Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls: A Delicious and Creative Way to Reuse Holiday Leftovers
After a festive holiday meal, it’s common to find yourself with plenty of leftover turkey and stuffing. Instead of simply reheating them, why not transform these holiday staples into something new and exciting? Leftover turkey stuffing balls are the perfect way to give new life to your leftovers while creating a delicious appetizer or snack that will impress your guests.
Crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor, these stuffing balls are a great alternative to traditional leftover dishes. Whether you choose to fry, bake, or cook them in an air fryer, they are versatile, easy to make, and a fun way to use up excess turkey and stuffing. Let’s dive into how to prepare this tasty treat and make the most of your holiday leftovers.
Why Make Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls?
Leftover turkey and stuffing are often underappreciated once the initial excitement of the holiday meal has passed. Instead of letting them sit in your fridge for days or eventually ending up in the trash, turning them into stuffing balls offers a creative and tasty way to repurpose these leftovers.
Not only do these turkey stuffing balls help reduce food waste, but they also provide an opportunity to enhance the flavor profile of your leftovers. By adding a few simple ingredients like cheese, turkey gravy, and breadcrumbs, you can turn these basics into a mouthwatering snack that will have everyone reaching for more. Perfect for parties, game days, or even a quick lunch, these balls are as versatile as they are delicious.
Ingredients for Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls
Here’s what you’ll need to make these flavorful leftover turkey stuffing balls. Feel free to adjust based on what you have on hand:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups of leftover turkey, shredded or finely minced
- 3 cups of leftover stuffing
- 1/2 cup of cranberry sauce (optional, but it adds a nice tart sweetness)
- 1/2 cup of grated cheese (such as mozzarella or cheddar, for added richness)
- 1/2 cup of turkey gravy (or chicken broth if you prefer a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour (for coating)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs, seasoned to taste
- Frying oil (canola or vegetable oil works best for frying)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
These ingredients come together to create a perfect balance of flavors and textures, ensuring that each bite of your stuffing balls is savory, crunchy, and satisfying.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls
Making leftover turkey stuffing balls is easy and can be done in a few simple steps. Here’s how you can prepare this delightful dish:
1. Combine the Main Ingredients
Start by adding your leftover turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce (if using), and cheese into a large mixing bowl. Mix them together until all the ingredients are evenly combined. Gradually add the turkey gravy (or chicken broth) to the mixture, stirring to combine. You want the mixture to come together and hold its shape when pressed. If it’s too dry, add a little more gravy; if it’s too wet, incorporate more breadcrumbs or stuffing.
2. Roll the Mixture into Balls
Once the mixture is well combined, use your hands or a cookie scoop to roll it into small golf ball-sized balls. Press down firmly as you shape them to ensure they hold together. Arrange the rolled balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prepare for the dredging process.
3. Set Up a Dredging Station
To coat the balls, set up three separate bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Roll each ball first in the flour, then dip it into the egg wash, and finally coat it in breadcrumbs. This step helps create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and flavorful.
4. Chill the Balls for Firmness
Once the stuffing balls are coated, place them in the fridge for about 15 to 20 minutes. Chilling the balls allows them to firm up, making them easier to cook and preventing them from falling apart during the frying or baking process.
5. Frying Option:
To fry the balls, heat about 2 inches of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil reaches 350°F (175°C), carefully add the stuffed balls to the pan, working in batches if necessary. Fry for about 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally, until the balls are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Use a slotted spoon to remove the balls from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Baking Option:
For a healthier alternative, you can bake the stuffing balls instead. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the balls on a prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray them with cooking spray to help them crisp up. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the edges are crispy.
7. Air Fryer Option:
If you prefer using an air fryer, arrange the stuffed balls in the basket in a single layer and cook them at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 to 12 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time for even crispness.
8. Garnish and Serve
Once cooked, garnish your leftover turkey stuffing balls with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve the balls warm with a side of cranberry sauce, turkey gravy, or any dipping sauce of your choice.
Creative Variations for Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas for adding a personal twist to your stuffing balls:
Add Veggies:
Incorporate finely chopped veggies like onions, celery, or mushrooms into the stuffing mixture for added texture and flavor.
Spicy Turkey Stuffing Balls:
For a little heat, add some jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. The spiciness will complement the savory turkey and stuffing perfectly.
Cheese Variations:
While mozzarella and cheddar are the most common choices, feel free to experiment with other cheeses such as Parmesan, Gruyère, or goat cheese for a unique flavor twist.
Mashed Potato Stuffing Balls:
To make the stuffing balls even more hearty, consider adding some mashed potatoes into the mixture. The potatoes will give the balls a smoother texture and help them hold together.
How to Make Ahead and Store Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls
These stuffing balls are perfect for making ahead, especially if you’re planning for a big gathering or want to reduce prep time. Here’s how to store and reheat them:
Freezing the Stuffing Balls:
After rolling and coating the stuffing balls, place them on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the balls to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
To cook frozen stuffing balls, you can bake or fry them straight from the freezer. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time, and you’ll have crispy, delicious stuffing balls ready to serve.
Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls
These leftover turkey stuffing balls are an excellent way to turn your holiday leftovers into something exciting and new. Whether fried, baked, or air-fried, they are the perfect balance of crunch and softness. By incorporating turkey, stuffing, and a few simple ingredients, you can create a crowd-pleasing appetizer, side dish, or snack that everyone will enjoy.
Not only do these turkey stuffing balls help you reduce food waste, but they also offer an opportunity to experiment with flavors and textures. Make them ahead of time, freeze them for later, or serve them fresh for a quick and tasty meal. No matter how you prepare them, these stuffing balls will become a holiday favorite for years to come.