Get ready to impress with these delightful Turkey Stuffing Balls! A fun twist on traditional holiday dishes, these savory bites are perfect for any gathering or just a cozy night at home. Featuring a blend of mashed potatoes, tender turkey, and classic stuffing, they’re a surefire hit for everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A Perfect Appetizer: These Turkey Stuffing Balls are bite-sized delights, making them a great starter for any meal.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and steps mean you can whip these up without hassle.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A favorite for both adults and kids, these balls are sure to win you fans at any gathering.
- Versatile: Enjoy them as a snack, side dish, or even pair them with a salad for a full meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating these delicious Turkey Stuffing Balls is a breeze with their simple yet essential ingredients. Each component adds to the delightful taste and perfect texture.
- Mashed Potatoes: Use creamy mashed potatoes for the best texture.
- Stuffing: Leftover stuffing works perfectly, adding that classic flavor.
- Shredded Turkey: The star ingredient bringing richness and protein.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory depth and crispiness when baked.
- Egg: Acts as a binder to hold everything together.
- Bread Crumbs: Provides structure and a bit of crunch.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance all flavors.
Variations
The beauty of these Turkey Stuffing Balls is their flexibility. Tailor them according to your dietary needs or taste preferences with these easy variations.
- Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like parsley or sage for added aroma.
- Cheese Lovers: Swap Parmesan for sharp cheddar for a different cheese experience.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for some heat.
How to Make Turkey Stuffing Balls
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures a nice and even baking session. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
Step 2: Mix Your Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, stuffing, shredded turkey, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until you have a uniform texture.
Step 3: Form the Balls
Using your hands, gently form the mixture into 1-inch balls. Pro tip: slightly wet your hands to prevent the mixture from sticking.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the formed balls onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them a bit apart. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. This ensures they’re heated through and nicely crisped.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, serve these tasty balls hot with your choice of gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping. They’re best enjoyed fresh out of the oven!
Pro Tips for Making Turkey Stuffing Balls
- Perfect Temperature: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.
- Easy Rolling: Dampen your hands slightly while forming the balls to easily manage the mixture.
- Make Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the mixture in advance and store in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
- Ingredient Selection: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor boost.
How to Serve Turkey Stuffing Balls
Garnishes
Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for a finishing touch. It adds a pop of color and elevates the overall look.
Side Dishes
Pair these balls with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal that complements their flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, arrange them on a platter with small dipping bowls of gravy and cranberry sauce, inviting guests to enjoy their choice of dip.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to three days.
Freezing
To freeze, place the balls in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to a month.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through, to maintain the delightful crunch.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Shredded chicken works just as well as turkey and provides a similar taste profile.
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What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
You can use any hard cheese like pecorino or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor boost.
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How can I make these gluten-free?
Substitute the bread crumbs with a gluten-free version and ensure your stuffing is also gluten-free.
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Can these be made dairy-free?
Yes, skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative to make this recipe suitable for those avoiding dairy.
Final Thoughts
I encourage you to step out of the traditional holiday comfort zone and give these Turkey Stuffing Balls a try. They’re not just incredibly delicious; they’re also a fun and festive way to mix up your menu. Happy cooking!
Print
Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 balls 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and savory turkey stuffing balls are the perfect comfort food, combining mashed potatoes, stuffing, and turkey into crispy, golden bites. Ideal for holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners, these easy-to-make appetizers are savory, hearty, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
Mashed Potatoes
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
Stuffing
- 2 cups stuffing
Shredded Turkey
- 1 cup shredded turkey
Cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Binding Agents and Seasonings
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, stuffing, shredded turkey, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, bread crumbs, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Form Balls: Using your hands, take portions of the mixture and shape them into 1-inch balls, ensuring they are tightly packed.
- Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the turkey stuffing balls on the prepared baking sheet, spaced slightly apart to allow for even cooking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and heated through.
- Serve: Serve the hot stuffing balls with gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For added flavor, mix chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme into the mixture before forming the balls.
- These stuffing balls can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven just before serving for best texture.
- Feel free to customize with your favorite cheeses or seasonings for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 balls (about 70g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
