Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delightful way to transform your extra Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner into a delicious snack or appetizer. These savory balls are made by combining shredded turkey with leftover stuffing, rolled into convenient bite-sized portions, and then baked or fried to crispy perfection.

The crispy exterior complements the moist and flavorful interior, creating a delightful contrast in texture. With each bite, you can savor the familiar taste of the holiday season in a new and exciting form. These stuffing balls are versatile and make a great addition to any meal or gathering, adding a touch of festive cheer to your table.

Ingredients Needed for This Recipe

2 cups cooked turkey, finely chopped
3 cups stuffing, preferably from your holiday meal
1 cup cheddar cheese, grated

2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup chicken or turkey broth, as needed to moisten
1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Cranberry sauce, for serving (optional)

Gravy, for serving (optional)

Instructions for Making Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set aside.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped turkey, stuffing, and grated cheddar cheese. Mix these ingredients until they are well combined.

Add Wet Ingredients: To the turkey mixture, add the beaten eggs. Mix well. If the mixture seems too dry, gradually add chicken or turkey broth, a tablespoon at a time, until the mixture is moistened but not soggy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Form Stuffing Balls: Using your hands, form the mixture into balls, about the size of a golf ball or slightly larger. Place each ball onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the balls are golden brown and heated through.

Garnish and Serve: Once done, remove the stuffing balls from the oven. If desired, garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve hot with cranberry sauce and gravy on the side for dipping.

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

Moisture is Key: The consistency of your stuffing mix is crucial. If the mixture is too dry, the balls may crumble; if too wet, they might not hold their shape. Adding broth gradually ensures you reach the perfect balance. Start with a small amount and add more as needed.

Flavor Enhancements: Consider incorporating additional herbs and spices into your stuffing mix. Sage, rosemary, and thyme can add depth to the flavor profile. Garlic powder or onion powder can also enhance the overall taste.

Cheese Variations: While cheddar cheese is recommended, feel free to experiment with other types. Smoked gouda, mozzarella, or pepper jack are great alternatives that can introduce new flavors to your stuffing balls.

Uniform Size: When forming your stuffing balls, aim for uniformity in size. This ensures they cook evenly and are done at the same time. A cookie scoop or ice cream scoop can be a helpful tool to achieve consistent sizes.

Baking to Perfection: Keep an eye on your oven as the stuffing balls bake. Oven temperatures can vary, and you might need to adjust the baking time accordingly. Look for a golden brown color and a crispy exterior as indicators of doneness.

Resting Time: Allow the stuffing balls to rest for a few minutes after removing them from the oven. This resting period helps them set and makes them easier to handle, especially if serving them as finger food.

Serving Suggestions

Dipping Sauces: Enhance the flavors of your turkey stuffing balls by serving them with a variety of dipping sauces. Traditional cranberry sauce, gravy, or even a spicy mayonnaise can add an extra layer of taste and texture.

As Part of a Meal: These stuffing balls can be more than just an appetizer or snack. Serve them alongside a green salad and roasted vegetables for a complete meal that repurposes leftovers in a creative way.

Holiday Platter: Create a festive holiday platter by combining turkey stuffing balls with other leftover items such as sliced turkey, ham, and assorted cheeses. This platter can be an excellent option for casual gatherings or family movie nights.

Breakfast or Brunch: Believe it or not, turkey stuffing balls can be a great addition to your breakfast or brunch menu. Serve them with scrambled eggs and a side of fruit for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Portable Lunches: For a quick and easy lunch option, include a few stuffing balls in your lunchbox. They’re great at room temperature and can be paired with a simple salad or vegetable sticks for a balanced meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these stuffing balls ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the stuffing balls in advance and refrigerate them before baking. You can also fully bake them, let them cool, and then store them in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to serve.

How do I store leftovers? Leftover turkey stuffing balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Can I use gluten-free stuffing? Absolutely! To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use your favorite gluten-free stuffing. Ensure that all other ingredients used are also gluten-free to avoid any issues.

What if I don’t have leftover turkey? No turkey leftovers? No problem. You can substitute chicken or even a plant-based protein alternative for a vegetarian version. The key is to finely chop or shred the protein so it integrates well with the stuffing.

Can I add vegetables to the mixture? Yes, adding vegetables can introduce more flavors and textures. Consider finely diced carrots, celery, or onions. Ensure the vegetables are cooked or sautéed slightly before adding them to the mix to soften them.

How can I make these stuffing balls vegan? For a vegan version, use a plant-based stuffing and substitute the eggs with a vegan binder such as flax eggs (mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water per egg, let sit for 15 minutes). Use vegan cheese or omit the cheese altogether.

Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls

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This scrumptious and simple recipe for Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls is an excellent solution for repurposing your holiday leftovers in a creative way.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked turkey finely chopped
3 cups stuffing preferably from your holiday meal
1 cup cheddar cheese grated
2 eggs beaten
1/4 cup chicken or turkey broth as needed to moisten
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (optional for garnish)
Cranberry sauce for serving (optional)
Gravy for serving (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set aside.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped turkey, stuffing, and grated cheddar cheese. Mix these ingredients until they are well combined.
Add Wet Ingredients: To the turkey mixture, add the beaten eggs. Mix well. If the mixture seems too dry, gradually add chicken or turkey broth, a tablespoon at a time, until the mixture is moistened but not soggy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Form Stuffing Balls: Using your hands, form the mixture into balls, about the size of a golf ball or slightly larger. Place each ball onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the balls are golden brown and heated through.
Garnish and Serve: Once done, remove the stuffing balls from the oven. If desired, garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve hot with cranberry sauce and gravy on the side for dipping.