Crispy & Creamy Stuffed Bread Balls: The Ultimate Easy Appetizer

Prepare to delight your taste buds with these incredible Stuffed Bread Balls! Each bite offers an irresistible combination of a golden, crispy exterior and a wonderfully pillowy-soft interior, bursting with a savory, creamy filling. Whether you’re planning an elegant holiday gathering, settling in for a cozy movie night, or simply need a quick and satisfying after-school snack, these bread balls are a perfect choice. They are incredibly versatile, easy to make, and guaranteed to be a crowd-plepleasing favorite for all ages.

Crispy bread balls are the perfect appetizer for your next gathering

Why You’ll Adore These Easy Stuffed Bread Balls

These savory bread balls aren’t just delicious; they’re also a dream to prepare, making them a fantastic addition to any busy schedule. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a household favorite:

Effortless Preparation: Forget about the hassle of traditional dough making, which often involves extensive kneading and lengthy rising times. This recipe simplifies the process dramatically, allowing you to whip up a batch of these delightful bites without any complicated steps. It’s perfect for beginner cooks or anyone short on time.
Incredibly Versatile: The beauty of these bread balls lies in their adaptability. While our recipe features a delicious sausage and cheese filling, you are encouraged to unleash your culinary creativity! Experiment with pepperoni, cooked bacon, a blend of various cheeses, seasoned ground beef, finely diced vegetables, or even a spicy jalapeño and cream cheese mixture. The possibilities are truly endless, ensuring you can tailor them to any taste preference or occasion.
Freezer-Friendly Convenience: Life gets busy, and having a stash of ready-to-fry appetizers in your freezer is a game-changer. These bread balls are perfectly suited for freezing, making them ideal for quick, unexpected guests or as a convenient snack you can pull out and cook whenever a craving strikes. This makes meal prep a breeze and helps you stay ahead of the game.
Kid-Approved Goodness: This recipe has been a massive hit in my own home! Kids absolutely adore the satisfying crunch of the exterior followed by the melt-in-your-mouth creamy center. They’re a fantastic way to provide a quick, energizing snack to tide everyone over through after-school activities until dinner. It’s a no-fail, no-knead, kid-approved formula for winning snack time!

Essential Ingredients for Your Stuffed Bread Balls

Crafting these delectable bread balls requires a simple array of ingredients, many of which you likely already have on hand. The full, detailed measurements and instructions are available in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this page, but here’s an overview of what you’ll need:

For the Flavorful Stuffing:

Olive oil: For sautéing the sausage and vegetables.
Sausage: Italian sausage (mild or spicy) works wonderfully, providing a rich, savory base.
Fresh spinach and parsley: Adds a touch of vibrant color and fresh herbaceous notes.
Cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Mozzarella cheese: This creamy, melty blend creates the irresistible core of our bread balls.
Salt, pepper, and garlic powder: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.

For the Bread Ball Exterior:

Loaf of sandwich bread: Choose a good quality, fresh loaf. You’ll trim the brown edges for a softer texture.
Cornstarch: Helps bind the bread mixture and create the perfect texture.
Eggs: For the egg wash, which helps the breadcrumbs adhere.
Breadcrumbs: For that irresistible crispy coating. Panko breadcrumbs can offer an extra crunch.
Oil for frying: Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil are suitable for achieving a golden-brown finish.

Easy Stuffed Bread Ball Instructions

Creating these delightful bread balls is straightforward and rewarding. Below is an overview of the process to give you a clear idea, but remember that detailed, step-by-step instructions can be found in the comprehensive recipe card below.

Follow these easy steps for perfect bread balls every time!

Prepare the Stuffing: In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage with a touch of olive oil until cooked through and finely crumbled. Add the chopped spinach, parsley, salt, and pepper, cooking briefly until the spinach wilts. Remove from heat and stir in the cream cheese, Parmesan, and Mozzarella until well combined and creamy. Set aside to cool slightly.
Create the Bread “Dough”: Trim the crusts from your sandwich bread and cut it into cubes. Pulse the bread cubes in a food processor until they form fine crumbs. In a separate bowl, whisk together water and cornstarch until smooth. Gradually add this mixture to the breadcrumbs, mixing well by hand until a soft, pliable “dough” forms.
Assemble the Bread Balls: Take a small portion of the bread mixture and flatten it into a disc in the palm of your hand. Place about two teaspoons of the cooled sausage and cheese stuffing in the center. Carefully enclose the filling with the bread mixture, then roll it gently between your palms to form a smooth, round ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
Chill Before Frying: For best results, place the formed bread balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze them for about 15 minutes. This brief chilling period helps them firm up and maintain their shape better during frying, especially with a generous cheese filling.
Coat and Fry: In one shallow bowl, lightly beat an egg with a dash of black pepper. In another, place your breadcrumbs. Dip each chilled bread ball first into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated, then roll it in the breadcrumbs until completely covered. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the bread balls in batches, turning occasionally, until they are beautifully golden brown and crispy on all sides.
Serve and Enjoy: Once fried, transfer the bread balls to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara, ranch, or a spicy aioli!

Recommended Kitchen Equipment

Having the right tools can make this recipe even smoother to prepare. Here are a few pieces of equipment you’ll find helpful:

Food Processor: Essential for transforming bread slices into fine crumbs quickly and efficiently.
Large Skillet or Frying Pan: For browning the sausage and later frying the bread balls to golden perfection. A deep-fryer can also be used for consistent results.
Mixing Bowls: For combining ingredients and setting up your breading station.
Parchment Paper: Great for lining baking sheets when chilling or freezing the bread balls to prevent sticking.

Pro Tips for Perfect Bread Balls Every Time

Achieving perfectly crispy, savory bread balls is simple with these expert tips:

Pre-Frying Freeze: As mentioned in the instructions, freezing the bread balls for about 15 minutes before frying is highly recommended. This helps them hold their shape, especially when packed with a generous amount of gooey cheese, preventing them from falling apart in the hot oil.
Air Fryer Alternative: If deep frying isn’t your preferred method, these bread balls can be successfully air-fried! Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your specific appliance, so keep an eye on them.
Optimal Oil Temperature: When frying, maintain a consistent medium-high heat. If the oil is too cold, the bread balls will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If it’s too hot, they’ll brown too quickly on the outside while the inside remains cool. A thermometer can help ensure the oil is around 350-375°F (175-190°C).
Crust-Free Bread: Always remember to trim the brown edges off your sandwich bread. This ensures a smoother, more uniform “dough” texture for the bread balls and helps prevent any tough bits in the final product.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the bread balls in batches, allowing enough space between each one in the pan. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature and lead to uneven cooking and less crispy results.

Make Ahead & Freezer-Friendly Solutions

These bread balls are ideal for preparing in advance, making them perfect for parties or busy weeknights. Here’s how to store them effectively:

Freezing Uncooked Bread Balls: To prepare ahead, form the bread balls and dip them in egg and breadcrumbs as instructed. Instead of frying, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until they are completely solid (about 1-2 hours). Once frozen, transfer the solid bread balls to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They will keep well in the freezer for 3-4 months. When you’re ready to serve, simply take them out of the freezer and fry them immediately – no need to thaw!
Freezing Cooked Bread Balls: If you have leftovers or prefer to cook a batch in advance, allow the fried bread balls to cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to an airtight freezer bag or container. They can be stored for up to 2-3 months.

Storage and Reheating Leftovers

If you find yourself with any delicious leftovers (which is rare!), here’s how to keep them fresh and reheat them for maximum enjoyment:

Refrigerator Storage: Cooked bread balls can be stored in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions: To bring them back to their crispy glory, place the refrigerated bread balls on a baking sheet and reheat in a preheated oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) until thoroughly heated through and re-crisped. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on your appliance. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soft and chewy.

The satisfying pull of melted cheese from a freshly fried bread ball.

If you enjoyed making this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ star rating and sharing a photo of your finished dish! I always love seeing your culinary creations and unique takes on my recipes. Thank you for being a part of the Amira’s Pantry community!

Looking for more kitchen inspiration? Check out Amira’s Pantry Store on Amazon, where you’ll discover a curated selection of nostalgic and handy kitchen items!

Related Appetizers & Side Dishes

If you loved these bread balls, you might enjoy exploring other delicious recipes that are perfect for entertaining or as delightful accompaniments to any meal:

Baked Brie in Puff Pastry: An effortlessly elegant and incredibly delicious appetizer. This popular dish offers a warm, creamy, sweet, and salty combination that’s always a hit.
Pizza Tater Tot Casserole: A crunchy and fun twist on classic comfort food, packed with your favorite pizza toppings, crisp tater tots, melted cheese, and savory pizza sauce.
Turkey Sausage Gravy: A comforting and hearty breakfast option with a lighter touch. This easy-to-make creamy gravy is perfect for biscuits, mashed potatoes, or anything you desire.
Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes: The quickest and easiest way to get perfectly fluffy mashed potatoes on your table in under 30 minutes, with no draining or peeling required!
Greek Feta Cheese Phyllo Cup Appetizers: Family-favorite Greek feta cheese dip transformed into adorable phyllo cup appetizers in less than 15 minutes – absolutely delicious and impressive!
Sausage Stuffed Mini Peppers: A delightful and highly addictive appetizer, these mini peppers are easy to make and perfect for any gathering.
Bruschetta with Balsamic Glaze: A classic easy appetizer from Italy, featuring crusty bread slices toasted with garlic and topped with Parmesan cheese, diced tomatoes, and fresh basil.
Crispy Potato Croquettes: Irresistibly delicious, crispy, golden-brown savory bites perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a delightful side dish for any occasion.

A Fun Family Story & My Personal Experience

Soccer season is in full swing at our house, which always presents a fun challenge: how to quickly prepare kid-approved snacks amidst our packed schedule. These bread balls were an absolute winner! Dipped in warm marinara or zesty pizza sauce, they became the ultimate snack, perfect for keeping everyone fueled through after-school activities until dinner time.

Speaking of soccer, I have a particularly amusing memory. One day, my six-year-old son and I were buying his new soccer team uniform. He was incredibly proud and excited to finally get it. As soon as we got home, he looked at the pristine new jersey with utter confusion and exclaimed, “Mom, where is it? Where’s the sweat part?!”

I was completely baffled, asking, “What sweating part are you talking about, sweetie?” He pointed to the front and underarm areas of his shirt, clearly frustrated. “This triangle, Mom, don’t you understand?! That one should be there!” He began to cry, truly distressed.

My husband, thankfully, quickly understood the situation. Our son, having watched countless soccer matches on TV, had always seen players with dark, sweat-soaked triangles on the front and underarm areas of their jerseys. He genuinely believed that the uniforms were *sold* that way, with darker, pre-stained sections! It was seriously hilarious, and we spent a good part of that evening trying to convince him how those “dark spots” actually appeared!

Bread Balls Recipe

Bread balls for an ultimate after school snack, game day appetizer or side dish. Easy, freezer friendly and kid friendly recipe that’s also so versatile.

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American

Diet: Halal

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Servings: 24 bread balls

Calories: 125 kcal

Author: Amira

Ingredients

For the stuffing:

1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 pound Italian sausage
1 cup tightly packed fresh spinach, chopped
⅓ cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 oz cream cheese
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
½ cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded

For the bites:

1 (14-17 oz) loaf of sandwich bread, cubed with edges removed
1 teaspoon garlic powder
5 teaspoons cornstarch
1 cup tap water

For frying:

1 egg, lightly beaten with a dash of black pepper
1 cup breadcrumbs
Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut)

Instructions

Make the bread dough:

In your food processor, pulse the trimmed sandwich bread until it forms fine crumbs.
In a separate small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water, stirring until there are no lumps.
Place the bread crumbs in a large bowl. Gradually add the cornstarch-water mixture to the bread crumbs, mixing and kneading by hand until a cohesive, soft dough-like consistency is achieved.

Make the stuffing and assemble:

Heat olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and brown for 4-5 minutes until fully cooked.
Add the chopped spinach, parsley, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for an additional minute, or until the spinach has wilted.
Turn off the heat. Stir in the cream cheese, grated Parmesan, and shredded Mozzarella cheese until all ingredients are well combined and the cheeses are starting to melt. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
Take small pieces of the prepared bread dough (about 1.5-2 tablespoons worth). Flatten each piece in the palm of your hand to form a disc. Place approximately two teaspoons of the cooled sausage and cheese filling in the center of the disc.
Carefully bring the edges of the bread dough together to enclose the filling completely. Roll the dough gently between your palms to form a smooth, round ball. Repeat this process with the remaining dough and filling.
For best results, place the formed bread balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and pop them into the freezer for 15 minutes. This helps them firm up and maintain their shape during frying.
Prepare your frying station: In one shallow bowl, place the lightly beaten egg. In another shallow bowl, place the breadcrumbs. Heat oil in a deep frying pan or pot over medium-low heat (approximately 350-375°F / 175-190°C).
Dip each chilled bread ball first into the beaten egg, ensuring it is fully coated. Then, transfer it to the breadcrumbs, rolling it to achieve a complete and even coating.
Carefully place the breaded balls into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
Remove the fried bread balls with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these delectable bites with your favorite dipping sauce!

Notes

Freezing the bread balls before frying is an optional but highly recommended step, especially if your filling contains a generous amount of cheese, as it helps maintain their shape.
For additional variations, tips, and serving suggestions, please refer to the detailed sections within the main article above.
Please review our nutrition disclaimer policy for more information.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

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