If you love the comforting flavors of Thanksgiving but want a fresh, fun twist, this Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe is your new best friend. Picture golden, juicy balls packed with savory ground turkey, classic herbs, and that familiar, cozy stuffing texture all baked to perfection. Whether you’re looking for a clever way to reinvent leftovers or a standout appetizer for your holiday table, these Turkey Stuffing Balls bring warmth, flavor, and a touch of nostalgia in every bite. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a beloved tradition you’ll want to enjoy year-round.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple pantry staples, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of moisture, texture, and flavor in your Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps soften the vegetables without overpowering the mix.
- Ground turkey: Provides a lean, tender protein base that pairs beautifully with the stuffing.
- Prepared stuffing (cooled): The heart of the dish – brings that classic herbed bread component, offering texture and seasoning.
- Onion (finely chopped): Adds a sweet and savory depth that enhances the overall flavor.
- Celery (finely chopped): Brings a mild crunch and freshness that brightens the mixture.
- Egg (lightly beaten): Acts as the perfect binder to hold everything together flawlessly.
- Garlic powder: Introduces a gentle garlic note without overwhelming the other spices.
- Dried sage: Delivers that essential herbaceous warmth often associated with traditional stuffing.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance every bite.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness at the end.
- Melted butter (for brushing): Gives the stuffing balls a beautiful golden sheen and a slight buttery finish.
How to Make Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then toss in the finely chopped onion and celery. Cook these for about 3 to 4 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. This step is key because it releases the vegetables’ natural sweetness, lending a gentle depth to your stuffing balls that simply can’t be rushed.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, bring together the ground turkey, cooled prepared stuffing, sautéed vegetables, beaten egg, garlic powder, dried sage, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley. Mix gently until just combined—you want everything evenly distributed but avoid overmixing to keep the texture light and tender.
Step 3: Form the Balls
Next, shape the mixture into golf ball-sized portions, using your hands. Aim for consistent sizes so they cook evenly. This part is always fun—it’s like crafting little bundles of pure comfort and flavor!
Step 4: Prepare to Bake
Place the formed balls evenly on a parchment-lined or lightly greased baking sheet. Once arranged, brush the tops lightly with melted butter. This simple touch will help them brown beautifully and add that irresistible buttery flavor.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn golden on top and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The result? Juicy, flavorful Turkey Stuffing Balls that are crispy outside and tender inside. Serve immediately for the best experience.
How to Serve Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it simple but inviting by garnishing your Turkey Stuffing Balls with a sprinkle of extra fresh parsley or a drizzle of warm gravy. A dollop of cranberry sauce on the side also adds a lovely tart contrast that lifts the whole dish.
Side Dishes
These balls shine alongside a classic green bean casserole, roasted sweet potatoes, or a crisp garden salad. They’re the perfect complement to tantalizing holiday sides or as a hearty appetizer to share before the main course.
Creative Ways to Present
For a delightful twist, serve Turkey Stuffing Balls on mini skewers with a small ramekin of gravy or dipping sauce. Alternatively, pile them into a rustic bread bowl filled with cranberry relish for a crowd-pleasing centerpiece that’s as fun to eat as it is flavorful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which might be unlikely because they’re so good), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days—perfect for a quick snack or a flavorful addition to your next meal.
Freezing
To freeze, it’s best to bake the Turkey Stuffing Balls first, then let them cool completely. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to two months, making them a great make-ahead option for busy holiday prep.
Reheating
For reheating, pop the frozen or refrigerated balls back into the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through. This method preserves their crispy texture much better than microwaving, which can make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! You can chop leftover cooked turkey finely and mix it with stuffing, but be cautious with moisture levels. You might need to add an extra egg or some breadcrumbs to help bind the mixture.
What type of stuffing works best?
Both homemade and boxed stuffing work well. Just make sure the stuffing isn’t too wet, as excess moisture can make shaping the balls tricky. If needed, gently squeeze out any extra liquid.
Are Turkey Stuffing Balls gluten-free?
The traditional recipe isn’t gluten-free because of the bread in the stuffing. However, you can use gluten-free stuffing or bread crumbs to adapt this Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe for gluten sensitivities.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Aside from the butter brush, which you can swap with olive oil or a dairy-free alternative, the recipe is naturally dairy-free. Just double-check your stuffing ingredients to avoid hidden dairy.
How do I know when the stuffing balls are fully cooked?
The safest way is to check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). They should also be golden brown on the outside and no longer pink in the center.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the way this Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe transforms simple ingredients into a bite-sized celebration of holiday flavors. Whether you’re reinventing leftovers or looking for a new appetizer to wow your guests, these little balls of goodness deliver warmth, comfort, and a whole lot of love. I can’t recommend making these enough—give them a try and prepare for some serious requests for seconds!
Print
Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 balls (about 4 servings)
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
These Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delicious and creative way to use Thanksgiving leftovers or enjoy a flavorful appetizer or side dish year-round. Combining ground turkey with seasoned stuffing, sautéed vegetables, and fresh herbs, then baked to golden perfection, they offer a comforting and protein-packed bite that pairs beautifully with gravy or cranberry sauce.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 cups prepared stuffing (cooled)
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent the stuffing balls from sticking.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and celery, sautéing for 3 to 4 minutes until they become tender and fragrant, enhancing the flavor base of your stuffing balls.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, cooled prepared stuffing, sautéed onion and celery, lightly beaten egg, garlic powder, dried sage, salt, black pepper, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix gently until the ingredients are just incorporated to maintain tenderness.
- Form Balls: Using your hands or a scoop, shape the mixture into golf ball-sized balls. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
- Brush with Butter: Lightly brush the tops of each stuffing ball with melted butter. This adds a rich golden color and extra flavor while baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the stuffing balls for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve warm. These stuffing balls pair wonderfully with gravy or cranberry sauce, making them a perfect appetizer or side dish for holiday meals or everyday dinners.
Notes
- These stuffing balls can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or a creative way to use leftover stuffing from holiday meals.
- Feel free to use either boxed stuffing or homemade stuffing, but ensure it is not too wet to maintain the right texture.
- To freeze, bake the balls first, allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container. Reheat before serving.
- For variation, you can add extra herbs or swap fresh parsley for other fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
