Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
If you’re looking for a fun, delicious way to reinvent a holiday classic, these Turkey Stuffing Balls are the answer! Imagine perfectly seasoned bites of savory stuffing mixed with tender turkey, all packed into irresistibly crisp outsides and soft, steamy centers. They’re ideal for using up leftovers, serving as a party appetizer, or just bringing a little Thanksgiving cheer to any time of year. This is a forgiving, flavorful recipe that’s destined to become your new favorite tradition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s no need for a long ingredient list to create something memorable—these Turkey Stuffing Balls rely on simple staples, each adding a distinct note of flavor, texture, or color that makes every bite pop. Let’s walk through what you’ll need and why each item matters.
- Unsalted butter: Provides rich, mellow flavor and helps sauté the veggies until tender and fragrant.
- Diced onion: Adds sweetness and depth, making each bite more aromatic and irresistible.
- Diced celery: Contributes earthy crunch and bright, garden-fresh flavor.
- Stale white bread: Forms the heart of the stuffing, soaking up all the delicious liquids and giving perfect structure.
- Large eggs (beaten): Acts as the glue, binding everything together into cohesive stuffing balls.
- Warm turkey broth: Infuses every cube of bread with savory, pure turkey flavor and keeps the texture moist but firm.
- Chopped cooked turkey: The star protein, adding substance and that classic, comforting holiday taste.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that bring all the flavors into perfect balance.
- Optional fresh herbs (parsley, sage, or thyme): Elevate the aroma and add pockets of fresh, vibrant flavor throughout.
How to Make Turkey Stuffing Balls
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies
Start by warming your kitchen with the smell of sautéed onions and celery. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat, then add the diced onion and celery. Let them cook together, stirring often, until they turn soft, translucent, and a bit golden—about five minutes. This humble step gives the Turkey Stuffing Balls incredible depth and that satisfying, familiar base you expect from great stuffing.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss the bread cubes with the cooked onions and celery. Add your chopped turkey and sprinkle in the chopped herbs if you have them on hand. This is where all the flavor and texture starts to come together—every cube of bread ready to soak up juices, and the turkey nestled in for hearty goodness.
Step 3: Mix in Wet Ingredients
Pour in your beaten eggs, followed by the warm turkey broth. Mix gently but thoroughly, ensuring the liquid is distributed evenly. You’re aiming for everything to be moist without getting soggy—think plush, not mushy! Now’s the time to add salt and plenty of cracked black pepper, so nothing is bland. Taste and adjust to your liking.
Step 4: Shape the Balls
With clean hands, scoop up the mixture and shape it into balls about the size of a golf ball. If you want them extra crispy, don’t be shy—brush the outside with a dab of melted butter before arranging them on your greased baking sheet. Leave a little space between each one so they can get golden all over.
Step 5: Bake
Pop the tray into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Give them 15–20 minutes, or until the Turkey Stuffing Balls are lightly browned and firm to the touch. The kitchen will smell incredible by the time they’re done, and their golden hue signals they’re ready to be devoured!
How to Serve Turkey Stuffing Balls
Garnishes
These Turkey Stuffing Balls are a blank canvas for a sprinkle of fresh parsley, a little extra flaky salt, or even a dash of fresh-cracked pepper just before serving. If you have leftover pan gravy, pour a spoonful over the top for a restaurant-level finish.
Side Dishes
Classic partners like creamy mashed potatoes, tangy cranberry sauce, or simple steamed veggies are all perfect with Turkey Stuffing Balls. For a lighter touch, try a crisp green salad with apples and walnuts for extra crunch and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the Turkey Stuffing Balls on a platter with skewers for festive finger food, or serve them tucked inside lettuce cups for a playful, low-carb spin. For a holiday table centerpiece, arrange them around a small bowl of gravy or cranberry sauce for easy, interactive dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pack any leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of baking. They’ll stay fresh for up to four days, making them a terrific grab-and-go lunch or next-day snack.
Freezing
Turkey Stuffing Balls can also be frozen for longer storage. First, let them cool completely. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months—ready to revive whenever you need hurried holiday flavor!
Reheating
To warm them up, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake straight from the fridge until hot, about 10–12 minutes. If reheating from frozen, add a few more minutes. A quick flash in the oven restores their toasty edges and tender centers—almost as good as fresh!
FAQs
Can I use another type Appetizer, Side Dish
Absolutely! Whole wheat, sourdough, or even a hearty country loaf will work. Just make sure it’s a bit stale so it holds up to the broth without turning soggy.
Can I add different herbs or spices?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs—rosemary or tarragon add an unexpected twist. Spices like a dash of nutmeg or smoked paprika are also welcome for extra warmth and depth.
How do I keep Turkey Stuffing Balls from being too dry?
If your mixture looks crumbly before shaping, drizzle in a touch more warm broth. The goal is a soft, cohesive mix that holds together but isn’t wet—this gives you moist stuffing balls every time.
Are these good for making ahead?
Definitely. You can assemble the mixture and shape the balls a day in advance; simply cover and refrigerate until it’s time to bake. Or bake them off and reheat just before serving—super convenient for busy holidays!
Can I make Turkey Stuffing Balls vegetarian?
Sure! Omit the turkey and use vegetable broth. Toss in sautéed mushrooms for extra heartiness and some chopped nuts for texture, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian version in no time.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend these Turkey Stuffing Balls enough, whether you’re revamping leftovers or planning a showstopper side for your next gathering. They’re easy, crowd-pleasing, and packed with everything you love about the holidays—give them a try and see how quickly they disappear from the table!
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Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 12 stuffing balls 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make turkey stuffing balls, perfect for using up Thanksgiving leftovers or as a holiday appetizer. These savory bites are packed with flavor and make a great addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Stuffing Balls:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1 small loaf stale white bread cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1¾ cups warm turkey broth
- 1¼ cups chopped cooked turkey
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional fresh herbs like parsley, sage, or thyme
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet.
- In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, cooked vegetables, chopped turkey, and herbs if using.
- Shape mixture into balls about the size of a golf ball and arrange on prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown and firm to the touch.
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and celery, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
Pour in beaten eggs and warm turkey broth, mixing until bread is evenly moistened but not soggy.
Season generously with salt and pepper.
Serve hot with gravy or cranberry sauce.
Notes
- You can make these ahead of time and reheat before serving.
- For a crispier exterior, brush the stuffing balls lightly with melted butter before baking.
- This recipe is also great for using up Thanksgiving leftovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffing ball
- Calories: 125 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
