If you love the comforting flavors of Thanksgiving but want a fun and easy way to enjoy them any day, this Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe is absolutely perfect. These golden, bite-sized balls combine creamy mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, and tender shredded turkey into a perfectly balanced snack or appetizer. Each bite melts in your mouth with a blend of textures and rich, familiar flavors. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing party treat or a cozy family dinner idea, this Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe will quickly become a favorite way to celebrate those classic harvest tastes all year round.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this dish are simple yet essential, coming together to create a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Each one plays an important role: the mashed potatoes add creamy softness, the stuffing brings savory herbs and breadiness, and the turkey infuses meaty goodness. A touch of Parmesan cheese enriches the flavor while egg and bread crumbs help everything bind perfectly for shaping and baking.
- Mashed potatoes: 2 cups of creamy mashed potatoes provide a smooth base to hold everything together.
- Stuffing: 2 cups of flavorful stuffing add herbaceous seasoning and soft, slightly chewy texture.
- Shredded turkey: 1 cup of shredded turkey brings moist, tender meatiness that completes the dish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup for a nutty, salty kick that elevates every bite.
- Egg, beaten: 1 egg acts as the binder to keep the balls intact while baking.
- Bread crumbs: 1/4 cup to help firm up the mixture and give a subtle crunch if desired.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon to enhance all the savory flavors harmoniously.
- Black pepper: 1/8 teaspoon for just a hint of warmth and depth.
How to Make Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s perfect for baking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up easier. This simple first step sets the stage for perfectly crisped turkey stuffing balls.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the mashed potatoes, stuffing, shredded turkey, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, bread crumbs, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly mixed into one cohesive batter. This ensures every bite bursts with balanced flavor and great texture.
Step 3: Form the Balls
Use your hands to shape the mixture into 1-inch diameter balls. It’s important to press gently but firmly so they hold their shape during baking. If the mixture feels too soft to form, adding a touch more bread crumbs can help.
Step 4: Place on Baking Sheet
Arrange the formed balls evenly on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them a little apart. This prevents sticking and allows hot air to circulate around each ball, ensuring they bake evenly and turn golden brown all over.
Step 5: Bake
Pop the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the outsides look beautifully golden and they feel firm to the touch. This baking time also heats the internal turkey and stuffing mixture thoroughly.
Step 6: Serve
Once baked, remove from the oven and serve immediately while warm. These turkey stuffing balls pair wonderfully with gravy or a tangy cranberry sauce for dipping, mimicking those traditional holiday flavors in a fun new form.
How to Serve Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes make these Turkey Stuffing Balls pop on the plate. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme adds a fresh herbal brightness and lovely green color contrast. For a little extra zing, a light drizzle of gravy or a dollop of cranberry sauce brightens the rich flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these turkey stuffing balls with classic sides like a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or creamy mashed sweet potatoes to round out your meal. Their savory, hearty nature means they complement dishes that bring freshness or slight sweetness alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to make your Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe the star at a party? Arrange them on a wooden board with ramekins of different dips such as warm gravy, cranberry sauce, and even a spicy mustard. For a fun finger food option, skewer two or three balls onto small cocktail sticks and serve on a platter for easy, mess-free nibbling.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover turkey stuffing balls, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them sealed well preserves their moisture and flavor so they stay delicious when enjoyed a second time.
Freezing
To freeze, place the formed and uncooked balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm, about 1-2 hours. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months and baked straight from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated turkey stuffing balls in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out. If frozen, bake them directly from the freezer with added time until hot and crisp again.
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey for this recipe?
Absolutely! This Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe is perfect for using leftover cooked turkey, adding wonderful flavor without any waste.
What type of stuffing works best?
Any flavorful, moist stuffing works well, but classic herb stuffing or cornbread stuffing provide great taste and texture contrasts in the balls.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free bread crumbs and make sure your stuffing is gluten-free, and this recipe adapts nicely to dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
How do I get a crispier exterior?
For extra crispiness, you can lightly spray the balls with cooking oil before baking or give them a quick toast in a hot skillet after baking. This adds a delightful crunch.
Can I add other ingredients to the mixture?
Definitely! Bits of cooked vegetables like onions, celery, or mushrooms add extra flavor and nutrition. Just adjust seasoning accordingly.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend making this Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe enough—it’s a cozy, satisfying way to enjoy all those beloved comfort flavors in a handy handheld form. Whether for a festive gathering or just a weeknight treat, these balls are sure to bring smiles and warm hearts around your table. Give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear!
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Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These Turkey Stuffing Balls are a savory and comforting appetizer or side dish, combining creamy mashed potatoes, flavorful stuffing, tender shredded turkey, and Parmesan cheese. Baked to golden perfection, they make a perfect holiday treat or a tasty snack served warm with gravy or cranberry sauce.
Ingredients
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside to prepare for baking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, stuffing, shredded turkey, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, bread crumbs, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form Balls: Using your hands, shape the mixture into 1-inch diameter balls, ensuring they hold together well.
- Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the formed turkey stuffing balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow for even cooking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the balls are golden brown on the outside and heated through.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve the turkey stuffing balls hot. They pair wonderfully with gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For best results, use leftover mashed potatoes and stuffing from a roasted turkey dinner.
- You can substitute Parmesan cheese with cheddar or mozzarella if preferred.
- To freeze, place formed balls on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Ensure the balls are tightly packed when forming to prevent them from falling apart during baking.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces such as cranberry sauce, gravy, or a mustard aioli.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
