If you love the comforting flavors of Thanksgiving and want to enjoy them in a fun, bite-sized form, this Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe is exactly what you need. These golden, crispy little orbs pack all the savory goodness of mashed potatoes, flavorful stuffing, and tender shredded turkey into one delightful appetizer or side dish. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any cozy dinner, they are surprisingly simple to make yet utterly satisfying every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these turkey stuffing balls burst with flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role, from the creamy mashed potatoes that bind everything together to the savory Parmesan cheese that adds a subtle sharpness.
- 2 cups mashed potatoes: Creamy and smooth, they help hold the balls together and add a comforting base.
- 2 cups stuffing: Adds a hearty, herby texture and traditional flavor to the mix.
- 1 cup shredded turkey: Tender and lean, for that classic roasted turkey taste.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a savory depth with a slightly nutty flavor.
- 1 egg, beaten: Acts as a binder to keep the balls intact while baking.
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs: Provides structure and a little extra crispiness on the outside.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat to round out the taste.
How to Make Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare to Bake
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your turkey stuffing balls won’t stick and will cook evenly to a gorgeous golden brown.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, stuffing, shredded turkey, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper. Use a spatula or your hands to mix everything thoroughly so each bite is perfectly balanced in flavor and texture.
Step 3: Shape into Balls
Once your mixture is ready, shape it into 1-inch diameter balls with your hands. Be gentle but firm to make sure they hold together well and maintain their shape during baking. This hands-on step is always rewarding—almost like crafting edible little treasures.
Step 4: Arrange and Bake
Place your turkey stuffing balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them just enough so they crisp up on all sides. Pop them into the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are heated through inside.
Step 5: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Once baked, take them out of the oven and serve your turkey stuffing balls warm. They’re fantastic dipped into cranberry sauce or smothered in rich gravy, offering that perfect blend of crispy outside and tender inside.
How to Serve Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can make these turkey stuffing balls feel extra special. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese enhances their appearance and adds a fresh, vibrant note encouraging even more eager bites.
Side Dishes
Pair these flavorful bites with classic holiday sides like roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad to balance the richness. Mashed sweet potatoes and steamed green beans also complement the turkey stuffing balls wonderfully, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your guests by serving these turkey stuffing balls on a wooden board with small bowls of cranberry sauce, gravy, or even a spicy aioli for dipping. You can also thread a few onto skewers for a fun party appetizer presentation that makes grabbing and sharing effortless.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (and you just might with these irresistible Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for quick snacks or easy additions to your next meal.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the shaped but uncooked turkey stuffing balls on a tray and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept frozen for up to 2 months, so you always have a savory treat ready whenever you crave it.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers or frozen balls in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crispy again on the outside, usually about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as that can soften their delightful crunch.
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey for this recipe?
Absolutely! This Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe is a perfect way to turn leftover turkey into a delicious new dish. Just make sure the turkey is shredded finely to mix well with the other ingredients.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap out the bread crumbs for gluten-free bread crumbs and ensure your stuffing recipe is gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan on hand, you can try a hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or even a mild cheddar for a different flavor. Each will bring a unique twist to the taste.
Are these Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe good as appetizers?
Definitely! Their bite-sized shape makes them ideal party appetizers or finger foods. Serve them alongside dips and watch them disappear quickly.
Can I bake these in an air fryer?
Yes, baking turkey stuffing balls in an air fryer is a great idea for an extra crispy texture. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even browning.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe is a game changer for anyone who loves cozy, homey flavors wrapped up in a fun finger food. They’re quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and versatile enough to fit any occasion. I hope you give this recipe a try and find as much joy in making and sharing them as I do—they just might become your new favorite comfort food.
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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
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delicious, bite-sized twist on classic holiday flavors. Combining mashed potatoes, stuffing, shredded turkey, and Parmesan cheese, these balls are baked to golden perfection and make a perfect appetizer or side dish for any festive meal.
Ingredients
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.
- Mix 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.
- Shape Balls: Using your hands, shape the mixture into 1-inch diameter balls, ensuring they hold together well.
- Arrange for Baking: 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 smooth and preferably cooled to make mixing easier.
- If the mixture feels too wet, add a little more bread crumbs to help bind the balls.
- For extra crispiness, lightly spray the balls with cooking oil before baking.
- These can be made ahead and reheated in the oven before serving.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
