Turkey Stuffing Balls

Introduction

Turkey Stuffing Balls are a fantastic way to repurpose Thanksgiving leftovers into a whole new dish that everyone will love. These little bites are packed with the classic flavors of mashed potatoes, stuffing, and turkey, then bound together with a bit of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs to form perfectly golden balls. What I love most about these Turkey Stuffing Balls is how easy they are to make and how versatile they are. You can serve them as appetizers, side dishes, or even as a quick snack.

The first time I made these was right after Thanksgiving, and my family was so impressed by how these simple ingredients turned into such a satisfying, savory snack. The crispy outer layer contrasts with the creamy mashed potatoes and tender turkey inside, making for a great bite-sized treat. The Parmesan adds just the right amount of sharpness to balance out the richness of the stuffing and mashed potatoes. What’s more, these Turkey Stuffing Balls are a hit with both adults and kids, and I’ve found that they disappear quickly at family gatherings.

Whether you’re making them with leftovers or preparing them from scratch, these Turkey Stuffing Balls are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. They’re perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or any time you’re looking for a cozy, comforting snack.

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

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to make sure it’s hot and ready for baking.
2. Combine the Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, mix together the mashed potatoes, stuffing, shredded turkey, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, bread crumbs, salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture until well combined. The egg and breadcrumbs will help bind everything together, making it easier to form into balls.
3. Shape Into Balls:
   Using your hands, form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This will prevent the balls from sticking to the sheet during baking.
4. Bake the Turkey Stuffing Balls:
   Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the turkey stuffing balls are golden brown and crisp on the outside.
5. Serve:
   Serve the turkey stuffing balls warm, alongside gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping. They’re perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or even a fun snack for your holiday gatherings.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, makes about 20 balls)

• Serving Size: 1 ball
• Calories: 85 kcal
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 35mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve

• As an Appetizer: Serve the turkey stuffing balls as bite-sized appetizers with dipping sauces like gravy or cranberry sauce. They are perfect for a holiday party or gathering.
• As a Side Dish: Pair these with your favorite roasted vegetables or a salad for a satisfying side dish at any meal.
• For a Quick Snack: Turkey Stuffing Balls make an excellent snack for the afternoon, especially when served with a creamy dipping sauce or a light yogurt-based dip.
• With a Sandwich: Place a few turkey stuffing balls between slices of bread or in a pita for a hearty, handheld snack.
• For Meal Prep: You can make a batch ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer for easy snacks during the week.

Additional Tips

1. Use Leftover Stuffing and Mashed Potatoes: If you have leftover stuffing and mashed potatoes from a holiday meal, this recipe is the perfect way to use them up.
2. Make Them Smaller: For party appetizers, you can make the balls smaller than 1 inch for easy finger food.
3. Freeze for Later: You can freeze uncooked turkey stuffing balls. After forming the balls, place them on a baking sheet in the freezer for about an hour, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake from frozen, adding an extra few minutes to the cook time.
4. Use Ground Turkey: If you don’t have shredded turkey, ground turkey works well as a substitute and will still provide the desired flavor.
5. Add Spices for Extra Flavor: Try adding a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or sage to the mix for added flavor, especially if your stuffing isn’t too flavorful on its own.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure that your stuffing mix is also gluten-free if you want to make these gluten-free.
• Add Cheese: For a cheesier version, add more shredded cheese to the mixture, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or Gouda.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the turkey and use vegetable broth in the stuffing to create a vegetarian version of these turkey stuffing balls.
• Spicy Variation: Add a little kick by mixing in some crushed red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the stuffing mix.
• Bacon Version: For a smoky twist, try adding crumbled cooked bacon to the mixture for extra depth of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• With Gravy: Serve with your favorite turkey or chicken gravy for dipping to enhance the flavors and add richness.
• With Cranberry Sauce: The sweetness of cranberry sauce pairs beautifully with the savory turkey stuffing balls, offering a delicious contrast in flavor.
• On a Platter: Arrange the turkey stuffing balls on a platter with various dips like ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or a spicy mustard sauce for a variety of flavors.
• With Mashed Potatoes and Veggies: For a complete meal, serve the turkey stuffing balls with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables on the side.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Leftover turkey stuffing balls can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to keep the exterior crispy.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked turkey stuffing balls for up to 2 months. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and when ready to serve, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the turkey stuffing balls ahead of time, shape them into balls, and store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
   Yes, shredded or ground chicken can be used instead of turkey for a slightly different flavor.
2. Can I make these gluten-free?
   Absolutely! Just substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs, and make sure the stuffing mix is also gluten-free.
3. Can I bake these in advance?
   Yes, you can bake them ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain their crispiness.
4. Can I freeze uncooked turkey stuffing balls?
   Yes, freeze them uncooked and bake from frozen when you’re ready to serve. Add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
5. What type of stuffing should I use?
   You can use any type of stuffing you like, but make sure it’s moist enough to hold the mixture together. Stove-top or homemade stuffing works well.
6. How can I make these spicier?
   Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
7. Can I use pre-cooked turkey?
   Yes, leftover or pre-cooked turkey works perfectly in this recipe.
8. What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
   If you don’t have Parmesan, you can use another hard cheese, such as Pecorino Romano or Asiago.
9. Can I add other vegetables?
   Yes, diced mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach would be great additions to the turkey stuffing mixture.
10. How long should I bake the turkey stuffing balls?
    Bake them for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crisp on the outside.

Conclusion

Turkey Stuffing Balls are a fantastic way to repurpose leftovers into a delicious and satisfying dish. They combine the best flavors of Thanksgiving, such as turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes, into bite-sized treats that everyone will love. They’re versatile, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or a quick snack. With endless variations and the option to make them ahead or freeze for later, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy these flavorful bites with your favorite dips and sides for a complete and delicious meal!

Print