Savory Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

Homemade Savory Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe: Cozy Comfort Bites

When the holiday season rolls around, these crispy turkey stuffing balls emerge as the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer that will steal the show at any gathering.

Packed with robust herbs and classic seasonings, these golden-brown bites deliver irresistible flavor in every single bite.

The recipe combines traditional stuffing ingredients with a clever twist that turns ordinary side dishes into something extraordinary.

Perfectly seasoned and carefully crafted, these stuffing balls offer a delightful crunch that complements any main course.

Each morsel bursts with sage, thyme, and rich turkey flavor that transports you straight to the comfort of a festive dinner table.

They’re simple to prepare and guaranteed to vanish quickly from any serving platter.

Prepare to become the star of your next potluck or family feast with these mouthwatering stuffing balls that everyone will be asking you to make again and again.

Turkey Stuffing Balls: Why Make Them?

  • Transform boring holiday remnants into crispy, mouth-watering appetizers that rescue extra turkey and stuffing from becoming forgotten fridge inhabitants.
  • Whip up these delectable balls in minimal steps, mixing ingredients swiftly and baking them to golden perfection without complicated techniques.
  • Create a universally appealing finger food that delights both kids and adults, perfect for game day, post-holiday gatherings, or casual weekend munching.
  • Enjoy these savory balls with classic gravies, tangy cranberry sauce, or zesty mustard, offering multiple flavor combinations to satisfy different taste preferences.

Ingredients for Leftover Turkey Balls

Main Ingredients:
  • Stuffing: A traditional holiday side dish that adds texture and savory flavor to the turkey balls.
  • Mashed Potatoes: Provides a creamy base that helps bind the ingredients together.
  • Shredded Turkey: Leftover turkey meat that adds protein and rich flavor to the recipe.
Binding Ingredients:
  • Egg, Bread Crumbs: Essential components that help hold the turkey stuffing balls together and create a crispy exterior.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor and helps enhance the overall taste of the balls.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste and bring out the natural flavors of the turkey and stuffing.
Optional Dipping Sauces:
  • Gravy, Cranberry Sauce: Complementary condiments that provide additional flavor and moisture when serving the turkey stuffing balls.

Tools to Shape Stuffing Balls Easily

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients thoroughly.
  • Baking sheet: Crucial for arranging and baking the stuffing balls.
  • Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Helps measure ingredients accurately.
  • Hands: Perfect for mixing and forming the stuffing balls.

Steps for Turkey Stuffing Ball Snacks

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375 degrees F and get ready for some delicious magic to happen.

Step 2: Mix Magic Ingredients

Gather your tasty components in a big mixing bowl:
  • Creamy mashed potatoes
  • Leftover stuffing
  • Shredded turkey meat
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Beaten egg
  • Bread crumbs
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Dive in with your hands and blend everything until it’s perfectly combined and looks like a flavor explosion waiting to happen.

Step 3: Shape Flavor Bombs

Scoop up handfuls of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls, about the size of a golf ball.

Gently place each ball onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving them a little breathing room.

Step 4: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and let the transformation begin.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until the exterior turns a gorgeous golden brown and develops a crispy, crunchy exterior.

Step 5: Serve And Devour

Pull out these scrumptious turkey stuffing balls and serve them piping hot.

Grab some gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping and get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering snack that breathes new life into your holiday leftovers.

Best Tips for Snack-Size Turkey Balls

  • Mix ingredients the night before and refrigerate for deeper flavor fusion and easier morning cooking.
  • Add breadcrumbs gradually to prevent overly dry or wet mixture, ensuring perfect ball consistency.
  • Store uncooked balls in freezer for up to 3 months, making quick meal prep simple and convenient.
  • Spray balls lightly with cooking spray before baking to achieve extra golden-brown, crunchy exterior.
  • Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions for celiac-friendly recipe adaptation.

Flavor Swaps for Stuffing Balls

  • Vegetarian Veggie Balls: Replace turkey with chopped mushrooms, spinach, and roasted bell peppers for a meat-free version that's packed with plant-based protein.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional bread crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko, using gluten-free stuffing mix to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, and cumin to the mixture, serving with a zesty chipotle dipping sauce for a bold flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean Inspired: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, chopped olives, and dried herbs like oregano and thyme for a Mediterranean-inspired take on the classic recipe.

Serving Turkey Balls for Snack Time

  • Festive Party Platter: Arrange these crispy stuffing balls on a rustic wooden board with small dipping bowls of gravy and cranberry sauce for a stunning appetizer spread.
  • Holiday Leftover Remix: Transform your turkey day extras into a crowd-pleasing snack perfect for game day or post-holiday gatherings with friends and family.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Pack these protein-packed balls in lunch containers for a quick, delicious midday meal that reheats beautifully and keeps you satisfied.
  • Dipping Delight: Serve alongside tangy ranch, zesty marinara, or homemade aioli for an extra flavor punch that elevates these simple yet irresistible bites.

Storing Turkey Stuffing Balls the Right Way

  • Store leftover turkey stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
  • Place cooled stuffing balls on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen stuffing balls will keep well for 2-3 months.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread frozen or refrigerated balls on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.

FAQs

  • Can I use other types of meat instead of turkey?

Yes, you can substitute turkey with chicken, ham, or even ground beef for a different flavor profile.

  • Are these stuffing balls freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked balls for up to a month. Just thaw in the refrigerator before baking.

  • What if I don't have bread crumbs?

No problem. You can use crushed crackers, panko, or even crushed cornflakes as a substitute for bread crumbs.

  • Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free bread crumbs and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free to adapt the recipe for those with gluten sensitivities.

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Savory Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

Savory Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe


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4.9 from 15 reviews

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

Description

Homemade turkey stuffing balls bring classic holiday comfort to dinner tables across America. Crispy exterior and herbed interior make these bite-sized delights perfect for festive gatherings where guests can enjoy rich, traditional flavors with each delectable morsel.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups stuffing
  • 2 cups mashed potatoes
  • 1 cup shredded turkey
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Binding Ingredients:

  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1/4 cup bread crumbs

Seasoning:

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F (190°C), ensuring a perfectly warm cooking environment.
  2. Gather all ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, blending mashed potatoes, stuffing, shredded turkey, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, bread crumbs, salt, and black pepper into a cohesive mixture.
  3. Gently shape the combined ingredients into compact, uniform 1-inch spheres using clean hands, arranging them systematically on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  4. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven, allowing the turkey stuffing balls to roast for 15-20 minutes until they develop a crisp, golden-brown exterior.
  5. Remove from the oven and plate immediately, accompanying the savory morsels with complementary dipping sauces like traditional gravy or tangy cranberry sauce for enhanced flavor enjoyment.

Notes

  • Customize Texture by adjusting bread crumbs for crispier or softer balls depending on personal preference.
  • Ensure Even Coating by rolling mixture gently and consistently to create uniform-sized stuffing balls for balanced cooking.
  • Explore Dietary Alternatives by substituting regular ingredients with gluten-free bread crumbs or using plant-based alternatives for vegetarian version.
  • Enhance Flavor Complexity by adding fresh herbs like chopped sage, thyme, or rosemary to elevate the overall taste profile of the stuffing balls.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

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