Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

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If you’re on the hunt for a comforting yet delightful twist on your holiday classics, this Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe is an absolute must-try. These golden, savory bites capture the best parts of Thanksgiving with ground turkey and perfectly seasoned stuffing, rolled into handy little balls that are bursting with flavor and texture. Whether you’re serving a crowd or just craving something hearty and fun to snack on, this recipe brings a warming, homey feel in every bite that will have everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that harmonize beautifully to create its signature flavor and texture. Each element is essential, contributing to the perfect balance of moisture, seasoning, and that irresistible golden crust.

• Ground turkey: The lean protein base that keeps these stuffing balls moist and satisfying without being heavy.
• Stuffing mix: Whether store-bought or homemade, it’s the heart of the recipe, providing texture and absorbing all those wonderful spices.
• Onion, finely chopped: Adds a sweet and savory depth that enhances every bite.
• Celery, finely chopped: Brings a subtle crunch and fresh note to balance the richness.
• Garlic, minced: Infuses the mixture with a fragrant warmth that elevates the stuffing balls to the next level.
• Chicken broth: Keeps the mixture moist and helps bind all ingredients while adding gentle savory flavor.
• Fresh parsley, chopped: Adds vibrant color and a pop of fresh herbaceous brightness.
• Dried sage: Classic seasoning that evokes traditional Thanksgiving vibes.
• Dried thyme: Offers an earthy, slightly floral flavor that perfectly complements the turkey.
• Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat, balancing the mildness of the turkey.
• Salt: Essential to bring all flavors forward and enhance every ingredient.
• Melted butter: Brushed on top before baking to create a beautiful golden finish and add a rich buttery flavor.

How to Make Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your stuffing balls bake evenly and prevents sticking, making cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Prepare Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, stuffing mix, finely chopped onion and celery, minced garlic, chicken broth, chopped parsley, dried sage, thyme, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated into a cohesive mixture. This step is crucial to ensure every bite is packed with flavor and has the perfect texture.

Step 3: Form Balls

Using your hands, shape the mixture into golf ball-sized balls, roughly 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced just a little apart to allow for even cooking and browning.

Step 4: Brush with Butter

Brush the tops of each stuffing ball generously with melted butter. This step is what gives the Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe its gorgeous golden finish and an extra layer of rich flavor that makes them truly irresistible.

Step 5: Bake

Bake the stuffing balls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re cooked through and boast a beautiful golden brown on top, with a delightful crispness outside and tender inside.

How to Serve Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate these delicious Turkey Stuffing Balls, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or a few sage leaves on top for a pop of color and fresh herb aroma. A small drizzle of gravy over the balls can also make for a luxurious touch that echoes the flavors of your favorite holiday meal.

Side Dishes

These stuffing balls pair wonderfully with classic Thanksgiving sides like cranberry sauce for a tart contrast, roasted vegetables for added texture, or a simple green salad to lighten the plate. They also work beautifully alongside mashed potatoes or a warm bowl of soup for a cozy, comforting meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Turkey Stuffing Balls on a platter with toothpicks as an appetizer at a holiday party. You can also create sliders using mini buns and a dollop of cranberry sauce or stuffing-style gravy for a playful handheld meal that guests will love. These little bites truly shine in so many creative presentations!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To keep their texture intact, reheat them gently in the oven rather than the microwave to preserve their crisp exterior.

Freezing

Turkey Stuffing Balls freeze beautifully! Arrange the uncooked balls on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months and can be baked straight from frozen, just adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

For the best texture and flavor, reheat leftovers or frozen-baked balls in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, until warmed through and the exterior is crisp. This way, they taste almost as good as fresh-made!

FAQs

Can I use turkey breast meat instead of ground turkey?

You sure can! Just make sure to finely mince or grind the turkey breast so it can bind well with the other ingredients and maintain the right texture for forming balls.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground turkey for a plant-based ground meat substitute and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The stuffing mix and spices will carry the flavor beautifully.

Can I prepare these stuffing balls ahead of time and bake later?

Yes, you can shape the balls and refrigerate them covered for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it super convenient for holiday meal prep or busy weeknights.

What type of stuffing mix works best?

Either store-bought or homemade stuffing mix works perfectly. If using store-bought, choose one that matches your flavor preferences—herb blends tend to work best to complement the turkey and spices.

Can I add cheese or other ingredients to this recipe?

Feel free to get creative! Adding shredded cheese, cooked mushrooms, or even chopped nuts can provide extra flavor and texture, making your Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe uniquely yours.

Final Thoughts

This Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe is one of those dishes that just feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple, cozy, and endlessly versatile. Whether for a festive gathering or a family dinner, these savory bites bring a nostalgic yet fresh take on classic comfort food. I can’t wait for you to make them part of your own kitchen tradition!

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