If you’ve ever wished for an irresistible way to turn classic turkey and stuffing into an appetizer everyone fights over, this Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe is about to become your new gold standard. Imagine all the nostalgia and comfort of a holiday meal, but baked into golden, savory little bites perfect for dipping, passing, or piling high on your plate. Whether it’s Thanksgiving leftovers or a weeknight craving, these stuffing balls deliver deliciousness with a crunchy exterior and a moist, flavorful center—trust me, they’re guaranteed to steal the show at any table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish is how straightforward and pantry-friendly the ingredients are! Each one earns its place, creating the perfect blend of Thanksgiving comfort and everyday ease. Here’s why you won’t want to leave anything out:
- Ground turkey: Lean and mild, it soaks up all the herby goodness and keeps each ball tender rather than heavy.
- Prepared stuffing (homemade or store-bought): The real backbone of this Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe—use your favorite for maximum flavor and just the right moisture.
- Finely chopped onion: Adds a gentle, sweet savoriness and a bit of texture once baked.
- Finely chopped celery: Brings a fresh, aromatic crunch that brightens every bite.
- Chicken or turkey broth: Infuses the mixture with extra juiciness, making sure nothing ever turns out dry.
- Large egg: Acts as the binder, holding those delicious bites together so they bake up just right.
- Poultry seasoning: The herby, comforting essence of stuffing; this brings everything together.
- Garlic powder: Lends a rounded, savory undertone that deepens the flavor profile.
- Salt: Essential for waking up all those flavors—don’t skip it!
- Black pepper: Adds just enough bite to balance the richness without overpowering.
- Olive oil or melted butter (for brushing): Gives the exteriors a beautiful golden color and an irresistibly crisp finish.
How to Make Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures an evenly hot environment so your Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe bakes up beautifully golden every time. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; it’s a must for mess-free removal and perfectly crisped bottoms. Now you’re ready to build those balls!
Step 2: Mix Everything Together
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, prepared stuffing, finely chopped onion, celery, broth, egg, poultry seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Use clean hands or a sturdy spoon to gently mix everything together—just until combined. Overmixing can make the balls dense, so stop when you see everything is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Shape the Balls
Grab a cookie scoop or just use your hands to form the mixture into golf ball-sized rounds. You should end up with about 12 to 16 balls. Arrange them evenly on your prepared baking sheet, giving them a little space to ensure they cook through without steaming.
Step 4: Brush for Golden Color
Lightly brush the tops of each stuffing ball with olive oil or melted butter. This simple step transforms the Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe, giving a mouthwatering crispness and a rich, toasty color that’s instantly appetizing.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The stuffing balls should be golden brown and firm when they’re ready, and the turkey inside should register at least 165°F if you’re checking with a thermometer. Once they emerge, try to let them cool for a minute—it’s tough, but so worth that first perfect bite!
How to Serve Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Garnishes
Go to town with a bright sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives, a dusting of extra black pepper, or even a little grated parmesan for extra flair. If you want to make a holiday-worthy presentation, a few fresh cranberries on the platter look festive and fun.
Side Dishes
These stuffing balls are versatile as a main or a starter, so pair them with buttery mashed potatoes, garlicky green beans, roasted carrots, or a crisp salad. Don’t forget a bowl of turkey gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping—it’s the finishing touch of pure comfort.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe stacked on a platter with tiny cocktail picks for an appetizer, or nestle them in a bowl alongside vibrant roasted veggies for a cozy dinner. For a twist, pile them inside soft slider buns with gravy for a fun “stuffing ball sandwich” experience. Kids and adults both go wild for them!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe keep wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let them cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container, layering with parchment paper if you’re stacking to keep their crispy edges intact.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch ahead of time or save some post-holiday magic, these freeze like a dream. Arrange fully cooled balls on a tray to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well up to 2 months and reheat beautifully.
Reheating
For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven or air fryer until warmed through and re-crisped at the edges—usually about 10 to 12 minutes straight from the fridge, or a little longer from frozen. Microwave works for speed, but the oven keeps that perfect texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use leftover cooked turkey instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Chop the cooked turkey finely and swap it in for the ground turkey in the Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe. This is a fantastic way to use up holiday leftovers and gives the balls a slightly heartier texture.
What’s the best stuffing to use?
Both homemade and store-bought stuffing work great. The important thing is that it’s not too dry—if yours seems dry, just add a tablespoon or two more broth until the mixture feels moist and easy to form into balls.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free stuffing mix or bread for a celiac-friendly version. Just double-check that your poultry seasoning and broth are gluten-free as well.
Do I need to cook the vegetables before mixing in?
Nope! Because the onion and celery are finely chopped and the balls are baked, they’ll soften perfectly in the oven and add just the right amount of texture and flavor to every bite of the Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe.
How do I keep the balls from falling apart?
The egg and the moisture from the broth are key! Make sure your mixture is evenly combined but not too wet or dry. If the mixture seems crumbly, add a bit more broth. If it’s too loose, add a spoonful more stuffing to firm it up.
Final Thoughts
Give the Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe a try the next time you crave a little comfort food magic—all the flavor of a holiday meal in a bite-sized, crowd-pleasing package. Whether it’s for a party, a family dinner, or just a creative way to reinvent leftovers, these stuffing balls never last long. Enjoy making—and sharing—them!
