Welcome the Flavors of Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
If you’re anything like me, you love finding creative ways to enjoy holiday flavors all year round. That’s why I’m thrilled to share this Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe—a bubbly, golden crisp twist on classic comfort food that’s perfect any night of the week. These little bites bring together the best parts of Thanksgiving: tender shredded turkey, fragrant stuffing, and creamy mashed potatoes, all rolled into one delicious ball.
I love how they turn ordinary leftovers into a fun and finger-friendly meal. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer for a family gathering, these turkey stuffing balls will become a go-to in your kitchen. Plus, they’re quick to make—just about 20 minutes from start to finish.
You’ll enjoy the contrast of textures from the crispy outside to the soft, savory inside, especially when served with warm gravy and a dollop of cranberry sauce. Ready to dig in? Let’s roll up our sleeves!
Daisy’s Top Tips
- Flavor Builder: Add a pinch of sage or thyme to the stuffing mix for a herbaceous kick that complements turkey perfectly.
- Texture Magic: For extra crunch, roll the balls in panko breadcrumbs before frying or baking.
- Budget Friendly: Use leftover turkey or even chicken to keep costs down without sacrificing flavor.
- Time Saver: Mix ingredients while potatoes warm slightly to streamline your prep time.
Market Basket & Pantry Picks
Selecting quality ingredients makes all the difference in your Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe. Fresh, well-seasoned stuffing and creamy mashed potatoes are the base, so choose wisely. If your stuffing is a bit dry, a splash of broth works wonders to moisten it up without losing that satisfying texture.
- 3 cups mashed potatoes: Use homemade or good-quality store-bought with a light, fluffy texture.
- 3 cups stuffing: Opt for herbed stuffing with celery, onions, and sage for depth.
- 1½ cups shredded turkey: Leftovers work great; warm it slightly for easy mixing.
- Gravy for serving: Warm, rich gravy enhances every bite.
- Black pepper to taste: Freshly ground is best.
- Panko breadcrumbs (optional): Adds crunch if frying or baking.
- Butter/oil for frying (optional): Use unsalted butter or your favorite neutral oil.
Smart Shopping Ideas
When shopping for mashed potatoes, check the texture by stirring and tasting if possible. If you pick boxed stuffing, look for one with herbs and veggies included to boost flavor without extra work. Turkey leftovers from your grocery deli or the day after a roast can be perfect—and don’t hesitate to pick up a fresh rotisserie chicken as a quick swap. For gravy, a jar of rich turkey or mushroom gravy can save time without feeling like a compromise.
Cook Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe Step by Step
Now that you’ve gathered your delicious ingredients, it’s time to bring everything together with ease. The process is straightforward, and you’ll love how seamlessly the textures and flavors blend to form these irresistible bites.
- Prep Ingredients: Bring mashed potatoes, stuffing, and turkey to room temperature. If your potatoes feel chilled, give them a quick zap in the microwave until warm and fluffy. If the stuffing seems dry, sprinkle a little broth to loosen it up just a bit.
- Mix & Form: In a large bowl, gently combine the mashed potatoes and stuffing until evenly mixed. Fold in the shredded turkey, then season with black pepper to taste. Shape the mixture into twelve golf ball–sized portions, pressing lightly to hold them together.
- Choose Your Cooking Method: For a lighter approach, preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the balls spaced apart and bake for 10–12 minutes until they’re hot with a lovely crisp on the outside.
If you crave golden crispiness, roll each ball in panko breadcrumbs. Heat a nonstick pan with a tablespoon of butter or oil on medium heat. Fry the balls gently, turning to get an even, golden crust all over. This only takes about 8–10 minutes. - Serve: Plate your Turkey Stuffing Balls hot and drizzle with savory gravy. A spoonful of tart cranberry sauce on the side elevates every bite with a delightful pop of flavor. Serve immediately for the best texture experience!
Serving the Dish with Flair
Nothing brings people together like sharing warm, comfort food served with a little love. I always find that these turkey stuffing balls look extra inviting when arranged around a gravy bowl, with colorful cranberry sauce nearby—that ruby red against the golden brown is such a cheerful sight!
Serve It Up Right
- Perfect Pairings: Serve with green bean casserole or roasted Brussels sprouts for a balanced plate.
- Plating Magic: Arrange the balls in a circle on a large platter with a gravy bowl in the center for inviting presentation.
- Leftover Love: Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in a toaster oven to maintain crispness.
- Occasion Twist: For holiday parties, garnish with fresh sage leaves or pomegranate seeds to add color.
Fun Variations with Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
- Mix in sharp cheddar or Parmesan cheese for an extra savory punch.
- Add chopped cooked bacon or pancetta into the mix for smoky depth.
- Stir in sautéed mushrooms and onions to boost earthiness.
- Experiment with spicy flavors by adding a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika.
- For a twist, swap turkey for shredded chicken or pork carnitas.
- Try rolling balls in crushed cornflakes instead of panko for a different crunch.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- You can assemble the balls and refrigerate them, covered, up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Freeze uncooked balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a sealed container for up to 3 months.
- Reheat frozen cooked balls in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes until warmed through and crispy.
- If frying, it’s best to cook straight from refrigerated—if frozen, thaw fully first.
Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe FAQs
- Can I use leftover mashed potatoes and stuffing? Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for turning leftovers into a new, exciting meal. Just make sure they’re not too watery.
- What if I don’t have turkey? You can substitute shredded chicken or even cooked sausage for a tasty variation.
- Is frying better than baking? Frying gives a golden, crunchy crust and faster cooking, while baking is lighter and less hands-on. Both are delicious!
- How do I prevent the balls from falling apart? Make sure the mixture is well combined and not too wet. If it’s loose, add a little more stuffing or some panko for binding.
- Can I freeze cooked turkey stuffing balls? Yes, store after cooking in airtight containers; reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep crispness.
Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delicious and creative way to transform Thanksgiving leftovers into a crispy, flavorful appetizer or side dish. Combining mashed potatoes, stuffing, and shredded turkey, these bite-sized balls can be baked or pan-fried to golden perfection and served with warm gravy and optional cranberry sauce for a comforting treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 turkey stuffing balls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups mashed potatoes
- 3 cups stuffing
- 1½ cups shredded turkey
- Black pepper to taste
Optional Ingredients
- Panko breadcrumbs (for pan-frying, optional)
- Butter or oil for frying (optional)
- Gravy for serving
- Cranberry sauce for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Bring all ingredients to room temperature to ensure even mixing and cooking. Warm the mashed potatoes slightly if they are too cold or firm, and moisten the stuffing with a little broth if it feels dry to help with binding.
- Mix & Form: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes and stuffing. Fold in the shredded turkey evenly throughout the mixture. Season with black pepper according to taste. Form the mixture into 12 golf ball-sized portions, pressing firmly so they hold their shape.
- Choose Your Cooking Method – Baked Version: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the formed balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the balls are heated through and have a crispy outer layer.
- Choose Your Cooking Method – Pan-Fried Version: For a crispier exterior, roll each ball in panko breadcrumbs. Heat butter or oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Fry the balls gently, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and heated through, about 8-10 minutes total.
- Serve: Arrange the turkey stuffing balls on a serving platter. Top with hot gravy and offer cranberry sauce on the side if desired. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Using fresh turkey and stuffing works best, but leftovers are ideal for this recipe.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste and the saltiness of your stuffing and mashed potatoes.
- Panko breadcrumbs add extra crunch but can be omitted for a softer texture, especially in the baked version.
- These balls can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated; reheat in the oven or skillet before serving.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free stuffing and breadcrumbs.
