If you’re craving a delightful twist on classic holiday flavors, this Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining the comforting taste of mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, and tender shredded turkey, these bite-sized gems are perfect as appetizers, sides, or party snacks. Crispy on the outside and soft, flavorful on the inside, they capture the essence of a festive feast in one easy-to-make dish that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but play crucial roles in creating the perfect texture and harmony of flavors. Each element adds its own unique touch — from creamy mashed potatoes to the sharpness of Parmesan, every bite is deliciously balanced.
- 2 cups mashed potatoes: Acts as a creamy base that binds everything together and adds a smooth texture.
- 2 cups stuffing: Brings in that classic herb-infused, savory note that forms the heart of the balls.
- 1 cup shredded turkey: Adds hearty protein and authentic roast turkey flavor.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a nutty richness and helps with browning during baking.
- 1 egg, beaten: Serves as a natural binder to keep the mixture cohesive.
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs: Introduces just enough texture for structure while preventing sogginess.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors subtly.
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild kick that balances the richness.
How to Make Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper; this prevents sticking and helps with easy clean-up once your turkey stuffing balls are done baking.
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. Mix everything thoroughly so that all ingredients are evenly incorporated, creating a uniform mixture that will shape well.
Step 3: Form the Balls
With clean hands, scoop and roll the mixture into 1-inch diameter balls. Press gently to ensure each ball holds together nicely without crumbling. This part is fun and gives you a good feel for the right consistency of the mixture.
Step 4: Place on Baking Sheet
Arrange the turkey stuffing balls on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them out slightly. This allows the heat to circulate evenly during baking, ensuring each ball develops a beautiful golden-brown crust.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they turn a gorgeous golden brown on the outside while heating through, locking in moist, savory flavors inside.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Carefully remove the turkey stuffing balls from the oven and serve them while hot. They pair beautifully with classic accompaniments like warm gravy or a tangy cranberry sauce to elevate the festive feel.
How to Serve Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your turkey stuffing balls recipe with fresh herbs such as chopped parsley or thyme leaves. A light drizzle of warm gravy or a spoonful of cranberry jam can add extra layers of flavor and moisture that your guests will adore.
Side Dishes
These turkey stuffing balls are incredibly versatile and complement many holiday favorites. Serve alongside roasted vegetables, steamed green beans, or a crisp salad to balance the richness and bring freshness to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or a fun family dinner, arrange the balls on a platter with small dipping bowls of gravy and cranberry sauce. You could also skewer a few together for easy finger food or present them atop a bed of wilted greens to add color and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store your turkey stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, making for quick and tasty snacks or additions to meals during the week.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked turkey stuffing balls by placing them on a parchment-lined tray until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They will keep for up to two months. Simply bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the balls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to crisp them up again. Microwaving is possible but may soften the outer crispness, so oven reheating is preferable for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey is perfect for this recipe, adding a delicious second life to your holiday feast.
What if I don’t have stuffing on hand?
You can substitute with seasoned breadcrumbs or a homemade mixture of bread cubes and herbs to keep the flavor similar.
Are Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe gluten-free?
The traditional recipe includes bread crumbs and stuffing which usually contain gluten, but you can swap these for gluten-free versions to make it safe for gluten-free diets.
Can I bake these without Parmesan cheese?
Yes, you can omit the Parmesan if needed, but it does add a lovely flavor and helps with browning, so consider a substitute like Pecorino or a mild sharp cheese.
How do I make sure the balls don’t fall apart?
Using the egg and bread crumbs helps bind the mixture together. Be gentle but firm when shaping the balls to ensure they hold.
Final Thoughts
I simply can’t recommend this Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe enough — it’s an easy, crowd-pleasing way to enjoy all those fantastic holiday flavors in a fresh form. Whether for a festive appetizer or a cozy dinner side, these tasty balls bring warmth, comfort, and smiles with every bite. Give them a try and watch them disappear from your table!
Print
Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delicious and convenient way to enjoy your Thanksgiving leftovers. Combining mashed potatoes, stuffing, shredded turkey, and Parmesan cheese, these bite-sized balls are baked to golden perfection, making them a perfect appetizer or side dish. Easy to prepare and packed with savory flavors, they pair wonderfully with gravy or cranberry sauce.
Ingredients
Main 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 to prevent sticking and set it aside for later use.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add mashed potatoes, stuffing, shredded turkey, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, bread crumbs, salt, and black pepper. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until everything is well incorporated into a consistent mixture.
- Form Balls: Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls about 1-inch in diameter. Make sure to press firmly so the balls hold together and do not fall apart during baking.
- Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the turkey stuffing balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the balls turn golden brown on the outside and are heated through.
- Serve: Remove the turkey stuffing balls from the oven and serve them hot. They go perfectly with gravy or cranberry sauce for a tasty appetizer or side dish.
Notes
- You can prepare these turkey stuffing balls a day ahead and refrigerate them before baking for convenience.
- For a crispier texture, you can lightly spray the balls with cooking oil before baking.
- Feel free to add herbs like sage or thyme for extra flavor.
- Make sure the mashed potatoes are not too runny to help the balls hold their shape.
- These can be served as party appetizers or as a side to your main meal.
