Turkey and stuffing balls are a delicious way to transform Thanksgiving or holiday leftovers into a flavorful, easy-to-make dish.
This recipe combines tender turkey, savory stuffing, and simple seasonings into crispy, golden bites.
Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or light meal, these tasty bites bring new life to leftovers while minimizing food waste.
Customize them with your favorite herbs, spices, or cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
Ingredients
Leftover cooked turkey (shredded or finely chopped)
Leftover stuffing
Egg (to bind the mixture)
Bread crumbs (optional, for added texture)
Grated cheese (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking oil or butter for frying
Instructions
Start by gathering your leftover turkey and stuffing. Shred or finely chop the turkey into small pieces, ensuring it blends well with the stuffing for uniform balls.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the turkey and stuffing. Adjust the ratio to achieve a mix that holds together when pressed but isn’t overly dry or sticky.
Add an egg to the mixture to act as a binder.
If the mixture feels too wet, incorporate bread crumbs gradually until the desired consistency is achieved.
Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs or spices you like.
Grated cheese can also be mixed in for extra flavor and richness.
Shape the mixture into bite-sized balls, ensuring they’re firm and compact to prevent crumbling during cooking.
Place the balls on a lined tray or plate.
If you prefer a crispy coating, roll the balls in bread crumbs before frying or baking.
This step is optional but adds a delightful crunch.
Cook the balls by either frying them in a pan with oil or butter until golden brown or baking them in a preheated oven until crispy and heated through.
For a flavorful twist, add dried cranberries or diced vegetables like celery and onion to the mixture for added texture and taste.
Swap the turkey for shredded chicken or ham if desired, or experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, Parmesan, or Gouda for a richer flavor.
For a crispy coating, roll the balls in panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before cooking.
To lighten the dish, bake the balls instead of frying, using a drizzle of olive oil for a golden finish.
Ensure the mixture holds together by adjusting the ratio of stuffing, turkey, and breadcrumbs, and avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
To store leftover turkey and stuffing balls, let them cool completely after cooking.
Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat refrigerated balls in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
If frozen, bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the reheating time.
The nutritional information for turkey and stuffing balls can vary based on portion size and specific ingredients used.
Generally, they are a good source of protein from the turkey and provide carbohydrates from the stuffing.
Adding cheese increases calcium and protein content, while using whole-grain bread crumbs can boost fiber.
However, be mindful of the sodium content from stuffing mix, cheese, and seasoning.
Baking the balls instead of frying can reduce overall fat and calorie intake, making this dish a more balanced option for enjoying holiday leftovers.