With Christmas Day fast approaching, the pressure to deliver a flawless festive feast is mounting. For those seeking a simple yet show-stopping side dish, culinary icon Mary Berry offers the perfect solution: her remarkably easy sage and onion stuffing balls.
The Ultimate Festive Time-Saver
Preparing a Christmas dinner, whether for a small gathering or a full house, demands significant effort and meticulous planning. Stuffing is a cornerstone of the traditional spread, and ditching shop-bought versions for a homemade recipe can elevate the entire meal. Mary Berry's celebrated recipe, as highlighted by the Express, is reassuringly straightforward and cooks in under thirty minutes in the oven.
Best of all, this recipe is designed for advance preparation, allowing cooks to assemble the stuffing balls in the days leading up to Christmas. They simply require a quick blast in the oven on the day itself, freeing up precious time and stove space. The result, as promised, is a flavourful accompaniment that far surpasses any supermarket alternative.
Mary Berry's Simple Stuffing Recipe
This traditional recipe yields approximately 16 stuffing balls, described as "the perfect accompaniment to roast poultry - especially at Christmas." The recipe notes also suggest they can be cooked ahead, frozen, and reheated as needed, offering maximum flexibility for the busy host.
Ingredients:
- 40g butter, plus extra for greasing
- One large onion, finely chopped
- 700g pork sausage meat
- 150g fresh white breadcrumbs
- One large unwaxed lemon (juice and finely grated zest)
- Three tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- One tbsp chopped fresh sage
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- One tbsp vegetable oil
Step-by-Step Method
Begin by melting the butter in a saucepan over a medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and fry gently for about 10 minutes until softened but not coloured.
Next, transfer the onion to a bowl and stir in all the remaining ingredients except for the vegetable oil. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined, then season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
With damp hands, shape the mixture into 16 evenly-sized balls. Place them on a lightly greased baking tray, cover with cling film, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C for fan ovens). Heat the oil in a large frying pan over a high heat. Add the chilled stuffing balls and fry for around five minutes, turning them to achieve an even, golden colour on all sides.
Finally, transfer the balls back to the baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. If they begin to brown too quickly, simply cover them loosely with a sheet of kitchen foil.
Versatile Leftover Ideas
The versatility of these stuffing balls extends beyond Christmas Day. Should you have any leftovers, they can be brilliantly repurposed. Transform them into a delicious Boxing Day sandwich alongside leftover roast turkey, vegetables, and a generous dollop of cranberry sauce for a festive treat that's as satisfying as the main event.
By following Mary Berry's fuss-free guidance, home cooks can confidently add a homemade, flavour-packed element to their Christmas table with minimal last-minute stress, ensuring more time to enjoy the festivities.
