Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that brings all those cozy holiday flavors into one irresistible bite, this Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine perfectly golden, crispy-on-the-outside balls packed with savory shredded turkey, hearty mashed potatoes, flavorful stuffing, and a touch of Parmesan cheese for that extra savory kick. These little gems are not only delicious but also easy to make and incredibly fun to share with family and friends. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, side, or a snack, this Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe transforms familiar ingredients into something fresh and delightfully satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the first step to nailing this dish. Each one plays an important role in delivering that perfect balance of flavors and textures, from creamy to crispy and savory to subtly cheesy.
- Mashed potatoes: 2 cups of creamy mashed potatoes provide a smooth and binding base that keeps the balls tender inside.
- Stuffing: 2 cups of traditional stuffing add moisture and classic herbaceous notes that make these balls truly festive.
- Shredded turkey: 1 cup of shredded turkey brings the star protein to the mix, making these balls hearty and satisfying.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup adds a subtle nutty and salty flavor that enhances every bite.
- Egg, beaten: One egg acts as a natural binder, keeping the mixture cohesive while baking.
- Bread crumbs: 1/4 cup to help hold the mixture together and add just a touch of crunch.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon to season and bring out the flavors.
- Black pepper: 1/8 teaspoon for a mild hint of spice and depth.
How to Make Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s perfectly hot, so your stuffing balls bake evenly and develop that gorgeous golden crust everyone loves.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and add your mashed potatoes, stuffing, shredded turkey, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly but gently until you have a uniform mixture that’s easy to shape. This step is crucial because the right consistency helps the balls hold their shape during baking.
Step 3: Shape into Balls
Take portions of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls with your hands. Place each ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy. This size is perfect for bite-sized treats that cook quickly and look inviting.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Pop your baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye out for a beautiful golden-brown color on the outside, which means they’re crispy on the edges and hot all the way through. This baking time ensures a wonderful contrast between the crisp exterior and the soft, savory interior.
How to Serve Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Garnishes
Adding the right garnishes can elevate your Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe from tasty to show-stopping. A drizzle of gravy or a dollop of tangy cranberry sauce offers perfect dipping options that pair wonderfully with the savory flavors. Fresh chopped parsley sprinkled on top adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens every bite.
Side Dishes
These stuffing balls are versatile enough to complement many meals. Serve them alongside roasted vegetables, a crisp green salad, or traditional sides like glazed carrots or green bean casserole. Their rich, comforting flavor makes them an ideal partner for virtually any holiday or family feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, you can serve Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe on skewers alongside some roasted cherry tomatoes and mini mozzarella balls for a colorful appetizer platter. Alternatively, plate them in a festive bowl with different dipping sauces arranged around for easy grab-and-go fun during parties or casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and trust me, you might), store the cooled Turkey Stuffing Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and ready for an easy reheated snack or side dish.
Freezing
These balls freeze beautifully! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. You can keep them frozen for up to 2 months, making them a super convenient make-ahead option for busy weeks or spontaneous gatherings.
Reheating
To reheat, place the frozen or refrigerated stuffing balls on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. This method helps restore their delightful texture without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey works perfectly in this Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe, making it a smart and delicious way to repurpose your holiday extras.
Can I make these stuffing balls vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the shredded turkey for cooked mushrooms or a plant-based protein to keep the savory flavor and satisfying texture intact.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan on hand, a sharp cheddar or even a mix of mozzarella and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast can work well to add that cheesy, savory note.
How do I ensure the balls don’t fall apart while baking?
Make sure to mix the ingredients well and use the egg and bread crumbs as binders. If the mixture feels too wet, add a bit more bread crumbs until it holds together better.
Can I make Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe ahead of time and bake later?
Definitely! You can prepare and shape the balls a day before, keep them refrigerated, and bake them fresh when ready to serve for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines the best holiday flavors into one fun and easy-to-eat form. Whether you’re making it for a festive occasion or just craving a comforting treat, these flavorful balls are sure to become a new favorite. Give them a try—you’ll love how simple ingredients can come together to create something absolutely delicious and totally shareable.
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Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (approximately 16-20 balls) 1x
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Turkey Stuffing Balls that combine mashed potatoes, stuffing, and shredded turkey, baked to golden perfection. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish, these savory balls are great served warm with gravy or cranberry sauce.
Ingredients
Main 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 the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffing balls.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the mashed potatoes, stuffing, shredded turkey, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, bread crumbs, salt, and black pepper until fully combined into a uniform mixture.
- Shape into Balls: Use your hands to form the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place each ball evenly spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Bake: Bake the shaped balls in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they become golden brown and heated through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm. These stuffing balls pair wonderfully with gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping.
Notes
- You can prepare these balls ahead of time and refrigerate before baking.
- For extra crispiness, brush the balls lightly with olive oil before baking.
- Use leftover turkey and stuffing for a great way to reduce food waste.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste depending on the seasoning of your stuffing.
- These can also be cooked in an air fryer at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes for faster cooking and a crispy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
