If you love the flavors of Thanksgiving but want a fun, bite-sized twist, this Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe is your new go-to! Imagine tender morsels combining savory turkey, herby stuffing, and those classic seasonings all baked to golden perfection. These delightful little bites pop with flavor and make the perfect appetizer, snack, or even a party hit. Whether you’re looking to use up holiday leftovers or just craving something cozy and comforting, these stuffing balls deliver on taste and simplicity every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients. Each component brings its own charm—aromatic herbs, tender turkey, and moist stuffing blend to create a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious. You’ll appreciate how each ingredient adds layers of texture, color, and mouthwatering flavors without any fuss.
- Olive oil: Helps sauté veggies and adds a subtle fruity richness.
- Small onion (finely chopped): Provides a sweet, savory depth when cooked down.
- Celery stalks (finely chopped): Adds a fresh, crisp texture and classic stuffing flavor.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Gives a robust aromatic punch that wakes up the senses.
- Dried sage: A quintessential herb that brings warm, earthy notes.
- Dried thyme: Offers subtle citrusy undertones to balance richness.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing overall flavor.
- Prepared stuffing (cooled): The base that ties all the flavors beautifully together.
- Cooked turkey (finely chopped): Adds juicy protein and familiar holiday flavor.
- Large egg (beaten): Acts as the binder to hold everything perfectly in shape.
- Chicken or turkey broth: Keeps the mixture moist and tender without sogginess.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): Brightens with a pop of color and fresh herbal taste.
- Cooking spray or additional oil for baking: Ensures a crispy, golden crust.
How to Make Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Aromatic Base
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Gently sauté the finely chopped onion and celery until softened, about 4 to 5 minutes, allowing their flavors to develop and sweeten. Then, stir in the minced garlic along with the dried sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook everything together for just another minute to release those fragrant, warm spices.
Step 2: Combine Your Stuffing Mixture
In a large bowl, mix the cooled prepared stuffing with the finely chopped cooked turkey. Add the sautéed vegetables and herbs from the skillet, then pour in the beaten egg and fresh parsley. This combination is key to balancing tastes and textures.
Step 3: Adjust Moisture and Form the Balls
Add chicken or turkey broth a little at a time to the stuffing mixture until it’s moist but still holds together. This step is crucial since a too-dry mixture won’t form balls well, and too wet will be messy. Once ready, shape the mixture into golf ball-sized rounds—trust me, uniform size helps them bake evenly.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the shaped stuffing balls on a lined or greased baking sheet. Lightly spray or brush them with oil to encourage beautiful golden browning. Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway so every side gets crispy, heated through, and irresistible.
How to Serve Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these turkey stuffing balls, try garnishing with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a drizzle of warm turkey gravy. A little cranberry sauce on the side can add a delightful sweet-tart contrast that highlights the savory flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
These balls make a perfect starter or snack, but pairing them with classic sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a vibrant green salad turns your meal into a festive feast. Their compact size means they can also accompany soups or fall alongside hearty autumn stews with ease.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress at a party? Serve the Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe on a platter with toothpicks for easy picking. You can also arrange them in martini glasses or small ramekins with dips like mushroom gravy or cranberry relish for a fun and elegant twist everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover stuffing balls will keep nicely in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This makes them a perfect quick snack or reheated appetizer when you want to enjoy those comforting holiday flavors without extra effort.
Freezing
These turkey stuffing balls freeze beautifully. After baking and cooling completely, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll hold well for up to two months, so you can prepare a batch ahead for a stress-free meal later.
Reheating
For best results when reheating, pop the frozen or refrigerated balls back into a 350°F oven until warmed through and crisp on the outside, about 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the exterior soggy rather than pleasantly crunchy.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought stuffing for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought stuffing works wonderfully and saves time, especially if it’s already seasoned to your liking. Just make sure it’s cooled before mixing to prevent sogginess.
Is this recipe suitable for dairy-free diets?
Yes, this Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe is dairy-free as written, making it a fantastic option for those avoiding dairy without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Can I make these vegetarian by skipping the turkey?
Definitely! You can omit the turkey or substitute it with cooked mushrooms, tofu, or a plant-based protein to keep it vegetarian while still enjoying delicious stuffing balls.
What can I dip the stuffing balls in?
They’re delicious with classic turkey gravy, cranberry sauce, or even a tangy mustard-based dip. Feel free to get creative based on your mood and the meal they’re accompanying.
How do I ensure the stuffing balls hold together well?
The key is the beaten egg and adding broth gradually. The egg binds the mixture while the broth adds the right moisture. If your mixture feels too dry, a splash more broth will help it hold shape better.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so warm and comforting about this Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe that makes it an instant favorite in my kitchen. Whether you’re revisiting holiday flavors or simply craving a cozy snack, these little bites never disappoint. Give them a try and watch them quickly become a beloved addition to your recipe collection!
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Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 stuffing balls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
These Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delicious and easy way to transform your holiday leftovers into a savory appetizer. Packed with seasoned turkey, sautéed vegetables, and classic stuffing flavors, they bake up golden and crispy on the outside while staying moist and flavorful inside. Perfect for Thanksgiving or holiday gatherings, these bite-sized treats pair wonderfully with gravy or cranberry sauce.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cups prepared stuffing, cooled
- 1 cup cooked turkey, finely chopped
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup chicken or turkey broth (as needed)
- Cooking spray or additional oil for baking
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Vegetables and Spices: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and celery, cooking for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic, dried sage, thyme, salt, and black pepper; cook for an additional minute to release the aromas.
- Mix Stuffing and Turkey: In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared stuffing, finely chopped cooked turkey, sautéed vegetables and spices, beaten egg, and chopped parsley. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Adjust Moisture: Gradually add the chicken or turkey broth a little at a time, mixing until the mixture is moist enough to hold its shape when formed into balls.
- Form Stuffing Balls: Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized rounds, about 12 balls total, and place them on the prepared baking sheet spaced evenly apart.
- Prepare for Baking: Lightly spray or brush the tops of the stuffing balls with cooking spray or oil to help achieve a golden-brown crust.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. Turn the balls once halfway through baking to ensure they brown evenly on all sides. Bake until the balls are heated through and golden brown.
Notes
- Use leftover stuffing and turkey to create this quick and convenient holiday appetizer.
- Serve these stuffing balls with gravy or cranberry sauce for added flavor and moisture.
- These can be frozen after baking; simply reheat in the oven before serving.
