If you love all the comforting flavors of a holiday feast rolled into one delightful bite, then this Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe is about to become your new go-to. These golden, crispy spheres pack mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, tender turkey, and a touch of Parmesan into an irresistible party-worthy snack or side dish. Perfectly seasoned and baked to a gorgeous golden brown, they bring a fun twist to classic flavors, making every bite a cozy celebration of taste and texture. Whether you’re looking for a creative way to use up leftovers or planning an appetizer that will wow your guests, this Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe delivers all the warmth and comfort of the season in a handheld package.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple pantry staples and fresh components is all it takes to create these irresistible Turkey Stuffing Balls. Each ingredient plays its part: creamy mashed potatoes for binding and softness, savory stuffing for familiar flavor and texture, shredded turkey adding juicy meatiness, Parmesan cheese introducing a subtle, nutty boost, alongside perfectly balanced seasonings.
- 2 cups mashed potatoes: Provides a creamy, smooth base that binds all ingredients while adding rich comfort.
- 2 cups stuffing: Adds herbaceous notes and a slightly crunchy texture contrast perfect for these balls.
- 1 cup shredded turkey: Brings a lean, tender protein element that makes these more substantial and satisfying.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Enhances savory depth with a touch of saltiness and complexity.
- 1 egg, beaten: Acts as a natural binder, holding your balls together during baking.
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs: Helps create a light crust on the outside for that perfect golden finish.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances and lifts all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right hint of heat and earthiness.
How to Make Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready, which helps your Turkey Stuffing Balls bake evenly and develop that beautiful golden crust we all love.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, bring together the mashed potatoes, stuffing, shredded turkey, Parmesan, beaten egg, bread crumbs, salt, and black pepper. Use a sturdy spoon or your hands to mix everything thoroughly until the mixture is completely uniform. This step is key for even flavor and ensuring each ball holds together perfectly.
Step 3: Shape into Balls
Once your mixture is ready, form it into 1-inch balls with your hands. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect—this rustic touch just adds to the charm. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the Turkey Stuffing Balls for about 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them: they should turn a mouthwatering golden brown and become slightly crisp on the outside while staying tender and moist inside. Fresh from the oven, these are simply irresistible!
How to Serve Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of flavor and color, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thyme over the warm balls. A light drizzle of gravy or a side of tangy cranberry sauce makes the perfect dipping partner, enhancing their rich, savory flavors with a little brightness.
Side Dishes
These tasty bites pair beautifully with classic sides like roasted vegetables, green beans, or a crisp salad to balance the richness. They also make a fantastic addition alongside mashed sweet potatoes or creamy mac and cheese for a true comfort food experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve your Turkey Stuffing Balls on a decorative platter with small bowls of dipping sauces such as sage-infused gravy, cranberry chutney, or even a tangy mustard aioli. You can also skewer them with rosemary sprigs for a rustic, elegant touch that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. They stay fresh for up to three days and can be enjoyed cold or reheated for convenience.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked balls by placing them on a tray lined with parchment and freezing until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months, making them a fantastic make-ahead option for busy days or holidays.
Reheating
To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving to keep that satisfying texture—crispy on the outside, tender inside!
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey for this recipe?
Absolutely! This Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe is a perfect way to transform leftover turkey into a brand-new delicious dish, making it ideal for minimizing waste while maximizing flavor.
Can I substitute the Parmesan cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan, a sharp cheddar or Asiago cheese can work well, adding a different but equally tasty twist to the flavor profile.
Are these suitable for freezing after baking?
While you can freeze baked balls, they tend to lose some crispness. For best results, freeze unbaked then bake fresh or reheat to restore their texture.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free bread crumbs and ensure your stuffing is gluten-free to adapt this Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe to fit gluten-sensitive diets.
What’s the best way to make these extra crispy?
Try spraying the formed balls lightly with cooking spray before baking or broiling them for the last 2-3 minutes to get an ultra-crispy exterior without drying out the inside.
Final Thoughts
Trying the Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe is like giving yourself a warm, savory hug in food form. They bring the best parts of a comforting meal together into bites that are fun, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether it’s a special occasion or a cozy night in, these balls are guaranteed to become a household favorite. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to bake up some magic that everyone will be talking about!
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Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (approximately 16-20 balls depending on size)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delicious and creative way to transform leftover Thanksgiving ingredients into a tasty appetizer or side dish. Combining mashed potatoes, stuffing, turkey, and Parmesan cheese, these golden-baked balls are crispy on the outside and packed with savory flavors inside. Perfect for serving warm with gravy or cranberry sauce, they make a crowd-pleasing addition to any holiday meal or cozy dinner.
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 the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for baking the stuffing balls evenly.
- 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 all ingredients thoroughly until well incorporated to ensure each ball has a consistent flavor and texture.
- Shape into Balls: Take portions of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch diameter balls. Place each ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow for easy cleanup.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the stuffing balls for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on the outside indicating they are cooked through and have a crispy exterior.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the turkey stuffing balls warm. They pair wonderfully with gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping, adding an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
Notes
- For a crispier texture, you can lightly brush the balls with olive oil before baking.
- These stuffing balls can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs and ensure the stuffing is gluten-free.
- Leftover turkey and stuffing work perfectly for this recipe, making it a great way to repurpose leftovers.
- Make sure the egg is well beaten to help bind the mixture together effectively.
