Welcome, fellow food enthusiasts! Today, we are diving into a delightful recipe that makes the best use of holiday leftovers: Turkey Stuffing Balls. These bite-sized delights turn leftover turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes into an irresistibly crispy snack or appetizer that will impress guests and family alike. Not only are they simple to prepare, but they also pack a savory punch, making them a perfect addition to any holiday gathering or cozy meal at home.
The beauty of Turkey Stuffing Balls lies in their versatility. You can customize the ingredients based on your preferences, which adds a personal touch to this comforting dish. Whether you have freshly made mashed potatoes or are utilizing leftovers, you can mix and match according to what’s available in your kitchen. Toss in some herbs, or switch up the cheese for a rich layer of flavor, ensuring these morsels are tailored just for you. So grab your apron, and let’s create a dish that reflects the warmth of the holiday spirit!
Why You’ll Love This Holiday Turkey Stuffing Balls
- Quick & Easy: A straightforward recipe that transforms leftovers in a snap!
- Flavorful Bites: Enjoy the savory combination of turkey, stuffing, and cheese.
- Customizable: Opt for gluten-free or dairy-free ingredients as needed.
- Great for Gatherings: Perfect as appetizers for parties or snacks for game day.
- Make Ahead: Prepare in advance and bake just before serving for convenience!
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you start cooking your Turkey Stuffing Balls, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and work area. Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the stuffing balls from sticking, ensuring they come out perfectly golden and crisp.
Gather all your ingredients in a large mixing bowl: mashed potatoes, stuffing, shredded turkey, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and black pepper. Having your ingredients ready will make the mixing process much smoother. You’ll also need tools like a mixing spoon, cookie scoop or your hands for forming the balls, and possibly a measuring cup for accuracy. Making sure you have everything at hand will contribute to a seamless cooking experience!
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes – leftover or freshly made, creamy and smooth.
- 2 cups stuffing – any variety works, but homemade stuffing adds a personal touch.
- 1 cup shredded turkey – a great way to use up leftover turkey meat.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – adds a rich, savory flavor.
- 1 egg, beaten – helps bind the mixture together.
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs – for extra crunch and structure.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – to enhance the overall flavor.
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper – for a hint of spice.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
The first step in creating your Turkey Stuffing Balls is to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your oven reaches the right temperature for baking before you place your stuffed balls inside. While the oven is heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to help avoid the balls from sticking.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, gather all of your key ingredients: mashed potatoes, stuffing, shredded turkey, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, bread crumbs, salt, and black pepper. Using a sturdy mixing spoon or your hands, combine the ingredients thoroughly until you achieve a uniform mixture. Make sure that the flavors are evenly distributed, allowing for every bite to be flavorful. If you want a hint of extra flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary at this stage!
Step 3: Form the Balls
Once your mixture is well combined, it’s time to shape them into balls. You can use your hands or a small cookie scoop to make this easier. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave enough space between each ball so they can bake evenly and crisp up nicely.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake the Turkey Stuffing Balls for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them in the final minutes of baking; you’re looking for a golden-brown exterior with a crispy texture. This is when they’ll be at their most delicious!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked to perfection, remove the Turkey Stuffing Balls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Serve them hot, paired with your favorite dipping sauce, such as gravy or cranberry sauce, for an added flavor dimension. Enjoy these delightful bites with friends and family for a snack or appetizer that embodies the spirit of the holiday!
Variations
- Protein: Swap out turkey for shredded chicken or even crumbled sausage to create different flavor profiles.
- Vegetables: Add finely chopped spinach, bell peppers, or even a medley of carrots and peas for a nutritional boost.
- Spices: Experiment with flavors by adding different spices, such as cumin, garlic powder, or dried herbs like Italian seasoning.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure the mashed potatoes are creamy for better binding; if they are too stiff, they may not hold together well.
- If using leftover stuffing that is dry, consider adding a splash of chicken broth to moisten the mixture.
- Keep an eye on the cooking time; ovens can vary, so adjust accordingly to avoid overbaking.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of homemade gravy for dipping to enhance the comforting flavors.
- Pair them with cranberry sauce to add contrasting sweetness to the savory stuffing balls.
- Consider offering a variety of dipping sauces, like ranch or buffalo sauce, for a fun twist!
Tips
- For extra crispy balls, broil them for an additional 1-2 minutes after baking—watch closely to avoid burning!
- Store uneaten stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes for the best texture after storing.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 150 per ball
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 220mg
FAQs
Can I freeze the Turkey Stuffing Balls?
Yes! You can freeze the uncooked balls for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before baking them.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, consider using nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese product.
How can I make them spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mixture for an added kick!
What type of stuffing should I use?
You can use any stuffing you prefer—homemade, store-bought, or gluten-free options all work well.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these Turkey Stuffing Balls are a fun and scrumptious way to use up your holiday leftovers. They are not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious, proving that you can create incredible flavor with simple ingredients. We hope you’ll enjoy making this recipe and encourage you to experiment with your variations. Feel free to comment below about your experiences or share your own tips! Ready to impress your friends and family? Get cooking!
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Turkey Stuffing Balls
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Description
These Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delightful way to use up holiday leftovers, turning turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes into crispy bites that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes – leftover or freshly made, creamy and smooth.
- 2 cups stuffing – any variety works, but homemade stuffing adds a personal touch.
- 1 cup shredded turkey – a great way to use up leftover turkey meat.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – adds a rich, savory flavor.
- 1 egg, beaten – helps bind the mixture together.
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs – for extra crunch and structure.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – to enhance the overall flavor.
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper – for a hint of spice.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl until uniform.
- Form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
These balls can be customized by swapping turkey for chicken or adding spices for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
Nutrition
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Protein: 5 g