If you’re searching for a cozy, delicious twist on classic comfort foods, these Turkey stuffing Balls are absolute game-changers. Imagine all the best parts of Thanksgiving dinner rolled into one delightful bite-sized treat—mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, and shredded turkey, all mingling perfectly. Whether you bake them until crisp or pan-fry for a golden crust, these Turkey stuffing Balls bring warmth, flavor, and a touch of nostalgia to your table. They’re simple to prepare yet incredibly satisfying, making them a personal favorite when you want good food with minimal fuss.

Turkey stuffing Balls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these Turkey stuffing Balls lies in the simplicity of their ingredients. Each component plays an essential role in creating the ideal texture, balanced flavors, and the comforting feel that will have everyone coming back for more.

3 cups mashed potatoes: Creamy and smooth, they act as the perfect binder and add richness to the balls.
3 cups stuffing: Provides savory, herbaceous notes and a bit of texture contrast when combined with the mash.
1½ cups shredded turkey: Adds hearty protein and that classic roast flavor that ties everything together.
Gravy for serving: Brings moisture and an added layer of savory goodness when drizzled on top.
Black pepper to taste: Simple seasoning that enhances the overall flavor without overpowering the dish.
Panko breadcrumbs (optional): Creates a wonderfully crispy crust if you choose to pan-fry your Turkey stuffing Balls.
Butter or oil for frying (optional): Essential for achieving that golden, crunchy exterior during pan-frying.

How to Make Turkey stuffing Balls

Step 1: Prep Ingredients

First things first, bring all your ingredients to room temperature—it helps the mixture come together more smoothly. If your mashed potatoes feel too stiff, gently warm them up to ensure they’re pliable. For stuffing that’s a bit dry, give it a splash of broth to moisten, keeping the texture perfect for molding into balls.

Step 2: Mix & Form

In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes and stuffing with a gentle folding motion to maintain some texture. Then, fold in the shredded turkey evenly. Season with black pepper to your liking. Next, divide the mixture into roughly 12 golf ball-sized portions, shaping each with your hands until they hold together well.

Step 3: Choose Your Cooking Method

You have two delightful paths to take here: baking or pan-frying. For baked Turkey stuffing Balls, preheat your oven to 375°F and place the balls on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until they’re hot through and develop a lightly crisp outer layer. If you’re craving a golden, crunchy crust, roll each ball in panko breadcrumbs and pan-fry in butter or oil over medium heat until each side is beautifully browned. Both methods yield delicious results; it just depends on your mood!

How to Serve Turkey stuffing Balls

Garnishes

To elevate these Turkey stuffing Balls even further, drizzle warm gravy on top—it’s like a hug in sauce form that melds the flavors beautifully. If you like a touch of sweetness and a pop of color, serve alongside a spoonful of cranberry sauce. The contrast between savory and slightly tart creates a perfect balance.

Side Dishes

These balls shine on their own, but pairing them with green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a crisp salad can add freshness and vibrancy to your meal. The hearty nature of the Turkey stuffing Balls complements lighter sides perfectly, rounding out your plate deliciously.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress guests or create a festive appetizer? Arrange your Turkey stuffing Balls on a platter, and provide individual ramekins of gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping. Alternatively, pop a toothpick in each ball and serve them as finger food. This not only looks fun but also makes enjoying these bites easy at any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (and you might!), place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to three days, so you can enjoy that comforting Turkey stuffing Balls goodness even after the main meal is done.

Freezing

Want to save some for later? Freeze the uncooked formed balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to a month. When you’re ready, bake or pan-fry them straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to cooking time.

Reheating

To bring your Turkey stuffing Balls back to life, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep their crispy exterior intact, especially if you pan-fried them.

FAQs

Can I make Turkey stuffing Balls without turkey?

Absolutely! You can swap the turkey for cooked chicken or even turkey sausage for a different twist. For a vegetarian option, try adding roasted vegetables or mushrooms in place of the turkey.

Is it better to bake or pan-fry Turkey stuffing Balls?

Both methods are fantastic. Baking is simpler and results in a tender, lightly crisped ball, while pan-frying gives you a golden, crunchy crust. It really depends on whether you want ease or extra crunch.

Can I use leftover stuffing and turkey?

Yes! This recipe is a perfect way to transform leftovers into something fresh and exciting. Just make sure your leftovers are moist and not dried out for the best texture.

How do I prevent the stuffing balls from falling apart?

Using the right ratio of mashed potatoes to stuffing helps bind everything together. Also, making sure all ingredients are at room temperature and gently but thoroughly mixed is key. If needed, you can add a beaten egg as a binder.

Can I prepare these ahead of a party?

Definitely! You can form the Turkey stuffing Balls and refrigerate them, then bake or fry just before serving. This saves time and keeps them fresh and delicious.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say, once you try these Turkey stuffing Balls, they’ll become a beloved staple in your cooking repertoire. They bring that comforting, nostalgic flavor we all crave, wrapped up in an easy-to-make, fun-to-eat package. Whether for a family dinner, holidays, or a casual get-together, these delightful bites are sure to impress and satisfy. So go ahead, give the recipe a whirl, and enjoy every flavorful moment!