If you’re staring down a mountain of Thanksgiving leftovers and hoping for a way to make them feel new and exciting, these Turkey Stuffing Balls are truly a savior. They’re savory, comforting, and packed with all the flavors we crave during the holiday season—juicy turkey, herby stuffing, a little touch of melty cheese, and golden, crisped edges. Whether you serve them as appetizers, snacks, or even a quirky main dish, this recipe transforms leftovers into something everyone will fight over!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients are all it takes to transform remnants of your holiday meal into the irresistible Turkey Stuffing Balls. Each element brings its own magic, working together to create bites that are flavorful, moist, and always a crowd-pleaser.
- Cooked Turkey (3 cups, finely chopped): The star of the show, giving each bite a hearty, satisfying texture and that classic holiday flavor.
- Prepared Stuffing (4 cups): Whether you have homemade or store-bought, stuffing binds everything together and offers herby, savory goodness.
- Eggs (2 large): Hold everything in place and contribute to that lovely golden finish.
- Shredded Mozzarella or Cheddar Cheese (1/2 cup, optional): Adds creaminess and a stretchy, melty bite—totally optional but highly recommended!
- Turkey or Chicken Broth (1/4 cup): Keeps the mixture moist and infuses extra flavor.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Lends a subtle background warmth.
- Onion Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Boosts the savory, umami notes.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, optional): Sprinkles of green add freshness and a pop of color.
- Nonstick Spray or Oil (for baking): Ensures a crispy finish and prevents sticking.
How to Make Turkey Stuffing Balls
Step 1: Mix Everything Together
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F and preparing a baking sheet with parchment paper or a light coating of oil. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped turkey, stuffing, eggs, cheese (if you’re using it), broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and parsley. Use clean hands or a big spoon, making sure to blend everything thoroughly. The mixture should hold together nicely when squeezed—if it feels dry, add a splash more broth.
Step 2: Shape Into Balls
Now for the fun part! Grab a scoop or use your hands to form the mixture into balls about the size of a golf ball. Place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet. Depending on how generously you portion, you should get around sixteen Turkey Stuffing Balls. A light touch of oil on your hands helps prevent sticking as you roll them.
Step 3: Add a Little Crunch
For that beautiful golden exterior, lightly spray or brush the tops of your Turkey Stuffing Balls with oil. This gives them an irresistible crispiness that makes each bite extra satisfying.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide your baking sheet into the preheated oven and let the magic happen. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the balls are golden brown and piping hot all the way through. They should have crispy edges and an inviting aroma that’s impossible to resist. Let them cool for just a minute or two so they hold their shape when served warm.
How to Serve Turkey Stuffing Balls
Garnishes
Sprinkle your Turkey Stuffing Balls with extra chopped parsley or a little grated parmesan for color and a fresh layer of flavor. If you love a zing, add a tiny dash of paprika or drizzle with homemade gravy for a true comfort food experience.
Side Dishes
Pair your Turkey Stuffing Balls with a refreshingly tart cranberry sauce, a crisp green salad, or a creamy mashed potato. They’re also wonderful nestled alongside roasted veggies or a simple green bean almondine for a balanced, colorful spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Skewer each Turkey Stuffing Ball with a festive toothpick for an appetizer platter or arrange them in a wreath shape on a large platter for a gorgeous holiday centerpiece. For a kid-friendly treat, serve them in mini sandwich buns with gravy for a fun slider twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They make fantastic lunches and are easy to grab for a quick snack or meal whenever hunger strikes.
Freezing
Planning ahead? You can freeze these balls either before or after baking. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top bag once solid. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months—just thaw and bake or reheat as needed.
Reheating
To restore their just-baked texture, pop chilled Turkey Stuffing Balls back into a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and crisp. If microwaving, cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out, but be aware they won’t be as crispy.
FAQs
Can I make Turkey Stuffing Balls with chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Any cooked poultry works well here, so leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken is a perfect substitute. The recipe is just as delicious and flexible.
What’s the best way to form evenly sized balls?
Using a medium cookie scoop or an ice cream scoop ensures that each Turkey Stuffing Ball is the same size, which helps them bake evenly. If you’re shaping by hand, aim for golf ball-sized portions.
Can I add vegetables to the mix?
Definitely! Chopped sautéed mushrooms, diced celery, carrots, or even spinach can be added for extra veggies. Just keep the mixture balanced so it still holds together when formed.
Should I use homemade or store-bought stuffing?
Either works! Both homemade and store-bought stuffing yield great results, so use whatever you have on hand. If your stuffing is very dry, just add a bit more broth until it’s cohesive.
Are Turkey Stuffing Balls suitable for kids?
Kids love these! They’re easy to eat, portable, and full of familiar flavors. Plus, they make great school lunches or after-school snacks—just pack a little dipping sauce on the side.
Final Thoughts
These Turkey Stuffing Balls are the holiday hero you never knew you needed. They’re clever, cozy, and vanish in seconds—just wait and see! Give them a try and you might find yourself making extra turkey and stuffing next year just for this recipe. Enjoy every last bite!
