Turkey Stuffing Balls: The Ultimate Holiday Appetizer Recipe

Turkey Stuffing Balls: the ultimate Thanksgiving leftover transformation! Are you staring down a mountain of leftover stuffing after the big feast, wondering how to breathe new life into it? I know I often am! Well, look no further. These bite-sized delights are not only incredibly delicious but also a fantastic way to minimize food waste and maximize flavor.

Stuffing, in its traditional form, has been a Thanksgiving staple for centuries, evolving from simple herb-infused bread to the complex and flavorful mixtures we enjoy today. It’s a dish steeped in tradition, representing abundance and family gatherings. But let’s be honest, sometimes even the most ardent stuffing lover can tire of it after a day or two. That’s where these turkey stuffing balls come in to save the day!

People adore this recipe because it takes the comforting flavors of Thanksgiving and presents them in a fun, easy-to-eat package. The crispy exterior gives way to a soft, savory interior, creating a delightful textural contrast. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile! Serve them as appetizers, snacks, or even as a unique side dish. They’re also perfect for dipping in leftover gravy or cranberry sauce. Get ready to reinvent your Thanksgiving leftovers with this simple and satisfying recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 cup prepared stuffing (any flavor, but I prefer sage and onion!)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned, your choice!)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped cranberries (fresh or dried)
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• Optional: Gravy for serving

Preparing the Turkey Mixture:

1. In a large bowl, gently combine the ground turkey, prepared stuffing, and breadcrumbs. I like to use my hands for this, but be careful not to overmix, as that can make the turkey balls tough.
2. Add the finely chopped onion and celery to the bowl. These will add moisture and flavor to the turkey balls. Make sure they are finely chopped so they cook evenly.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg lightly. Pour the beaten egg over the turkey mixture. The egg acts as a binder, helping the turkey balls hold their shape.
4. Add the dried thyme, dried sage, garlic powder, and onion powder to the bowl. These spices will enhance the flavor of the turkey and stuffing. Don’t be afraid to adjust the amounts to your liking!
5. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the stuffing may already contain salt, so start with a small amount and add more as needed.
6. If you’re using them, now is the time to add the chopped cranberries and/or pecans or walnuts. These optional ingredients add a touch of sweetness and crunch to the turkey balls.
7. Gently mix all the ingredients together until just combined. Again, be careful not to overmix. You want the mixture to be evenly distributed, but not overworked.

Forming the Turkey Balls:

1. Lightly wet your hands with water. This will prevent the turkey mixture from sticking to your hands.
2. Take a small amount of the turkey mixture (about 1-2 tablespoons) and roll it into a ball. I like to make them about 1.5 inches in diameter, but you can adjust the size to your preference.
3. Place the formed turkey ball on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will prevent the turkey balls from sticking to the surface.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until all the turkey mixture has been used. You should end up with about 15-20 turkey balls, depending on the size you make them.
5. If you have time, refrigerate the turkey balls for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will help them hold their shape and prevent them from falling apart during cooking.

Cooking the Turkey Balls:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. I prefer using a cast iron skillet for this, but any oven-safe skillet will work.
3. Carefully place the turkey balls in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook them in batches.
4. Sear the turkey balls on all sides until they are lightly browned. This will help to seal in the juices and add flavor. This step usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
5. Once the turkey balls are browned, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the turkey balls are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure they are fully cooked.
7. Remove the skillet from the oven and let the turkey balls rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

1. Serve the turkey stuffing balls hot, with your favorite gravy. I love using a classic turkey gravy, but cranberry sauce or even a simple pan sauce would also be delicious.
2. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for a pop of color and flavor.
3. Serve as an appetizer, a side dish, or even as a main course. They are perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other holiday gathering.
4. Leftover turkey stuffing balls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
5. These turkey stuffing balls are also great for meal prepping. You can make a big batch and freeze them for later use. Simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat them in the oven or microwave.
6. For a fun twist, try serving the turkey stuffing balls on skewers with cranberry sauce and gravy for dipping.
7. You can also add different types of cheese to the turkey mixture for extra flavor. Try adding shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan cheese.
8. If you don’t have prepared stuffing on hand, you can make your own using bread, celery, onion, herbs, and broth. There are tons of recipes online!
9. For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the ground turkey with plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils.
10. If you want to make the turkey balls gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and stuffing.

Tips for Success:

• Don’t overmix the turkey mixture, as this can make the turkey balls tough.
• Wet your hands with water to prevent the turkey mixture from sticking.
• Refrigerate the turkey balls before cooking to help them hold their shape.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey balls are fully cooked.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet when searing the turkey balls.
• Adjust the seasonings to your liking.
• Get creative with the optional ingredients!

Enjoy your delicious and easy-to-make Turkey Stuffing Balls! They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Turkey Stuffing Balls are truly a must-try recipe, especially if you’re looking for a fun, flavorful, and incredibly easy way to reinvent your Thanksgiving leftovers or simply enjoy the taste of the holidays any time of year. They’re the perfect bite-sized morsel of comfort food, packed with all the familiar flavors we crave.

But why are these little spheres of deliciousness so special? First, they’re incredibly versatile. You can use any type of stuffing you prefer – cornbread, sourdough, even gluten-free! The same goes for the turkey; dark meat, white meat, a combination – it all works beautifully. This adaptability makes it easy to tailor the recipe to your specific tastes and dietary needs. Second, they’re incredibly convenient. They’re perfect for parties, potlucks, or even a quick and satisfying snack. No more struggling to cut and serve slices of stuffing; these balls are ready to go! Third, and perhaps most importantly, they’re just plain delicious. The crispy exterior gives way to a soft, flavorful interior that’s bursting with the savory goodness of turkey and stuffing.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

Don’t be afraid to get creative with how you serve these delightful bites! For a classic pairing, serve them with a side of cranberry sauce or gravy. A dollop of mashed potatoes wouldn’t hurt either! For a more modern twist, try dipping them in a spicy aioli or a sweet chili sauce.

Here are a few variations to consider:

* Cheesy Stuffing Balls: Add a handful of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese to the stuffing mixture before rolling. The melted cheese adds a gooey, irresistible element.
* Cranberry-Walnut Stuffing Balls: Mix in some chopped cranberries and walnuts for a festive and flavorful twist. The cranberries add a tartness that complements the savory stuffing, while the walnuts provide a satisfying crunch.
* Spicy Stuffing Balls: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the stuffing mixture for a little kick.
* Herbaceous Stuffing Balls: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage into the stuffing for a more aromatic and flavorful experience.

These Turkey Stuffing Balls are also fantastic served as appetizers. Imagine presenting a platter of these golden-brown orbs at your next gathering – they’re sure to be a hit! You can even thread them onto skewers with cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls for a fun and festive presentation.

I truly believe you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. It’s a simple, satisfying, and incredibly versatile way to enjoy the flavors of Thanksgiving all year round. So, go ahead, give it a try! I promise you won’t be disappointed.

And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you try any of the variations? What did you serve them with? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and comments below – I can’t wait to see your creations! Happy cooking! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to answer them. Enjoy your delicious Turkey Stuffing Balls!

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June 24, 2025 by Melissa