Irresistible Turkey Stuffing Balls: Turn Holiday Leftovers into a Party Favorite

Transform your holiday leftovers into a culinary delight with these delicious Turkey Stuffing Balls! Imagine crispy exteriors giving way to a fluffy, flavorful center that combines all your favorite Thanksgiving flavors in one perfect bite. Whether you’re entertaining guests, looking for a cozy post-holiday snack, or simply trying to avoid food waste, these stuffing balls make a truly memorable dish.

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What Are Turkey Stuffing Balls?

Turkey Stuffing Balls are delightful hand-sized bites made by combining leftover mashed potatoes, stuffing, and shredded turkey. These balls can be baked or pan-fried until the outside is golden and crispy, while the inside remains soft and savory. They capture the essence of traditional Thanksgiving dinner but in a fun, easy-to-eat form perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe Turkey Stuffing Balls

Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes total prep and cook time, these balls are a simple way to turn leftovers into something exciting.

Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the classic flavors of turkey, stuffing, and potatoes, making this an ideal crowd-pleaser.

Versatile Cooking Options: Choose to bake or fry based on your preference and equipment.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the mixture ahead and freeze uncooked balls for future quick meals or parties.

Perfect Party Appetizer: These turkey stuffing balls are great finger food for gatherings or game day snacks.

Customizable: Add your favorite herbs, spices, or sauces to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 3 cups mashed potatoes (preferably well-seasoned, leftover works great)
• 3 cups stuffing (moisten with broth if dry)
• 1½ cups shredded turkey (leftover turkey is perfect)
• Black pepper, to taste
• Gravy, for serving
• Optional for frying: Butter or oil, and panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch

Ingredient Tips and Substitutions

• Mashed potatoes: Use creamy mashed potatoes with butter and seasoning for extra flavor.
• Stuffing: Traditional bread stuffing works well, but feel free to use cornbread or sausage-free versions as desired.
• Turkey: Shredded cooked turkey breast or dark meat; you can also substitute cooked chicken if preferred.
• Broth: Use turkey or chicken broth to moisten stuffing if it feels dry.
• Breadcrumbs: Panko adds a fantastic crunch when pan-frying, but feel free to skip if baking.
• Gravy: Serve with homemade or store-bought turkey gravy; cranberry sauce on the side adds a lovely sweet tartness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Prep Ingredients:
  Bring all your ingredients to room temperature to help them bind better.
• Slightly warm mashed potatoes, if needed, to make them easier to mix.
• Moisten stuffing with broth if it seems dry, ensuring a soft texture.
• Mix and Form:
  In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes and stuffing gently.
• Fold in the shredded turkey ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
• Season with black pepper if needed (watch salt if stuffing is already salty).
• Shape the mixture into 12 golf ball-sized portions.
• Choose Your Cooking Method:
  For Baked Turkey Stuffing Balls:
• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Place balls on a lined baking sheet.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes until heated through and the outside turns crispy.
• For Pan-Fried Turkey Stuffing Balls:
• Roll each ball in panko breadcrumbs to coat (optional but recommended).
• Heat butter or oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
• Fry balls gently, turning to brown all sides until golden and crisp.
• Serve:
  Plate your turkey stuffing balls and ladle hot gravy over the top.
• Add a dollop of cranberry sauce on the side if desired.
• Serve immediately to enjoy the crispy texture contrasted by the tender inside.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

You can prepare the mixture and keep it chilled for several hours before cooking.

If the mixture feels dry, add a little extra broth or butter to loosen it.

These balls freeze well uncooked; freeze on a tray then store in a freezer bag. Cook straight from frozen by adding a few extra minutes.

Reheat cooked balls in the oven for best texture, or gently microwave if short on time.

Serving Suggestions and Garnishes

Serve as a hearty snack during holiday gatherings or as a main dish with a side salad.

Add fresh herbs like parsley or sage sprinkled on top for color and aroma.

Pair with mashed vegetables or a warm soup for a comforting meal.

Cranberry sauce, homemade or canned, brightens the rich flavors nicely.

Variations and Flavor Boosters For a twist on the classic, try adding:

Shredded cheese inside the mixture for gooey goodness.

Chopped cooked vegetables like carrots or green beans for added nutrition.

A touch of dried herbs such as thyme or rosemary mixed in.

Spice it up with a dash of cayenne or paprika.

Swap turkey for chicken or even vegetarian sausage for different versions.

Cultural Note

This recipe captures the essence of post-Thanksgiving creativity, turning what might be considered leftovers into a highlight dish. Stuffing balls are a popular idea across American households as a way to enjoy familiar flavors with a fun new presentation. They are not only practical but also bring a sense of festivity and togetherness during family meals or celebrations.

This turkey stuffing balls recipe offers a terrific way to avoid waste and make nutritious, tasty treats quickly. It’s approachable for home cooks with everyday ingredients and designed to please even picky eaters. Try it out as a cozy comfort food or as your next party hit!