Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

Crispy Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe: Savory Holiday Magic

Crafting delectable turkey stuffing balls will transport you to a world of comfort and warmth.

Crispy exteriors give way to soft, seasoned interiors bursting with flavor.

Nostalgic aromas will fill your kitchen, promising a delightful culinary adventure.

Each morsel carries memories of festive gatherings and shared moments.

Perfectly seasoned ingredients dance together, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Packed with savory herbs and rich undertones, these little spheres of joy promise to become an instant favorite.

You won’t be able to resist these irresistible bites that elevate classic stuffing into a handheld delight.

Reasons to Love Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

  • Quick Meal Solution: Transform leftover turkey and stuffing into delightful, bite-sized balls that solve the post-holiday meal dilemma.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: Perfect for game day, potlucks, or family gatherings where everyone loves grab-and-go finger foods with rich, comforting flavors.
  • Waste-Reducing Recipe: Brilliantly repurposes holiday leftovers into a creative new dish that prevents food waste and keeps meals exciting and fresh.
  • Simple Preparation: Requires minimal cooking skills, basic ingredients, and straightforward mixing technique that even novice cooks can master with confidence.

Ingredients for Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

Main Ingredients:
  • Mashed Potatoes: A creamy base that helps bind the stuffing balls together and adds richness.
  • Stuffing: The core ingredient that provides traditional holiday flavor and texture.
  • Shredded Turkey: Provides protein and uses leftover holiday turkey in a delicious way.
Cheese and Binding Ingredients:
  • Parmesan Cheese, Beaten Egg: Add extra flavor and help hold the stuffing balls together.
  • Bread Crumbs: Provide additional structure and crispy texture to the exterior.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor of the turkey stuffing balls.
Optional Serving Accompaniments:
  • Gravy, Cranberry Sauce: Classic dipping sauces that complement the stuffing balls.

How to Prepare Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Baking Surface

Heat the oven to 375F (190C). Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a clean surface for your delicious turkey stuffing balls.

Step 2: Mix Flavor-Packed Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine all your delectable ingredients:
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Stuffing mix
  • Shredded turkey
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Beaten egg
  • Bread crumbs
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir everything together until the mixture looks completely blended and feels cohesive.

Step 3: Shape Tasty Morsels

Using your hands, roll the mixture into perfectly round balls, each about one inch in diameter. The goal is creating uniform bite-sized treats that will cook evenly.

Step 4: Arrange On Baking Sheet

Carefully place each turkey stuffing ball on the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure they’re spaced slightly apart to ensure crispy edges and even cooking.

Step 5: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, watching for a beautiful golden-brown color and ensuring the balls are heated completely through.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Transfer the hot turkey stuffing balls to a serving plate. Offer gravy or cranberry sauce on the side for delightful dipping options.

Pro Tips for Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

  • Prevent Dry Balls: Add a splash of chicken broth or melted butter to keep the mixture moist and prevent crumbly texture during baking.
  • Boost Flavor Depth: Sauté finely chopped onions and celery before mixing into the stuffing for enhanced aromatic profile and richer taste.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Perfect Portion Control: Use a small ice cream scoop or cookie scoop for uniform-sized balls, ensuring consistent cooking and attractive presentation.
  • Freezer-Friendly Hack: Prepare and freeze uncooked stuffing balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for quick future meals.

Variation Ideas for Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

  • Vegetarian Stuffing Balls: Replace turkey with finely chopped mushrooms or plant-based ground meat alternative, using same seasoning and binding techniques.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional bread crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Spicy Mexican Variation: Add diced jalapeños, cumin, chili powder, and replace Parmesan with cotija cheese for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute mashed potatoes with cauliflower mash, use crushed pork rinds instead of bread crumbs, and incorporate extra herbs for enhanced taste.

Pairing Suggestions for Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

  • Pair Zesty Cranberry Cocktail: Mix vodka, cranberry juice, and a splash of orange liqueur for a tangy drink that complements the savory turkey stuffing balls.
  • Match Crisp Green Salad: Toss mixed greens with apple slices, toasted pecans, and light vinaigrette to balance the rich, hearty stuffing balls.
  • Serve Smooth Garlic Aioli: Blend mayonnaise, roasted garlic, lemon juice, and fresh herbs as a creamy dipping sauce that enhances the turkey's flavor.
  • Complement Buttery Chardonnay: Select a lightly oaked Chardonnay with crisp acidity to cut through the richness of the stuffing balls and provide a smooth wine experience.

Storage Advice for Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

  • Store leftover turkey stuffing balls in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring they're covered tightly to maintain moisture and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer cooled stuffing balls to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Label with the date and store for up to 2 months. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Spread stuffing balls on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated completely through, checking internal temperature reaches 165F.
  • Place stuffing balls on a microwave-safe plate, leaving space between each.

FAQs About Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

  • Can I make these stuffing balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the balls up to a day in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, bake them directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

  • Are these stuffing balls gluten-free?

Not in their current form. The traditional recipe contains bread crumbs and stuffing mix, which typically have gluten. To make them gluten-free, use gluten-free bread crumbs and stuffing mix.

  • Can I freeze turkey stuffing balls?

Absolutely! After forming the balls, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to eat, bake them directly from frozen, increasing the cooking time by 5-10 minutes.

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Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe


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4.7 from 12 reviews

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

Description

Irresistible turkey stuffing balls bring classic holiday comfort to your dinner table with crispy exterior and savory herb-infused interior. Packed with traditional flavors and perfect for festive gatherings, these golden-brown morsels will delight you as a delectable side or appetizer.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein:

  • 1 cup shredded turkey
  • 1 egg, beaten

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups stuffing
  • 2 cups mashed potatoes
  • 1/4 cup bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings:

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Blend mashed potatoes, stuffing, shredded turkey, Parmesan cheese, egg, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly incorporated.
  2. Gently shape the mixture into compact one-inch spherical portions using clean hands, ensuring consistent size for even cooking.
  3. Prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet, positioning the formed turkey stuffing spheres with slight separation to allow uniform heat circulation.
  4. Slide the baking sheet into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven, creating a golden-brown exterior while warming the interior completely.
  5. Monitor the stuffing spheres for 15-20 minutes, watching for a rich golden color and ensuring interior temperature reaches optimal warmth.
  6. Transfer the crispy, heated turkey stuffing spheres to a serving platter, accompanying with complementary dipping sauces like traditional gravy or tangy cranberry sauce.

Notes

  • Swap ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that maintains the recipe’s delicious flavor profile.
  • Gluten-free breadcrumbs work perfectly for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy these savory bites.
  • Prep these stuffing balls ahead of time and freeze unbaked for a quick meal solution during busy weeks – simply add 5-7 extra minutes to baking time when cooking from frozen.
  • Use leftover holiday turkey to transform traditional leftovers into a crispy, delectable appetizer that feels like a brand new dish.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Content Specialist & Home Cooking Enthusiast

Expertise

  • Making healthy, comforting meals that fit into real-life schedules
  • Planning balanced, single-serving meals for individuals and small families
  • Writing clear, practical food content with a focus on wellness and ease
  • Using seasonal ingredients to bring variety and freshness to everyday meals

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College – Asheville, NC

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Trained in the basics of professional cooking, with a strong focus on home-style meals, seasonal recipe development, and time-saving kitchen techniques for everyday use.

American Fitness Professionals & Associates – Online

  • Program: Nutrition and Wellness Consultant Certification
  • Focus: Studied how to make healthy eating simple, enjoyable, and accessible

Sarah’s passion for food was sparked by weekend trips to the farmers’ market and her belief that healthy meals should never feel boring.
After earning her culinary diploma and becoming a certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, she set out to help others fall in love with simple, wholesome cooking.
She’s all about celebrating the small wins in the kitchen: a colorful yogurt bowl, a new twist on a classic dish, or a homemade snack that feels just a little extra special.
Outside the kitchen, Sarah is a gardener at heart, a yoga enthusiast, and a believer that fresh herbs can brighten any meal, and any day.

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