Turkey Stuffing Balls

Turkey Stuffing Balls put a fun and flavorful twist on traditional stuffing, making them a standout addition to any holiday table. Made with ground turkey and aromatic herbs, these savory bites are perfect for easy holiday recipes dinner, thanksgiving balls recipe, or as cute Thanksgiving appetizers easy to serve at gatherings.

Ideal for thanksgiving dishes for a crowd, thanksgiving recipes for 2, or as a tasty option for winter tailgate food, they also work as alternative Christmas meals or stuffing recipes no meat with simple adjustments. Discover new ways to make turkey while elevating your seasonal meals with these delicious, crowd-pleasing bites.

Turkey Stuffing Balls

Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delightful twist on traditional stuffing, offering a fun and flavorful option for gatherings with ground turkey and fragrant herbs.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey Use high-quality ground turkey for best flavor.
• 3 cups stale bread cubes Stale bread cubes provide the right texture.
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped Add as much or as little as desired.
• 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped For added flavor and texture.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic enhances the overall taste.
• 1 tsp dried sage A must for stuffing flavor.
• 1 tsp dried thyme Can replace with other herbs like rosemary.
• 1/2 tsp salt Adjust to taste.
• 1/4 tsp black pepper Freshly ground is preferred.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth Use low-sodium if desired.
• 1 large egg, beaten Acts as a binder for the mixture.
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (optional for serving) Adds sweetness when drizzled on top.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.

Mixing Ingredients

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, stale bread cubes, sautéed onion and celery mixture, dried sage, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, chicken broth, and beaten egg. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Shaping and Baking

• Using your hands, shape the mixture into balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the formed balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart to allow for even cooking.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the turkey stuffing balls are cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
• Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, serve with cranberry sauce drizzled on top for an added touch of sweetness.

Notes

Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze the balls in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Keyword Ground Turkey, holiday appetizer, Savory Snacks, Stuffing Balls, turkey stuffing balls

Why You’ll Love This Turkey Stuffing Balls

Turkey Stuffing Balls are a versatile and comforting dish that can please any palate. They pack a punch with flavors from fresh herbs and spices, and their bite-sized form makes them easy to serve. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or looking for a hearty appetizer for game day, these stuffing balls will win over your guests. Plus, they can be prepared in advance for stress-free entertaining!

How to Make Turkey Stuffing Balls

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 3 cups stale bread cubes
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried sage
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (optional for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, stale bread cubes, sautéed onion and celery mixture, dried sage, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, chicken broth, and beaten egg. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
4. Using your hands, shape the mixture into balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the formed balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart to allow for even cooking.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the turkey stuffing balls are cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
6. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, serve with cranberry sauce drizzled on top for an added touch of sweetness.

How to Serve Turkey Stuffing Balls

Turkey Stuffing Balls can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or part of a main course. Pair them with a dollop of cranberry sauce for a burst of sweetness and contrasting flavor. They are also fantastic alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. For game day or casual gatherings, serve them with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch or honey mustard for an extra layer of enjoyment.

How to Store Turkey Stuffing Balls

Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze the balls in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tips to Make Turkey Stuffing Balls Perfect

1. Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh herbs and high-quality ground turkey will enhance the flavor.
2. Don’t Skip the Stale Bread: Stale bread cubes absorb moisture and provide the right texture.
3. Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Feel free to modify the herbs and spices based on your preferences.
4. Test a Small Ball First: Bake one ball to test for seasoning and cooking time before baking the entire batch.

Flavor Variations

1. Cheesy Turkey Stuffing Balls: Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella to the mixture for a gooey surprise.
2. Spicy Kick: Incorporate some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a touch of heat.
3. Herb Medley: Experiment with other herbs such as rosemary or parsley for a different flavor profile.

Pro Tips for Success

• Ensure the bread cubes are dry to achieve the perfect texture; if they’re fresh, you can dry them in the oven.
• When mixing, don’t overwork the turkey to avoid tough stuffing balls. Mix just until combined.
• For uniform cooking, try using a cookie scoop to portion the mixture.

FAQs About Turkey Stuffing Balls

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture a day ahead and keep it in the refrigerator. Just shape and bake when you’re ready.

Are Turkey Stuffing Balls gluten-free?
You can make gluten-free Turkey Stuffing Balls by using gluten-free bread cubes and ensuring your chicken broth is gluten-free.

What can I serve with Turkey Stuffing Balls?
These stuffing balls pair well with various sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad. They also make great party snacks on their own.

Final Thoughts

Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delightful mix of flavor and fun. They are easy to prepare and versatile enough to fit into any meal. With their appealing bite-sized format, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next gathering or family dinner. Get ready to savor every bite!