Turkey stuffing Balls Recipe

If you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming about what to do with all those delicious Thanksgiving leftovers, Turkey stuffing Balls are the ultimate answer. Imagine golden, crispy bites filled with mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, and tender turkey, all brought together in the coziest way possible. These are more than just a way to use up holiday extras—they’re a new family tradition waiting to happen. Whether you’re entertaining friends or just want a comforting snack on a chilly evening, these easy-to-make balls deliver a little taste of Thanksgiving in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of pantry staples and holiday leftovers, these Turkey stuffing Balls come together in a snap. Every ingredient plays its own special role, creating bites that are crispy, fluffy, flavorful, and satisfyingly rich.

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, soft potatoes act like culinary glue, keeping the balls moist and helping everything hold together.
• Stuffing: Savory, herby stuffing infuses each ball with classic holiday flavor and lots of texture.
• Shredded Turkey: The star ingredient, turkey adds protein and a tender, meaty bite. Go for white or dark meat, or a mix of both!
• Gravy (for serving): A generous drizzle of hot, savory gravy ties all the flavors together—don’t skip it for that full Thanksgiving feeling.
• Black Pepper: A crack or two of black pepper sharpens and balances the richness.
• Panko Breadcrumbs (optional): For an extra-crunchy crust, panko is the way to go, making the edges perfectly crisp when you fry or bake.
• Butter/Oil (for frying, optional): A little butter or oil adds golden color and richness if you pan-fry your balls.

How to Make Turkey stuffing Balls

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by making sure everything is at room temperature. If your mashed potatoes are cold or a bit stiff, warm them in the microwave just until they loosen up. If your stuffing seems dry, add a splash of broth or a bit of melted butter to moisten it—this will make the mixture easier to shape and the balls more tender inside.

Step 2: Mix & Form the Balls

In your largest mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes and stuffing first, mixing gently to keep the texture fluffy. Fold in the shredded turkey, using clean hands or a spoon until everything is evenly mixed. Add black pepper to taste. Scoop out portions and roll each into golf ball-sized balls—you should end up with about 12 Turkey stuffing Balls.

Step 3: Choose Your Cooking Method

Now it’s decision time: crispy baked or ultra-crunchy fried? For the baked version, preheat your oven to 375°F and arrange the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until they’re hot through and lightly crisp on the outside. For the pan-fried version, coat each ball lightly in panko breadcrumbs, then fry in a nonstick pan with a little butter or oil, turning gently until golden all over. This delivers next-level crunch!

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Top your hot Turkey stuffing Balls with a ladle of steaming gravy, add a festive touch with cranberry sauce if you like, and dig in while everything’s steamy and fresh. The contrast of crispy exterior and pillowy middle is something special—trust me, it’s impossible to eat just one!

How to Serve Turkey stuffing Balls

Garnishes

Ladle hot gravy over the Turkey stuffing Balls just before serving for that irresistible “sauced” comfort. For a pop of color and brightness, add a spoonful of cranberry sauce or sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or thyme—herbs always make things look (and taste) extra enticing.

Side Dishes

Pair these with a simple green salad, sweet roasted vegetables, or leftover green beans to round out a meal. If you want to go all-in, serve alongside extra mashed potatoes or even some mac and cheese. These Turkey stuffing Balls soak up sauces and sides beautifully!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, pile the balls on a rustic wooden board with tiny forks or toothpicks for easy snacking. Or, set each Turkey stuffing Ball in a mini muffin cup for a playful, individual presentation—perfect for potlucks and kids’ tables alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Turkey stuffing Balls store like a dream. Pop any cooled extras in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. They’ll still be flavorful and satisfying for quick lunches or snacks.

Freezing

You can freeze Turkey stuffing Balls before cooking for longer storage. Place the formed (but unbaked or unfried) balls on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for up to a month—just thaw in the fridge overnight before baking or frying as usual.

Reheating

For best results, reheat balls in a hot oven (about 375°F) for 8–10 minutes to restore their crispy exterior. You can also pop them in an air fryer for a few minutes. The microwave works in a pinch, especially for softer textures—just cover and heat until steaming hot throughout.

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Turkey stuffing Balls are just as delicious with shredded chicken, roast beef, or even ham. Just use whatever protein you have on hand and mix it right in.

What if my mixture is too dry to form into balls?

If your mixture feels crumbly or won’t stick together, work in a little extra chicken or turkey broth, melted butter, or even a splash of milk. You want the mixture soft enough to shape but not wet.

How do I make these vegetarian?

Skip the turkey and add extra veggies or sautéed mushrooms, then use vegetable-based gravy for serving. You can still enjoy all those holiday flavors—just in a meatless way!

Can I prepare Turkey stuffing Balls ahead of time?

Definitely! Shape the balls a day ahead, store them tightly covered in the fridge, and just bake or fry when you’re ready to serve. They’re perfect for prepping in advance for parties or busy evenings.

What sauces other than gravy go well with stuffing balls?

Try a little cranberry chutney, creamy mustard sauce, or even ranch dip. The savory flavors pair nicely with a touch of sweetness or tang. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

Final Thoughts

I can’t think of a cozier, more genius way to savor holiday leftovers than these Turkey stuffing Balls. Whether you bake them up for a party or enjoy them on a lazy weekend, they always deliver that warm, homemade feeling. Give them a try and watch them disappear—you might even find yourself making extra stuffing just for the excuse!

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