If you’re looking to turn classic holiday flavors into a fun, bite-sized treat, this Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe is just what you need. These golden, savory morsels bring together tender turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, and flavorful stuffing into easy-to-eat balls that are perfect for appetizers, snacks, or a unique side dish. They’re cozy, comforting, and bursting with the essence of a festive feast, making them an instant crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the heartwarming ingredients that make up these delightful turkey stuffing balls. Each component plays a special role, creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color in every bite.
- 2 cups mashed potatoes: This creamy base helps bind the mixture and adds rich smoothness.
- 2 cups stuffing: Adds savory herb notes and a wonderful texture contrast.
- 1 cup shredded turkey: Provides the succulent, meaty flavor that’s essential to this dish.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a sharp, nutty taste that enhances the overall depth.
- 1 egg, beaten: Acts as a natural binder to hold the balls together firmly.
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs: Adds structure and helps crisp the exterior.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances and elevates all the flavors.
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild kick to round out the seasoning.
How to Make Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper is a small step that makes cleanup much easier and ensures your turkey stuffing balls don’t stick while baking.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the mashed potatoes, stuffing, shredded turkey, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, bread crumbs, salt, and black pepper. Take your time to blend everything thoroughly so every mouthful is packed with flavor and the mixture holds together nicely.
Step 3: Form Balls
With clean hands, shape the mixture into small balls about 1 inch in diameter. Make sure each ball feels cohesive and doesn’t crumble apart. This step is fun and hands-on, so enjoy the process as you prepare these tasty bites.
Step 4: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Place the turkey stuffing balls on the parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow heat to circulate and ensure they bake perfectly on all sides.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Bake the balls in your preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust and are heated through. This crisp exterior contrasts perfectly with the soft, flavorful interior.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Once baked, serve these turkey stuffing balls right away for the best taste. They’re ideal dipped in gravy or cranberry sauce, letting you customize each bite with an extra burst of deliciousness.
How to Serve Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh herbs like chopped parsley or sage on top brings a pop of color and a hint of freshness that balances the savory, rich flavors of the turkey stuffing balls. A light drizzle of gravy or a small dollop of cranberry sauce also transforms these into an irresistible appetizer.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a crisp green salad, roasted seasonal vegetables, or a bowl of warm soup for a complete meal experience. The turkey stuffing balls bring hearty comfort, so pairing them with lighter sides creates a perfect harmony on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive party, arrange turkey stuffing balls on a wooden board with small bowls of various dipping sauces—think tangy mustard, creamy aioli, or even a spicy cranberry chutney. You can also skewer them with toothpicks for easy, mess-free finger foods that are sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover turkey stuffing balls, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This keeps them fresh and ready for a quick snack or addition to your next meal.
Freezing
To freeze, place the shaped unbaked balls on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftover turkey stuffing balls in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crisped up again. This method helps retain their golden crust and delicious texture far better than the microwave.
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey is perfect for turkey stuffing balls recipe, making it a wonderful way to use up holiday roasts without any waste.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free stuffing and bread crumbs, and ensure all other ingredients meet your dietary needs to enjoy a gluten-free version.
Can I bake these turkey stuffing balls ahead of time?
You can prepare them ahead and refrigerate before baking, then pop them straight into the oven when you’re ready to serve for fresh, warm bites.
What dipping sauces go well with these balls?
Traditional gravy, cranberry sauce, honey mustard, or even a spicy mayo complement the flavors beautifully, each adding a delightful twist.
Are these turkey stuffing balls suitable as party appetizers?
Definitely! Their size and flavor make them ideal finger foods that guests can enjoy easily while mingling.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe is a total winner for anyone looking to bring joy and warmth to the table with minimal fuss. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering or a special family dinner, these little bites will become an instant favorite. So grab your ingredients, get hands-on, and enjoy every delicious moment of making this cozy comfort food!
Print
Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer or side dish, combining savory mashed potatoes, flavorful stuffing, shredded turkey, and Parmesan cheese. Baked to golden perfection, they make a perfect holiday treat or a cozy comfort food snack ideal for family gatherings.
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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside to prepare for baking.
- 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 until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form Balls: Using your hands, shape the mixture into 1-inch diameter balls, ensuring they hold together well.
- Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the formed turkey stuffing balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow for even cooking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the balls are golden brown on the outside and heated through.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve the turkey stuffing balls hot. They pair wonderfully with gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Make sure the mashed potatoes are not too watery to help the balls hold their shape better.
- If you want a crispier exterior, you can lightly spray the balls with cooking oil before baking.
- These stuffing balls can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free stuffing and bread crumbs.
- Leftover turkey can be used to maximize flavor and reduce waste.
