet snack, or an easy-to-make main dish for special occasions. Make-ahead friendly and ready in less than an hour, these stuffing balls are guaranteed to be a crowd favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive flavor: Tart cranberries, mellow chestnuts, and herbs in every golden bite.
• Easy to serve: Makes neat, portable portions for buffets or dinner plates.
• Make-ahead: Shape them and chill overnight, then bake fresh.
• Crispy outside, soft inside: Rolls crisp up in the oven, with a soft, moist center.

Ingredients

• 300g cooked chestnuts, roughly chopped
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 300g rustic bread (about 5 cups), torn or cut into small cubes
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 ribs celery, finely diced
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter or olive oil
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten (optional for vegan, use extra broth to bind)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage (or 1 tsp dried)
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (plus extra as needed)
• Olive oil spray or extra oil for baking

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a large baking tray with parchment.
2. Spread bread cubes on a baking sheet; bake for 10 minutes to dry them slightly.
3. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and celery for 6 minutes until soft.
4. Stir in cranberries, chestnuts, parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
5. Combine toasted bread, sautéed mixture, eggs (if using), and vegetable broth in a large mixing bowl. Stir, letting bread soak for 5 minutes. Add more broth if mixture is dry; it should hold together when pressed.
6. Shape stuffing mixture into golf ball-sized balls and arrange on prepared tray.
7. Spray lightly with olive oil.
8. Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway if you want crisp all around, until balls are golden and firm.
9. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs.

Tips & Variations

• Vegan version: Omit eggs and use extra broth to bind.
• Nut-free: Substitute cooked chestnuts with roasted pumpkin seeds.
• Add zest: Mix in orange or lemon zest for brightness.
• Smaller bites: Make mini balls for appetizers or kids’ snacks.
• Make ahead: Chill shaped balls for up to 24 hours before baking.

Storage & Freezer Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven or air fryer.
• Freeze: Freeze the baked balls on a tray, then transfer to a bag for up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen.
• Make-ahead: Shape and chill unbaked balls; bake from cold, adding a few extra minutes as needed.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

• Perfect next to roast turkey, chicken, or a vegetable main.
• Serve with cranberry sauce, gravy, or yogurt dip.
• Add to holiday platters or serve as party snacks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use vacuum-packed chestnuts?

Yes! They’re ideal for stuffing recipes—just chop roughly and add.

How do I prevent balls falling apart?

Let mixture soak, press balls firmly, and add broth or egg to bind.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free bread and check broth is GF.

Can kids help shape these?

Absolutely! Let them roll balls and place on tray, easy fun for everyone.

Ready to Make It?

Chestnut and Cranberry Stuffing Balls bring holiday flavor and fun to your table in every hearty bite. Bake them for your next feast, party, or family meal, and watch them disappear fast!

You Might Also Like

• Wild Rice Mushroom Stuffing – Earthy wild rice and mushrooms with fresh herbs
• Apple Cranberry Walnut Stuffing – Sweet apples, tart cranberries, and walnuts for a festive touch
• Butternut Squash Soup – Silky, gently spiced autumn comfort
• Pumpkin Pie – Classic pie with a flaky crust and spiced pumpkin filling

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