Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

If you’ve ever wished for a snack or side dish that perfectly captures the cozy comfort of Thanksgiving dinner, then this Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. I absolutely love how these little bites combine tender turkey, savory stuffing, and creamy mashed potatoes into one golden, crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside delight. They’re so easy to make, yet impressive enough to serve any time you want to wow family or guests without the fuss of a full holiday spread.

When I first tried making these turkey stuffing balls, I was looking for a way to use up leftovers without the usual sandwich rut. What I discovered was pure magic — these balls bake up beautifully and stay moist thanks to the mashed potatoes while the Parmesan adds just the right hint of savoriness. You’ll find that this Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe is a game-changer for meal prep, potlucks, or even a cozy weeknight treat.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s great about this Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe is how affordable and accessible these ingredients are. They come together easily, creating an irresistible flavor balance without any complicated steps.

• Mashed potatoes: Using creamy, smooth mashed potatoes helps bind everything and keeps the balls moist and tender.
• Stuffing: Classic seasoned bread stuffing adds that signature savory flavor and texture.
• Shredded turkey: Leftover turkey works perfectly here; just make sure it’s shredded finely for even mix.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a subtle sharpness and helps brown the balls beautifully.
• Egg: Acts as a natural binder to hold the balls together.
• Bread crumbs: For extra texture and to help the balls hold their shape during baking.
• Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance all the flavors.

Variations

I love tweaking this Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe depending on the season or what I have in the fridge. You can easily customize these little balls to suit your taste or dietary needs—it’s all about making it your own, really.

• Herb Boost: I often stir in fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or sage for an earthy, fragrant touch—especially around the holidays.
• Cheese Swap: Try adding sharp cheddar or mozzarella instead of Parmesan for a gooey twist that my kids absolutely adore.
• Spicy Kick: If you like heat, sprinkle in some chili flakes or diced jalapeño for a fun contrast.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free bread crumbs and stuffing to make it friendly for gluten-sensitive friends.

How to Make Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy clean-up later. This simple prep step ensures your turkey stuffing balls will bake evenly without a mess.

Step 2: Combine Your Ingredients Thoroughly

In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed potatoes, stuffing, shredded turkey, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, bread crumbs, salt, and black pepper. I like to use my hands here — it helps mix everything evenly without overworking it. Make sure all ingredients are well incorporated so each ball has balanced flavors and textures.

Step 3: Shape Into Perfect Balls

Once mixed, scoop out about 1-inch portions and roll them gently between your palms to form smooth balls. If the mixture feels too wet and sticky, add a little extra bread crumbs to help it hold shape without crumbling. Try not to compact them too much; you want to keep a light texture inside.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Hot

Place the shaped turkey stuffing balls on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart so the heat can circulate. Pop them in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they turn a lovely golden brown and feel firm to the touch. If you have a food thermometer, aim for an internal temp of 165°F to be safe.

Step 5: Serve Warm with Your Favorite Dips

These taste best straight from the oven, nice and hot. Serve them alongside gravy, cranberry sauce, or even a mustard dip for that extra flavor punch. Trust me, your guests will be asking for the recipe before the plates are empty!

How to Serve Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of finishing these with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme, which adds a lovely pop of color and freshness. Sometimes, I drizzle just a touch of good quality olive oil or a few drops of truffle oil for a fancy touch when serving to guests.

Side Dishes

These turkey stuffing balls pair super well with classic sides like roasted veggies, sautéed green beans, or a crisp salad to lighten the plate. I’ve also served them alongside mashed sweet potatoes and loved how the sweet notes balance the savory balls.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I like to serve them on a wooden board with little ramekins of cranberry sauce and gravy for dipping. You can also skewer a few onto cocktail picks for easy finger food at potlucks, or nestle them in lettuce leaves for a fun bite-sized treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store any leftover turkey stuffing balls in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep nicely for up to 3 days, and I find they actually taste better the next day as the flavors really marry together.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these balls both before and after baking. If freezing raw, place them on a tray first to freeze solid individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. This way, you can bake just what you need anytime. Baked leftovers freeze well too—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I like popping them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you can, since they tend to get soggy. You want to keep that nice crunchy outside and tender inside.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I really can’t recommend this Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe enough — it’s a total lifesaver when you want that holiday flavor without sitting hours in the kitchen. Whether it’s for using up leftovers or just a cozy treat, these bite-sized balls bring everyone together around the table. Give it a go next time you want easy, tasty comfort food that’s a little different but totally nostalgic.

Print