Turkey stuffing Balls Recipe

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If you’ve ever wished for a cozy, flavorful dish that combines the best of Thanksgiving all in one bite, these Turkey stuffing Balls will become your new favorite comfort food. With a perfect blend of creamy mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, and tender shredded turkey, every bite bursts with warmth and the nostalgic flavors you love. Whether you bake them to golden perfection or pan-fry for a crispy crust, these Turkey stuffing Balls offer a delightful twist that’s ideal for sharing or indulging solo.

Turkey stuffing Balls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, using familiar ingredients that each bring their own magic to the dish. From the fluffy mashed potatoes giving creaminess and binding power, to the savory stuffing adding herbs and texture, and turkey showcasing that classic poultry flavor, each component plays an essential role in creating these irresistible Turkey stuffing Balls.

  • 3 cups mashed potatoes: Provides creamy richness and holds the balls together perfectly.
  • 3 cups stuffing: Adds savory herbs, texture, and traditional seasoning.
  • 1½ cups shredded turkey: The star protein, bringing moistness and hearty flavor.
  • Gravy for serving: Adds moisture and a comforting finishing touch.
  • Black pepper to taste: A little seasoning lift to brighten the flavors.
  • Panko breadcrumbs (optional): Gives a crispy, crunchy coating if frying.
  • Butter or oil for frying (optional): Helps achieve a golden crust and delicious aroma.

How to Make Turkey stuffing Balls

Step 1: Prep Ingredients

To get the best results, bring all your ingredients to room temperature—that way they combine smoothly and the balls hold together nicely. If your mashed potatoes are chilled, warm them slightly so they mix easily. If your stuffing feels dry, moisten it with a splash of broth; this ensures the balls stay moist and flavorful.

Step 2: Mix and Form

In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes and stuffing until blended gently. Fold in the shredded turkey carefully, then add black pepper to your taste. Once the mixture feels cohesive, shape it into 12 golf ball-sized portions—this size is perfect for even cooking and satisfying bites.

Step 3: Choose Your Cooking Method

You have two delicious options here. For a hands-off approach, preheat your oven to 375°F, place the balls on a lined baking sheet, and bake for 10-12 minutes until they’re heated through and the outsides are crisp. Alternatively, for a beautifully golden and crispy exterior, roll the balls in panko breadcrumbs, heat butter or oil in a nonstick pan, and fry gently, turning to brown all sides evenly.

How to Serve Turkey stuffing Balls

Turkey stuffing Balls Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Serving Turkey stuffing Balls with a generous drizzle of hot gravy makes all the difference—each bite becomes decadent and luscious. For a touch of color and tartness, a spoonful of cranberry sauce on the side adds a delightful contrast and brings that festive spirit to the plate.

Side Dishes

These balls pair wonderfully with simple green vegetables like steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans, which offer freshness and balance the rich flavors. A crisp salad with a lemon vinaigrette can lighten the plate, while roasted root vegetables bring warmth and earthy undertones for a truly seasonal feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun appetizer twist, serve the Turkey stuffing Balls on cocktail picks with a small bowl of gravy for dipping. You could also nestle them on a bed of mixed greens or even hollow out mini bell peppers to hold each ball—making them perfect finger foods that impress without fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store cooked Turkey stuffing Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them easy to reheat for a quick second helping.

Freezing

You can freeze the uncooked balls by placing them on a tray lined with parchment paper and freezing until firm, then transferring to a freezer bag. Frozen Turkey stuffing Balls keep well for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy that comforting taste anytime.

Reheating

To reheat, bake the frozen or refrigerated balls in a 350°F oven until heated through and crispy outside. Alternatively, pan-fry them gently to revive their golden crust and warm filling for a snack that tastes freshly made every time.

FAQs

Can I make Turkey stuffing Balls without leftover turkey?

Absolutely! You can substitute shredded cooked chicken or even ground turkey if that’s what you have. The key is maintaining the shredded texture to keep the balls tender and cohesive.

Are Turkey stuffing Balls gluten-free?

Traditional stuffing and breadcrumbs contain gluten, but you can use gluten-free stuffing and gluten-free panko to make this recipe safe for gluten-sensitive eaters without sacrificing texture or flavor.

Can I bake the Turkey stuffing Balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the balls and bake them ahead, then reheat briefly before serving. This is perfect for prepping ahead of a holiday feast or party.

What if the mixture feels too dry or crumbly?

Add a small amount of broth or melted butter to the mixture to moisten it before shaping the balls. This helps them hold together and stay moist while cooking.

Can Turkey stuffing Balls be made vegan or vegetarian?

While this recipe centers on turkey, you can easily swap the turkey for plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth in the stuffing to create a flavorful vegetarian or vegan version that does not compromise on taste.

Final Thoughts

Turkey stuffing Balls are that magical combination of comfort, flavor, and nostalgia all rolled into one irresistible bite. Whether for holiday gatherings, game day snacks, or cozy dinners at home, I encourage you to whip up a batch soon—these little balls of joy will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

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Turkey stuffing Balls Recipe

Delicious and hearty Turkey Stuffing Balls made by combining mashed potatoes, stuffing, and shredded turkey. These flavorful balls can be baked or pan-fried to crispy perfection and are perfect for serving with warm gravy and cranberry sauce, making a wonderful appetizer or side dish for holiday meals or gatherings.

  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings (12 balls) 1x
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Bake or Pan-Fry
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 3 cups mashed potatoes
  • 3 cups stuffing (moistened with broth if dry)
  • 1½ cups shredded turkey
  • Black pepper to taste

For Serving

  • Gravy for serving
  • Cranberry sauce (optional)

Optional Coating and Frying

  • Panko breadcrumbs (optional, for pan-frying)
  • Butter or oil for frying (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep Ingredients: Bring all ingredients including mashed potatoes, stuffing, and shredded turkey to room temperature. Warm the mashed potatoes slightly if needed and moisten the stuffing with broth if it is dry to ensure the right consistency.
  2. Mix & Form: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes and stuffing thoroughly. Fold in the shredded turkey evenly. Season the mixture with black pepper to taste. Using your hands, form the mixture into 12 golf ball-sized portions for uniform cooking.
  3. Choose Your Cooking Method: For baked version, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), place the balls on a lined baking sheet, and bake for 10-12 minutes or until heated through and the outside is slightly crispy. For pan-fried version, roll each ball in panko breadcrumbs, heat butter or oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat, and fry the balls gently turning until golden brown on all sides.
  4. Serve: Arrange the cooked stuffing balls on a serving platter, top with warm gravy, and add cranberry sauce on the side if desired. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Keep the mixture chilled if not cooking immediately to maintain freshness and ease of handling.
  • If the mixture feels dry, add extra broth or a bit of melted butter to moisten before forming the balls.
  • These stuffing balls can be prepared in advance and frozen before cooking for convenient meal prep.
  • They make excellent party appetizers or festive side dishes during holiday meals.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 ball (approx. 100g)
  • Calories: 448 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 60 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 19 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg

Keywords: turkey stuffing balls, holiday appetizer, baked stuffing balls, pan-fried turkey balls, Thanksgiving side dish, mashed potatoes, stuffing recipe, party snacks

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