Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
If you’re searching for a dish that wraps up the comfort of Thanksgiving into a portable, shareable bite, look no further than Turkey Stuffing Balls. These flavor-packed wonders combine juicy ground turkey and savory stuffing with aromatic herbs and just enough veggies to give each ball a satisfying crunch. Whether you’re trying to reinvent leftovers or want a crowd-pleasing party appetizer, this recipe guarantees all the nostalgia and heartiness of the holiday table—no carving required!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of classic staples and a dash of fresh herbs, you’ll have all you need for Turkey Stuffing Balls. Each ingredient brings something special—some offer moisture, others bring savory depth, and a few add pops of color that make the finished dish as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Ground turkey: Using lean ground turkey keeps the balls tender yet light, the perfect base that soaks up all the savory seasonings.
- Prepared stuffing: Whether boxed or homemade, stuffing lends cozy flavor and the classic texture we all crave during the holidays.
- Finely chopped onion: A bit of onion sweetens and rounds out the flavor while adding irresistible juiciness.
- Finely chopped celery: This crunchy veg keeps every bite fresh-tasting and gives a subtle earthy note.
- Large egg: Acts as the binder, ensuring each ball holds together through baking and serving.
- Chicken broth: Adds a touch of moisture—just enough to keep the mixture soft without turning mushy.
- Dried sage: Essential for that signature stuffing taste, sage brings warmth and a hint of woodsy aroma.
- Garlic powder: Elevates the savory flavor profile and guarantees no one will call these bland.
- Salt: Just a little bit underscores all the other ingredients perfectly.
- Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and depth, balancing the richness.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Brightens up the mix, making these balls pop with color and fresh flavor.
- Cooking spray or oil: Greasing your pan helps create a lovely golden crust and keeps cleanup stress-free.
How to Make Turkey Stuffing Balls
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Start by setting your oven to 375°F so it’s ready to go when your balls are formed. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light mist of oil—this ensures nothing sticks and that irresistible golden exterior forms.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
Gather a large mixing bowl and add in your ground turkey, prepared stuffing, chopped onion, chopped celery, egg, chicken broth, dried sage, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and parsley. Gently mix everything together with clean hands or a sturdy spoon. Be careful not to overmix—you want the Turkey Stuffing Balls to stay light and tender, not dense!
Step 3: Form the Balls
Using your hands or a cookie scoop, portion the mixture into 12 to 14 evenly sized balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, giving a bit of space in between so each ball bakes up with a crisp edge and golden color.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The Turkey Stuffing Balls should develop a beautiful golden brown exterior and be cooked all the way through—their internal temperature should read 165°F for juicy, safe-to-eat bites.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Let them cool for just a minute or two before transferring to a platter. Serve warm with a side of gravy, cranberry sauce, or any holiday-inspired dip you love. Trust me, they’ll disappear in no time!
How to Serve Turkey Stuffing Balls
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme elevates both the pretty presentation and the herbal aroma. For a festive touch, scatter a handful of dried cranberries or toasted pecans over the platter before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair the balls with classic Thanksgiving sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or roasted brussels sprouts. They’re also delicious next to a crisp green salad or buttery rolls for a lighter meal that still satisfies every craving.
Creative Ways to Present
Skewer each Turkey Stuffing Ball with a cocktail pick for a party-ready appetizer tray, or pile them into a warm bowl with a drizzle of gravy for an ultra-cozy dinner. Kids love them in lunchboxes, and they work perfectly as sliders tucked into mini buns with cranberry mayo.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. They keep their flavor and don’t dry out, making them great for next-day lunches or snacks.
Freezing
For longer storage, arrange the cooled balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a zip-top freezer bag or container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to three months. You can bake them directly from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat, place the Turkey Stuffing Balls on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through. A quick zap in the microwave works too, but the oven brings back that irresistible crispness.
FAQs
Can I use leftover stuffing for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover stuffing is perfect for Turkey Stuffing Balls and actually adds even more depth of flavor. Just make sure it’s not too wet so the balls hold together nicely.
Can I make these ahead for a party?
Yes, you can form the balls and refrigerate them (uncooked) for up to a day in advance, or freeze the shaped mixture and bake when needed. It’s a real time-saver for stress-free entertaining.
Are Turkey Stuffing Balls gluten-free?
They can be if you use gluten-free stuffing and breadcrumbs. Always double-check your ingredients just to be sure, but it’s an easy swap that doesn’t change the flavor profile.
What can I use instead of ground turkey?
Ground chicken works beautifully and offers a similar texture. If you’d like to use beef or pork, the flavors will be richer—just keep an eye on fat content and adjust seasoning accordingly.
Can I add cheese or other mix-ins?
Yes! Stir in shredded cheese for gooey pockets, or toss in chopped dried cranberries, pecans, or even diced apple for a fun twist. Turkey Stuffing Balls are easy to customize to everyone’s tastes.
Final Thoughts
If you love classic holiday flavors but want something a bit more fun and shareable, Turkey Stuffing Balls are the answer. They’re warm, inviting, and way too easy to crave all year long! Give them a try—you’ll be coming back for seconds before you know it.
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Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12–14 stuffing balls 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delicious way to use up leftover stuffing or to enjoy the flavors of Thanksgiving any time of year. Made with ground turkey, savory herbs, and aromatic vegetables, these bite-sized treats are perfect as an appetizer or a main course.
Ingredients
For the Turkey Stuffing Balls:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 4 cups prepared stuffing (boxed or homemade)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- cooking spray or oil for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, stuffing, onion, celery, egg, chicken broth, sage, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
- Form the balls: Use your hands or a scoop to form 12–14 evenly sized balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced slightly apart.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Serve: Serve warm with gravy or cranberry sauce.
Notes
- You can make these ahead and freeze them, then bake from frozen by adding 5–7 minutes to the cook time.
- Try adding shredded cheese or chopped dried cranberries for a festive twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffing ball
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
