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
Scale
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.
