Golden Turkey Stuffing Balls: 15 Min Prep

Got a mountain of leftover turkey after the big feast? Instead of just picking at it, let’s turn it into something truly special! These Turkey stuffing balls are an absolute game-changer for using up those delicious holiday bits. They’re ridiculously easy to whip up, and the best part? They bake up to this amazing golden, crispy perfection that everyone, and I mean *everyone*, devours. You know how I found my joy in the kitchen by making simple things taste incredible and bring people together? That’s exactly what these stuffing balls are all about – super easy prep, totally bake-ahead friendly, and they are guaranteed crowd-pleasing appetizers. Trust me, you’re going to love these!

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Why You’ll Love These Turkey Stuffing Balls

Seriously, these little bites are a lifesaver when you’ve got a fridge full of Thanksgiving leftovers! Here’s why they’re going to be your new holiday go-to:

• Super Simple Prep: We’re talking minimal fuss here. Just mix, roll, and bake! It’s so straightforward, even if you’re not usually a kitchen person, you’ll nail these.
• Uses Up Leftovers Like a Dream: Got leftover turkey? Perfect! This recipe is the ultimate way to transform it from simply good to absolutely irresistible.
• Make-Ahead Magic: You can totally prep these ahead of time, either forming the balls or even baking them and reheating later. Frees you up to actually enjoy your party!
• Crowd-Pleasing Perfection: Everyone loves a good appetizer, right? These turkey stuffing balls are always the first thing to disappear. They’re just that good.
• That Crispy Texture: Oh, the crunch! Rolling them in breadcrumbs and baking them gets them perfectly golden and delightfully crispy on the outside.
• Easy Party Food Extraordinaire: Need a last-minute appetizer? These are your answer. They’re quick, easy, and always hit the spot.

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Ingredients for Your Easy Turkey Stuffing Balls

Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make these amazing little turkey stuffing balls! The beauty of this recipe is that it uses simple, everyday ingredients, and most importantly, it’s a fantastic way to give your leftover turkey a brand-new life. I always try to use good quality stuffing mix as the base, but honestly, whatever you have on hand works great.

Here’s what’s going into our delicious little bites:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded or finely chopped turkey: Make sure it’s cooled down before you start mixing. You can use breast meat, thigh meat, whatever you’ve got!
• 4 cups prepared stuffing mix: This is the base! I like to prepare it just a *smidge* drier than the package directions usually say, because we’ll be adding a little broth and egg, and we don’t want things getting too mushy. Think of it as a slightly firmer stuffing!
• 1/2 cup chicken broth: Just enough to bind everything together and add a touch more savory flavor.
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup chopped onion: I usually use yellow onion, but white works perfectly fine too. Make sure they’re chopped pretty finely so they distribute nicely.
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: This really brightens things up and adds a lovely fresh flavor.
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: These classic herbs are key to that savory stuffing flavor we all love.
• Salt and black pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season! Taste as you go.
• 1 egg, beaten: This is our binder, making sure these balls hold their shape.
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are my favorite for extra crunch, but regular fine breadcrumbs work too if that’s what you have.

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How to Make Perfect Turkey Stuffing Balls

Okay, so now that we’ve got all our yummy ingredients ready, let’s get down to making these awesome Turkey stuffing balls! It’s honestly super simple, and I promise, the result is so worth it. You’ll feel like a total rockstar whipping these up, whether it’s for a holiday party or just a fun weekend snack. Trust me, this is where the magic really happens!

Prepping Your Turkey Stuffing Balls

First things first, let’s get that oven preheated! You want it at 375°F (that’s 190°C for my metric friends). While it’s warming up, grab a big mixing bowl. Dump in your prepared stuffing, all that lovely cooked turkey, the chicken broth, chopped celery and onion, parsley, sage, and thyme. Give it all a really good stir. You want everything to be nicely combined. Then, add in that beaten egg – this is our secret weapon for keeping these turkey stuffing balls from falling apart. Mix it in until it all looks evenly moistened. Now, get your hands in there (it’s the best way!) and roll the mixture into little balls, about an inch or so in diameter. Try to make them all about the same size so they bake evenly. It’s almost therapeutic, right?

Coating and Baking Your Turkey Stuffing Balls

This next step is key for that amazing crunch we want! Get a shallow dish and pour in your breadcrumbs. You can use Panko for extra crispiness, or just regular breadcrumbs if that’s what you have. Gently roll each stuffing ball in the breadcrumbs, giving them a nice, even coating. Then, arrange them on a baking sheet that you’ve lined with parchment paper. Parchment paper is your friend here, seriously. Make sure the balls aren’t all smooshed together – give them a little breathing room. Pop them into the preheated oven and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes. You’re looking for them to be beautifully golden brown and heated all the way through. That crispy exterior is what makes these turkey stuffing balls so irresistible! These also pair wonderfully with a tangy sauce, like homemade honey BBQ sauce or classic cranberry.

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Tips for the Best Turkey Stuffing Balls

Okay, let’s talk about taking these Turkey stuffing balls from good to absolutely *amazing*! I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that really make a difference. It’s all about getting that perfect balance of flavor and texture, you know? Little things can totally elevate them, so let’s dive into how you can ensure yours are just perfect.

Achieving Crispy Baked Bites

Want those super satisfying, crispy baked bites we all love? My secret is to make sure the stuffing mix itself isn’t *too* moist to begin with. If it feels a little on the wet side, you can always add a tablespoon or two more breadcrumbs or stuffing mix. And when you roll them in the breadcrumbs? Really give them a good coat! Don’t be shy. The breadcrumbs are what give you that gorgeous golden crunch when they bake up. Trust me on this one!

Make-Ahead and Freezer Friendly Apps

This is one of my favorite things about these Turkey stuffing balls – they are total superstars for making ahead! You can totally form the balls and keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for a day or two before you need them. Or even better, freeze them! Just place the formed (but unbaked) balls on a baking sheet and pop them in the freezer until they’re solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just toss those frozen gems onto your baking sheet and add a few extra minutes to the baking time. They’re truly the ultimate freezer friendly apps!

Serving Suggestions for Your Turkey Stuffing Balls

Now that you’ve got these perfectly baked Turkey stuffing balls, what should you serve them with? Honestly, they’re so flavorful on their own, but a little something extra can really make them sing! Around my house, we always have a few go-to pairings. A classic is definitely cranberry sauce – that sweet and tart bite is just heavenly with the savory stuffing and turkey. Gravy is another winner, of course!

If you’re looking for something a bit different, you could try a spicy kick with something like a cranberry jalapeño dip or even a simple aioli. These little bites are super versatile, so they work just as well as a fun appetizer when guests are arriving, or as a fantastic holiday side dish alongside your main turkey dinner. However you serve them, they’re always a hit!

Frequently Asked Questions about Turkey Stuffing Balls

Got some lingering questions about whipping up these delicious Turkey stuffing balls? I totally get it! Sometimes you just need a quick answer to make sure everything turns out perfectly. Let’s clear up a few common things people ask:

Can I make these stuffing balls ahead of time?

Oh, absolutely! These Turkey stuffing balls are fantastic for making ahead. You can form the balls and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes, and they’re just as good!

What are the best herbs for stuffing balls?

Sage and thyme are my classic go-tos for that traditional stuffing flavor, but you can totally get creative with your herb stuffing ideas! A little rosemary or marjoram can be lovely, or even a pinch of poultry seasoning. Just keep the total amount of herbs around what the recipe calls for so you don’t overpower the other flavors.

How do I prevent my stuffing balls from falling apart?

The most common reason for stuffing balls falling apart is that they’re too wet. Make sure your stuffing mix isn’t *too* moist before you start rolling. The egg really acts as the binder, so ensure it’s well distributed. If the mixture feels still too crumbly, add another tablespoon of chicken broth or that beaten egg. A light coat of breadcrumbs also helps hold them together nicely.

Nutritional Information

Just a little heads-up, these numbers are an estimate, of course! Things can vary a bit depending on exactly what stuffing mix you use or even the size of your turkey bits. But generally, you’re looking at about 150 calories per serving (that’s around 3 balls), with roughly 7g of fat and 7g of protein. They’re a tasty way to enjoy those holiday flavors!

Share Your Turkey Stuffing Balls Creations!

I just *love* seeing what you all come up with in your kitchens! If you make these yummy Turkey stuffing balls, please share your creations! Drop a comment below, rate the recipe, or tag me on social media. Seeing your pics makes my day and reminds me why I started this whole thing, all about finding joy in simple, delicious food that brings people together. For more on my kitchen philosophy, check out my about page. You can also find me hanging out on Facebook!

Easy Turkey Stuffing Balls

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Transform leftover turkey into delicious, crispy stuffing balls perfect for holiday appetizers or sides. These bake-ahead bites are simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

• Author: purejoyalex
• Prep Time: 20 min
• Cook Time: 20 min
• Total Time: 40 min
• Yield: 24 balls 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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• 2 cups cooked, shredded or finely chopped turkey
• 4 cups prepared stuffing mix (prepared according to package directions, slightly drier than usual)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for coating)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the prepared stuffing mix, shredded turkey, chicken broth, celery, onion, parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Add the beaten egg to the stuffing mixture and stir until everything is evenly moistened.
4. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls.
5. Place the breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Roll each stuffing ball in the breadcrumbs to coat evenly.
6. Place the coated stuffing balls on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.
8. Serve warm.

Notes

• For make-ahead convenience, you can form the balls and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.
• Stuffing balls can also be frozen. Place them on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• These are great served with cranberry sauce or a gravy for dipping.
• Consider these a simple alternative to traditional meal planning, offering a quick appetizer solution.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3 balls
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 30mg