Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe: A Delicious Twist on Holiday Leftovers
Looking for a way to repurpose your Thanksgiving leftovers into something even more delicious? Turkey Stuffing Balls are the perfect solution! These savory, bite-sized treats are a great way to transform leftover turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes into a brand-new, mouthwatering dish that everyone will love. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, a side dish, or a main course, these golden, crispy turkey stuffing balls will quickly become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love Turkey Stuffing Balls
Turkey Stuffing Balls are the ultimate comfort food, combining all the flavors of a traditional holiday dinner in one easy-to-make, bite-sized snack. The rich, savory turkey and herbed stuffing blend perfectly with the creamy mashed potatoes, creating a deliciously satisfying bite that is both crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
These turkey stuffing balls are an excellent way to use up leftovers from a festive meal, but they’re so tasty that you’ll find yourself making them long after the holidays. With just a few ingredients and simple preparation steps, these tasty morsels can be baked in the oven to golden perfection in no time.
Ingredients for Turkey Stuffing Balls
Here’s what you’ll need to make these flavorful turkey stuffing balls:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 2 cups stuffing (leftover stuffing works perfectly!)
- 1 cup shredded turkey (perfect for leftover turkey)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- ¼ cup bread crumbs
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
These ingredients combine to form a savory and hearty mixture that’s easy to shape into balls and bake until crispy. The Parmesan cheese adds a rich, savory flavor, while the bread crumbs help create a satisfying texture on the outside.
How to Make Turkey Stuffing Balls
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the oven is hot enough to crisp up the stuffing balls, giving them a golden brown exterior and keeping the inside nice and tender.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 2 cups stuffing (leftover or freshly made)
- 1 cup shredded turkey (you can use dark or white meat, depending on your preference)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- ¼ cup bread crumbs
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Mix everything together until the ingredients are well combined and form a cohesive mixture. The mashed potatoes help bind the mixture together, while the egg adds an extra layer of richness. The Parmesan cheese brings a salty, nutty flavor that complements the turkey and stuffing perfectly.
Step 3: Shape the Turkey Stuffing Balls
Once the mixture is well combined, form the mixture into 1-inch balls using your hands or a spoon. You should be able to make about 16-20 balls, depending on the size. If you want larger balls, feel free to adjust the size, but keep in mind that larger balls will take slightly longer to cook.
Step 4: Bake the Stuffing Balls
Place the turkey stuffing balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and ensures that the stuffing balls cook evenly. Space the balls about 1 inch apart to allow room for them to crisp up.
Bake the stuffing balls for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on the outside. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of the balls and your oven, so be sure to check them at the 15-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the turkey stuffing balls are baked to golden perfection, remove them from the oven and serve immediately. These savory little bites are perfect on their own or with a dipping sauce, such as gravy or cranberry sauce. The sweet and tangy cranberry sauce pairs beautifully with the rich, savory stuffing balls, making every bite a burst of flavor.
Tips for Perfect Turkey Stuffing Balls
- Use leftover stuffing: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover stuffing from your holiday meal. If you don’t have stuffing on hand, you can quickly make a batch using bread cubes, herbs, and broth.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the turkey stuffing balls in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Simply form the balls, place them on a baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Add more flavor: For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage to the mixture. These herbs pair wonderfully with turkey and stuffing and will bring even more depth to the dish.
- Crispy coating: If you prefer an extra crispy exterior, you can roll the turkey stuffing balls in additional bread crumbs before baking. This will give them a deliciously crunchy coating.
- Freezing for later: You can also freeze the turkey stuffing balls before baking. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply cook them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Why You’ll Love Turkey Stuffing Balls
These turkey stuffing balls are an easy and delicious way to turn leftovers into something special. The combination of mashed potatoes, stuffing, turkey, and Parmesan cheese creates a flavorful, satisfying dish that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner.
The crispy outside and creamy inside make these balls a true crowd-pleaser. They are also versatile enough to be served as a side dish, appetizer, or even a main course. Whether you serve them with gravy, cranberry sauce, or even a dollop of sour cream, they are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Conclusion
Turkey Stuffing Balls are a fantastic way to use up holiday leftovers while creating a new, flavorful dish that everyone will enjoy. With a few simple ingredients and a short baking time, you can transform your leftover turkey and stuffing into something that feels fresh and exciting. These golden, crispy bites are perfect for dipping in gravy or cranberry sauce, and they make a great addition to any meal.
So, the next time you have leftover mashed potatoes, turkey, or stuffing, skip the traditional reheating and try making these Turkey Stuffing Balls for a fun, easy, and delicious twist!