If you love classic comfort food with a fun twist, this Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe is going to quickly become one of your favorites. These golden, bite-sized morsels combine all the cozy flavors of a Thanksgiving feast in a perfectly portable and crispy form. Whether you’re looking for appetizers to wow your guests, a snack that feels like a holiday celebration, or a clever way to use up leftover turkey and stuffing, this recipe brings warmth, savory goodness, and ease to your table all year round.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Pulling together this Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe is a breeze since it uses simple, familiar ingredients everyone loves. Each one plays an important role—from adding creaminess and moisture to ensuring the perfect crisp on the outside and lots of flavor bursting inside.
- 2 cups mashed potatoes: Provides creamy binding and comfort in every bite.
- 2 cups stuffing: Adds texture and that signature Thanksgiving aroma.
- 1 cup shredded turkey: The hearty protein that brings the dish together.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a slightly nutty flavor and helps hold the balls firm.
- 1 egg, beaten: Acts as a natural binder, making rolling the mixture easy.
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs: Helps give a light, crispy finish once baked.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the savory flavors beautifully.
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick without overpowering.
How to Make Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is just right for baking the stuffing balls to a golden brown crust while keeping the inside delightfully moist and flavorful.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and bring together your mashed potatoes, stuffing, shredded turkey, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until each component is evenly distributed—this ensures every bite will have that perfect balance of flavors and texture.
Step 3: Shape into Balls
Next, form the mixture into 1-inch balls. Using your hands, gently roll and shape them, trying to make them as uniform as possible so they bake evenly. Place each ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to avoid sticking and make clean-up easier.
Step 4: Bake
Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye out for that gorgeous golden brown color forming on the outside. That crispy shell on these Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe bites is what makes them so irresistible.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Once out of the oven, serve these comforting balls warm with your favorite gravy or a tangy cranberry sauce for dipping. The combination of crispy outside and tender inside is a total crowd-pleaser every time.
How to Serve Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes elevate the presentation effortlessly. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thyme over the balls to add a pop of green and fresh herbaceous notes that brighten the rich flavors. For a festive touch, a drizzle of warm gravy adds shine and savoriness.
Side Dishes
These Turkey Stuffing Balls make a brilliant addition alongside classic sides like roasted vegetables, creamy mashed sweet potatoes, or a crisp garden salad. They are also delicious paired with cranberry sauce or a dollop of Dijon mustard to play with contrasting tastes and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking outside the box? Serve these turkey stuffing balls skewered with toothpicks arranged on a festive platter for easy party finger food. Or nestle them in mini muffin tins topped with a small spoonful of gravy for an elegant appetizer. They’re as versatile as they are tasty!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), store the stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making a perfect ready-made snack or quick meal later on.
Freezing
For longer storage, these balls freeze beautifully. Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually so they don’t stick together, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the outer crust soggy and less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover turkey not only saves time but actually adds great flavor to the stuffing balls, making them a delicious way to repurpose your Thanksgiving dinner.
What kind of stuffing works best?
Traditional bread stuffing with herbs is ideal for this recipe, but you can get creative with cornbread or sausage stuffing depending on your preferences. Just make sure it’s well-seasoned and not too wet.
Can these be made vegetarian?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the turkey and use vegetable broth-based stuffing. You might want to add mushrooms or cooked lentils for an extra depth of flavor and protein.
Is it okay to pan-fry instead of baking?
While baking is the healthiest and easiest way, pan-frying can give a nice crispy crust. Just cook them over medium heat in a bit of oil, turning gently to brown all sides evenly.
Can I prepare the mixture ahead of time?
You can mix everything together up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Shape the balls and bake just before serving to maintain the freshest texture.
Final Thoughts
Making this Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe is a wonderful way to celebrate comfort food with a playful twist. It’s easy, satisfying, and brings all those beloved holiday flavors to life in a totally new form. I truly recommend you give it a try—you might just find yourself making these little bites year-round!
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Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 16 balls)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delightful way to use leftover turkey and stuffing. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they combine mashed potatoes, flavorful stuffing, shredded turkey, and Parmesan cheese into bite-sized balls baked to golden perfection. Perfect as an appetizer or a side dish, they pair wonderfully with gravy or cranberry sauce.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 2 cups stuffing
- 1 cup shredded turkey
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready to bake the stuffing balls evenly and achieve a nice golden crust.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the mashed potatoes, stuffing, shredded turkey, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, bread crumbs, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is well-incorporated and holds together.
- Shape into Balls: Using your hands or a spoon, form the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them evenly spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- Bake: Bake the stuffing balls in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until they turn golden brown and firm to the touch, indicating they are cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm. These turkey stuffing balls are delicious with gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping, enhancing their flavor and making for a perfect festive treat.
Notes
- Ensure the mixture is not too wet; if it is, add a little more bread crumbs to help the balls hold their shape.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the balls for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to avoid burning.
- These balls can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Customize by adding herbs such as sage or thyme to enhance the stuffing flavor.
- Use gluten-free bread crumbs if you want a gluten-free version.
