Oh, I just have to share this Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe with you because it quickly became one of my go-to comfort bites, especially when I have leftover turkey to use up. What makes these little balls so special is how they combine the creamy goodness of mashed potatoes with the savory crunch of stuffing, all wrapped around tender turkey and a touch of Parmesan. Seriously, they’re like those cozy Sunday dinners, but in finger food form—perfect for casual gatherings or when you just want something warm and satisfying.
You’ll find that this recipe isn’t just tasty but also super practical. I love pulling it out during the holidays or anytime I want to impress without much fuss. Plus, these turkey stuffing balls are fantastic because they reheat beautifully, so no stress if you want to make them ahead of time. Once you try this Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe, I bet you’ll keep coming back — it’s comfort food that’s easy and absolutely crowd-pleasing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Uses Leftovers Creatively: This turkey stuffing balls recipe transforms holiday leftovers into a fun new dish everyone loves.
- Easy Party Food: Bite-sized and portable, these balls are perfect for entertaining or casual snacking.
- Comfort in Every Bite: The mix of mashed potatoes, stuffing, and savory turkey hits all the cozy food notes.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep these ahead and reheat without losing that delicious crispness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here works in harmony to create that perfect texture and flavor combo. Since some of these are leftovers or pantry staples, this makes shopping quite simple – and a reminder to grab good quality stuffing and flavorful Parmesan cheese really makes a difference.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes bind everything together and add moisture, so make sure they’re not too dry.
- Stuffing: Use your favorite stuffing, whether homemade or store-bought, for that herby crunch and holiday flavor boost.
- Shredded Turkey: Leftover roasted turkey works perfectly here to add some protein and warm savory notes.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nice salty depth and helps with browning during baking.
- Egg (Beaten): Acts as a binder so your stuffing balls hold their shape while baking.
- Bread Crumbs: Gives extra texture and helps soak up moisture to prevent sogginess.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasoning to bring out all the delicious flavors.
Variations
I like to tweak this recipe depending on what I have on hand or who I’m cooking for – it’s so adaptable. You can personalize it by adding fresh herbs or even a bit of cheese variety to make it your own.
- Herb Boost: I often add fresh thyme or parsley to the mix, which adds a lovely pop of freshness that brightens the rich flavors.
- Cheese Swap: Try mixing in some shredded cheddar or mozzarella instead of Parmesan for a gooier stuffing ball.
- Gluten-Free: Swap the bread crumbs for gluten-free crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers without any change in taste.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes mixed in adds a fun spicy twist.
How to Make Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is essential so the turkey stuffing balls cook evenly and get that perfect golden crust. While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the balls from sticking and to make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix All Ingredients Thoroughly
In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed potatoes, stuffing, shredded turkey, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, bread crumbs, salt, and black pepper. I like to use my hands here so I can really feel when everything is well mixed—this helps you avoid overmixing, which could make the balls dense. The texture should be moist but easy to shape.
Step 3: Form the Turkey Stuffing Balls
Take about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form 1-inch balls. Don’t worry if they’re not perfectly round; the rustic shapes just add to their charm. Place the formed balls on your lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each to allow even baking.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Warm
Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them after 15 minutes—they should be golden brown on the outside and heated through. If you want a bit more color, you can give them a quick broil for 1-2 minutes, but watch closely so they don’t burn.
Step 5: Serve Hot with Your Favorite Dips
Serve these turkey stuffing balls piping hot—nothing beats that crispy outside right from the oven. I usually offer gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping; it adds a familiar holiday flavor that everyone loves. Trust me, they disappear faster than you think!
Pro Tips for Making Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
- Balanced Moisture: I learned that if the mixture feels too wet, just add a bit more bread crumbs—they help the balls hold shape without drying out.
- Use Cold Mashed Potatoes: Using chilled mashed potatoes makes mixing easier and ensures your balls don’t become too sticky.
- Even Sizing Matters: Rolling uniform 1-inch balls helps them bake evenly and speeds up serving time.
- Avoid Overbaking: Overbaking can dry out these balls, so I check early and take them out as soon as they’re golden and hot inside.
How to Serve Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling a little fresh parsley or chopped chives on top just before serving—it adds a fresh look and a bright pop of flavor that cuts through the richness. A small drizzle of gravy or a side of tangy cranberry sauce makes these balls feel extra festive and delicious.
Side Dishes
Turkey stuffing balls go wonderfully with roasted veggies, a crisp green salad, or even creamy mashed sweet potatoes. If you’re feeling indulgent, a bowl of warm soup alongside makes it a hearty meal. These are perfect as appetizers or a side, so don’t be afraid to mix and match with your favorite comfort foods.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to arrange the balls on a wooden board with small bowls of different sauces—cranberry, herb gravy, and mustard aioli—for a fun build-your-own bite experience. You can also skewer them with toothpicks and add a little fresh herb sprig for elegant finger food presentation at holiday parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying the fresh batch, I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for about 3 days, and honestly, the flavors deepen overnight, which is a nice bonus. Just make sure they cool completely before sealing to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
Freezing these turkey stuffing balls works great if you want to prep ahead. I recommend flash freezing them on a baking sheet first, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag so they don’t stick together. They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing quality.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop them back in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you can because it tends to make them a bit soggy, which is the last thing you want for that nice crunchy bite.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh turkey instead of leftovers for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can shred cooked turkey breast or thighs and use them in the recipe. Just make sure the turkey is fully cooked and shredded into bite-sized pieces before mixing it in.
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What if I don’t have stuffing – can I make these without it?
While stuffing adds great flavor and texture, you can substitute with seasoned breadcrumbs or cooked rice for a slightly different but still delicious twist. Just keep the binding balance in mind to avoid soggy balls.
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Can I bake these turkey stuffing balls ahead of time?
Yes! Bake them fully, let them cool, then store in the fridge until ready to serve. Reheat in the oven for best texture before serving to keep them nice and crispy.
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How do I prevent the balls from falling apart?
Make sure to mix all ingredients well and use the egg and bread crumbs to bind. Avoid overloading with wet ingredients, and don’t forget to chill the mixture if it’s too sticky before rolling.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe is honestly one of those recipes that feels like a hug on a plate. I love how easy it is to pull together, especially after a big holiday meal when you want something quick but still packed with those familiar flavors. Give it a try next time you want to transform leftovers or just crave some cozy, handheld goodness—you (and your guests!) will thank me later.
Print
Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 balls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Turkey Stuffing Balls combining classic mashed potatoes, stuffing, and shredded turkey, baked to golden perfection. A perfect appetizer or side dish for holiday meals served with gravy or cranberry sauce.
Ingredients
Turkey Stuffing Balls Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 2 cups stuffing
- 1 cup shredded turkey
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, stuffing, shredded turkey, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, bread crumbs, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a uniform mixture.
- Form Balls: Using your hands, shape the mixture into 1-inch balls, packing them firmly to hold together during baking.
- Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the formed balls on the lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow even cooking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the balls are golden brown on the outside and heated through.
- Serve: Serve the turkey stuffing balls hot with your choice of gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping to enhance flavor.
Notes
- For added flavor, mix in chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme into the mixture before forming the balls.
- These stuffing balls can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, then reheated in the oven just before serving.
