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Crispy Cheesy Jalapeño Stuffing Balls

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These golden, bite-sized stuffing balls are packed with sharp cheddar, spicy jalapeños, and a crispy breadcrumb coating. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or game day, they’re easy to make and impossible to resist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups leftover stuffing, finely chopped or crumbled (any variety)
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2–3 fresh jalapeños, seeds removed and finely diced
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup regular breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2 cups, if deep frying)
  • Cooking spray, if baking
  • Optional: Ranch dressing, chipotle mayo, or your favorite dipping sauce

Instructions

  1. Place leftover stuffing in a large mixing bowl. If dry, sprinkle with a tablespoon or two of broth or milk and let sit for 5 minutes.
  2. Add shredded cheddar, diced jalapeños, beaten eggs, sour cream, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly until well combined and mixture holds together when pressed. If too loose, add a tablespoon of breadcrumbs.
  3. Using a cookie scoop or your hands, scoop out about 1 tablespoon of mixture and roll into a ball. Repeat until all mixture is used (about 18-22 balls). Place on a parchment-lined tray.
  4. In a shallow bowl, mix together panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, and grated parmesan. Roll each stuffing ball in the coating, pressing gently to help it stick.
  5. For baking: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place coated balls on a lined baking sheet, spray lightly with cooking spray, and bake for 18-22 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crispy.
  6. For frying: Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy skillet or fryer to 350°F. Fry balls in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, until deep golden. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on wire rack or paper towels.
  7. Let balls cool for 5 minutes on a wire rack. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

Chill shaped balls for 15 minutes before coating if mixture feels loose. For gluten-free or dairy-free, substitute ingredients as needed. Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying. Adjust jalapeño amount for desired spice level. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days and freeze beautifully.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffing balls, party snack, jalapeño, cheesy appetizer, crispy, holiday leftovers, game day, easy recipe

Find it online: https://wigglebite.com/crispy-cheesy-jalape-n-o-stuffing-balls-easy-party-snack-recipe/