Turkey stuffing balls are a delightful twist on the classic holiday side dish that bring convenience and a burst of flavor to your festive table. These bite-sized morsels combine the comforting taste of traditional stuffing with the ease of finger food, making them perfect for parties, potlucks, or a fun family dinner.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply want a creative way to enjoy your stuffing leftovers, turkey stuffing balls offer a crispy, savory treat that’s both satisfying and versatile.
In this recipe, we’ll guide you through making perfectly seasoned stuffing balls from scratch, incorporating tender turkey, fresh herbs, and just the right amount of moisture to keep them deliciously tender inside with a golden, crunchy exterior.
Plus, they are easy to customize and can be baked or fried according to your preference. Get ready for a mouthwatering experience that’s sure to become a new holiday favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Turkey stuffing balls are a game changer for your holiday meals. They capture all the flavors of traditional stuffing but in a fun, portable form that’s easy to serve and eat.
No more awkwardly slicing and scooping stuffing from a dish; these bite-sized balls are perfect as appetizers or side dishes.
They’re incredibly versatile, too. You can bake them for a healthier version or fry them for extra crispiness.
The recipe is straightforward and uses common ingredients that you might already have on hand. Plus, they make excellent leftovers or party snacks, which means less waste and more enjoyment!
Ingredients
- 4 cups turkey stuffing (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup cooked turkey, chopped finely
- 1/2 cup chicken or turkey broth
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for coating)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil or vegetable oil for frying (optional)
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Large spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet (if baking)
- Frying pan or deep fryer (if frying)
- Wire rack or paper towels (for draining)
- Knife and cutting board
- Optional: food processor (for finer texture)
Instructions
- Prepare the stuffing base: If using homemade stuffing, prepare your favorite recipe and let it cool. If store-bought, crumble it into a large mixing bowl.
- Mix ingredients: Add the finely chopped turkey, onion, garlic, parsley, dried sage, and thyme to the stuffing. Pour in the broth gradually while mixing to moisten the stuffing without making it soggy.
- Bind the mixture: Add the beaten eggs and mix thoroughly until the mixture holds together well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Form the balls: Using your hands, shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls. You should get approximately 20-24 balls.
- Coat the balls: Roll each ball lightly in the all-purpose flour to help them crisp up when cooked.
- Choose cooking method: For baking, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). For frying, heat about 1 inch of oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Bake or fry:
- Baking: Place the balls on a greased baking sheet or one lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and heated through.
- Frying: Fry the balls in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve hot: Enjoy your turkey stuffing balls fresh from the oven or fryer with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips & Variations
For extra flavor, consider adding cooked sausage or diced mushrooms to the stuffing mix. You can also experiment with different herbs like rosemary or marjoram to suit your taste.
Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread for the stuffing and a gluten-free flour alternative for coating.
Cheesy twist: Add shredded cheese such as cheddar or parmesan inside the balls before cooking for a melty surprise.
Make ahead: Prepare the balls and freeze them uncooked on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag and cook directly from frozen, adding extra cooking time as needed.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (3 balls) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Turkey stuffing balls pair wonderfully with a variety of sauces such as cranberry chutney, creamy mustard dip, or classic gravy. Serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks or as a side dish alongside your roasted turkey and mashed potatoes.
For a lighter meal, enjoy them with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. If you love holiday flavors, try these Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas for a vibrant side.
Looking for more comforting recipes to complement your meal? Check out our Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food or the hearty Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide.
Conclusion
Turkey stuffing balls offer a fun and flavorful way to enjoy one of the most beloved holiday dishes with a modern twist. Their crispy outside and tender, savory inside make them irresistible crowd-pleasers that are easy to serve and eat.
Whether you bake or fry them, these stuffing balls bring a comforting, homemade touch to your festive table.
This recipe is perfect for holiday entertaining or anytime you want to transform traditional stuffing into a portable snack. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s accessible for cooks of all levels and offers plenty of room for creative variations.
Give these turkey stuffing balls a try this season and watch them disappear fast!
📖 Recipe Card: Turkey Stuffing Balls
Description: These turkey stuffing balls are a delicious twist on traditional stuffing, perfect as a side or appetizer. Crispy on the outside and moist inside, they bring festive flavors to your table.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 12 balls
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- 2 cups bread cubes
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, melt butter and sauté celery and onion until soft.
- In a large bowl, combine turkey, bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, parsley, sage, thyme, egg, and chicken broth.
- Season with salt and pepper, then mix until well combined.
- Form mixture into 12 equal-sized balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Brush balls with olive oil.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 10 g
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