Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Set your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) / 400°F / gas mark 6. Lightly grease a small roasting tin or baking dish that will fit all 12 stuffing balls.
- Pour the olive oil into a saucepan and add the finely diced onion. Cover with a lid and cook on low heat, stirring now and then, for about 5 minutes until the onion is fully softened but not browned.
- Meanwhile, make the breadcrumbs by grating fresh bread (see note) and place the crumbs in a large mixing bowl.
- Tip the cooked onion into the bowl with the breadcrumbs. Sprinkle in the dried sage, dried mixed herbs, and add salt and pepper. Mix everything together well.
- Let the mixture cool for a few minutes. Add the beaten egg, then stir thoroughly until well combined.
- Divide the mixture into 12 roughly equal portions. Shape each into a ball with your hands and arrange them in the greased tin.
- Bake for 30 minutes until the stuffing balls are crisp and golden on the outside and cooked through. Serve warm.
Nutrition
Notes
For the best texture, grate day-old white bread using the large holes of a cheese grater. Store-bought plain white breadcrumbs can be used in a pinch, though the result may be slightly firmer. Shape the balls the night before and refrigerate until ready to bake, adding a couple extra minutes to the baking time if starting cold. Leftover stuffing balls keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheat well in a hot oven to regain their crisp coating. They are also delicious served cold as a snack or sandwich filling. The recipe is vegetarian-friendly and makes an easy, crowd-pleasing side for roast dinners or special occasions.