Crispy Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe for Cozy Meals

Crispy and golden turkey stuffing balls offer a delightful way to reimagine holiday leftovers into something magical.

Comfort meets creativity when classic ingredients transform into bite-sized treasures.

Each morsel packs rich flavors from your previous feast into a perfectly portable snack.

Crunchy exteriors give way to soft, savory centers that remind you of cozy family gatherings.

Pantry staples like breadcrumbs, herbs, and chopped turkey come together effortlessly in this simple recipe.

Quick to prepare and even faster to devour, these stuffing balls make leftovers feel like a brand-new culinary adventure.

Serve them as appetizers or enjoy them as a satisfying snack that celebrates delicious memories.

What Makes Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls So Delicious

• Rescue Leftovers: Transform yesterday's turkey and stuffing into delightful bite-sized treasures that breathe new life into post-holiday ingredients.
• Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: Create irresistible golden-brown balls packed with savory flavors that will vanish quickly at gatherings, potlucks, and game day parties.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Combine simple ingredients in one bowl, shape quickly, and bake for a hassle-free recipe that delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.
• Versatile Comfort Bites: Enjoy as a protein-rich snack, appetizer, or side dish that satisfies both kids and adults with its crispy exterior and tender interior.

Essential Ingredients for Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls

• Leftover Turkey: Shredded meat providing the primary protein and a delicious way to repurpose holiday leftovers.

• Eggs, Breadcrumbs: These ingredients help hold the stuffing balls together and create a cohesive texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich flavor and helps bind the mixture while providing a savory cheese element.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the stuffing balls.

• Stuffing: Serves as the base ingredient that gives these balls their classic holiday taste and texture.
• Olive Oil: Used for light spraying to help create a crispy exterior during baking.

• Cranberry Sauce: A traditional accompaniment that provides a sweet and tangy dipping option for the stuffing balls.

Step-by-Step Guide for Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) and grab a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Mix The Delicious Filling

• Shredded turkey
• Leftover stuffing
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Blend everything together until it looks like a perfectly combined mixture that will make mouths water.

Step 3: Shape Those Tasty Morsels

Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls, aiming for a golf ball size. Gently place each ball onto the prepared baking sheet, giving them some breathing room.

Step 4: Add A Crispy Touch

Lightly spritz the stuffing balls with olive oil. This little trick helps them turn golden and crispy during baking.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the balls transform into a gorgeous golden brown color and are heated completely through.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Pull out your delectable turkey stuffing balls and serve them warm. Pair with cranberry sauce for dipping or enjoy them as a standalone snack that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Helpful Hints for Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls

• Transform leftover turkey and stuffing into crispy, delectable balls perfect for repurposing holiday meals.
• Ensure ingredients are well-mixed to create a cohesive texture that holds together during baking.
• Spray olive oil helps achieve a golden, crunchy exterior while keeping the inside moist and flavorful.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or gruyère for unique flavor profiles.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain their original crispness.

Variations to Try with Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls

• Holiday Herb Remix: Add fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and sage to enhance the traditional stuffing ball flavor with garden-fresh herbs.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Mix in diced jalapeños, ground cumin, and crushed red pepper flakes for a zesty, southwestern-inspired version with extra kick.
• Mediterranean Medley: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and dried oregano to transform the recipe with Mediterranean ingredients.
• Cheesy Bacon Blast: Fold in crispy chopped bacon bits and shredded cheddar cheese for a rich, indulgent take on the classic stuffing ball recipe.

Pairing Ideas for Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness of the turkey stuffing balls and cleanse the palate.
• Complement with Tangy Cranberry Sauce: Enhance the flavor profile by serving homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce as a bright, tart dipping companion that balances the savory stuffing balls.
• Match with Fresh Herbed Salad: Create a light side salad with mixed greens, fresh herbs like parsley and chives, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty stuffing balls.
• Serve with Sparkling Cider: Offer a non-alcoholic option like sparkling apple or pear cider that provides a subtle sweetness and effervescence to complement the rich, warm turkey stuffing balls.

Proper Storage for Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls

• Store leftover turkey stuffing balls in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Ensure they cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual stuffing balls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date and contents.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Arrange cold stuffing balls on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through, removing foil for the last 3 minutes to crisp the exterior.
• Place stuffing balls on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature between each interval to prevent overheating.

FAQs About Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls

• Are these stuffing balls good for meal prep?

Yes, you can make these turkey stuffing balls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350F for best results.

• Can I freeze these stuffing balls?

Absolutely! Place uncooked or cooked stuffing balls in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.

• What if I don't have leftover turkey?

No problem! You can use rotisserie chicken, diced cooked chicken, or even ground turkey as a substitute in this recipe.

• How can I make these gluten-free?

Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs, and ensure your stuffing mix is also gluten-free.

Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

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4.5 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy golden “Turkey Stuffing Balls” elevate holiday leftovers into a delightful appetizer perfect for game day or casual gatherings. Savory herbs, melted cheese, and crisp breadcrumb coating make these bite-sized morsels an irresistible snack you’ll want to devour.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 cups leftover turkey, shredded
• 2 large eggs

Binding and Flavor Enhancers:

• 3 cups leftover stuffing
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Addition:

• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce

Cooking Spray:

• Olive oil spray for baking

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Instructions

1. Gather all leftover turkey and stuffing components, ensuring ingredients are at room temperature for optimal mixing.
2. Combine shredded turkey with stuffing in a spacious mixing vessel, creating a uniform base for the appetizing morsels.
3. Integrate eggs, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and seasoning agents into the mixture, blending thoroughly to guarantee even distribution of flavors.
4. Gently shape the consolidated mixture into compact spheres, approximating the dimensions of a standard golf ball, maintaining consistent size for uniform cooking.
5. Arrange the sculpted balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them to allow proper heat circulation.
6. Delicately mist the spherical formations with olive oil, promoting a crisp exterior during the roasting process.
7. Position the baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375F (190C), allowing the spheres to transform into golden-brown delicacies over 20-25 minutes.
8. Verify doneness by confirming a rich amber coloration and ensuring complete internal heating.
9. Transfer the aromatic turkey stuffing spheres to a serving platter, accompanied by tangy cranberry sauce for an optional dipping experience.
10. Serve immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and crispness.

Notes

• Elevate moisture by adding a splash of chicken broth if the mixture seems too dry, ensuring tender and juicy stuffing balls.
• Transform these turkey stuffing balls into a gluten-free version by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and checking stuffing ingredients for gluten content.
• Make ahead and freeze unbaked balls for up to 1 month, perfect for quick meal prep or unexpected guests, just add 5-7 minutes to baking time when cooking from frozen.
• Experiment with herbs like sage, thyme, or rosemary to customize flavor profiles and match different holiday or seasonal tastes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 310 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg