Turkey stuffing Balls
Turkey stuffing balls are a delightful twist on the classic holiday stuffing, rolled into perfect little bites. They’re crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside, packed with…
Tip: save now, cook later.Turkey stuffing balls are a delightful twist on the classic holiday stuffing, rolled into perfect little bites. They’re crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside, packed with all those familiar herbs, bread, and bits of turkey that everyone loves. These little balls make it easy to enjoy stuffing in a fun, handheld way that’s perfect for snacking or serving as a side dish.
I love making these because they’re great for using up leftover turkey and stuffing, and they’re a crowd-pleaser during busy holiday meals. Plus, they’re easy to share and everyone always asks for the recipe. A helpful tip I’ve found is to make sure you don’t pack the mixture too tightly so they stay nice and fluffy after baking.
My favorite way to serve them is alongside a big plate of mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce, creating that classic holiday combo in one meal. I also like to dip them in a little gravy or even a smooth cranberry salsa to add a burst of extra flavor. These turkey stuffing balls bring a warm, comforting feeling to the table, and I always look forward to making them every year.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Turkey: Using leftover turkey works great and saves time. You can also use cooked chicken if turkey isn’t available—it still tastes delicious.
Stuffing: Store-bought or homemade stuffing both work well here. For a gluten-free option, try stuffing made with gluten-free bread or grains like quinoa.
Celery & Onion: These give a nice crunch and flavor. If you don’t have celery, bell peppers or fennel can add an interesting twist.
Herbs: Fresh parsley, thyme, and sage bring traditional holiday flavor. Feel free to swap dried herbs if fresh ones aren’t on hand—just reduce the amount by half.
Chicken Broth & Butter: Broth keeps the balls moist, and butter adds richness. Use vegetable broth and olive oil for a lighter or dairy-free version.
How Can I Make Turkey Stuffing Balls Crispy Outside and Soft Inside?
The key is to brown the balls in a skillet before baking. This creates a crispy shell while keeping the inside tender.
- Heat the skillet to medium and melt some butter.
- Carefully brown each ball, turning every 3-4 minutes until golden all over.
- Finish cooking in the oven at 350°F to cook through gently without drying out.
- Don’t pack the mixture too tightly; it helps the balls stay light and fluffy inside.
This two-step cooking gives the perfect texture combo that makes these bites so tasty.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – makes it easy to combine all the ingredients without mess.
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper – helps the balls cook evenly and prevents sticking.
- Nonstick skillet – perfect for browning the balls to get that crispy outside.
- Spatula or tongs – lets you turn the balls carefully without breaking them.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the seasonings and liquids just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap turkey for cooked chicken or pork sausage to change up the protein and taste.
- Add shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella inside the balls for a melty surprise.
- Mix in chopped mushrooms or cooked spinach for extra veggies and moisture.
- Sprinkle in some crushed red pepper or smoked paprika for a bit of spicy warmth.
How to Make Turkey Stuffing Balls?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked turkey, finely chopped or shredded
- 4 cups stuffing (prepared or leftover)
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
- 1/2 tsp sage, ground or fresh chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or turkey broth)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (plus more for cooking)
- Cranberry sauce, for serving
- Extra herbs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, 10-15 minutes for browning the balls in the skillet, and an additional 15-20 minutes baking time. So, plan about 40-50 minutes total from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped turkey, stuffing, celery, onion, and garlic. Add the eggs, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and melted butter to moisten the mix. Stir gently until everything is evenly combined but don’t overmix—the stuffing balls should stay tender inside.
2. Shape the Balls:
Using your hands, form the mixture into balls about 1 1/2 inches wide. Place them evenly spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper so they hold their shape while cooking.
3. Brown the Balls:
Preheat a large skillet over medium heat with a tablespoon of butter. Brown the balls in batches, cooking each side for about 3-4 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside.
4. Bake to Finish Cooking:
Transfer the browned balls back to the baking sheet and bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes. This ensures they cook fully through while staying moist inside.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the turkey stuffing balls warm, garnished with fresh herbs if you like. Pair them with tangy cranberry sauce to dip for a burst of holiday flavor!
Can I Use Frozen Turkey for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen turkey, but be sure to thaw it completely before chopping. The safest way is to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Pat it dry to remove excess moisture before mixing it with the stuffing.
Can I Make Turkey Stuffing Balls Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can shape the balls and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. When ready, brown and bake as directed.
How Do I Store Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze the cooked balls for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What Can I Serve with Turkey Stuffing Balls?
They’re delicious alongside mashed potatoes, green beans, or roasted vegetables. Don’t forget a dollop of cranberry sauce or a drizzle of gravy to complement the flavors perfectly!