Crispy Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe: Tasty Reinvention

Crispy and golden stuffing balls offer a clever way to reinvent your leftover turkey feast.

Unexpected flavors merge perfectly in this simple dish that breathes new life into holiday remnants.

Comfort food gets a playful twist with these bite-sized morsels packed with savory goodness.

Leftover ingredients transform into something magical that will surprise everyone at the table.

Quick to prepare and impossible to resist, these stuffing balls capture the essence of delicious resourcefulness.

Each crunchy exterior gives way to a soft, herb-infused center that whispers memories of family gatherings.

What Makes Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls So Tasty

• Reinvent Leftovers: Transform boring holiday remains into exciting, crispy bites that bring new life to traditional turkey dinner scraps.
• Quick Family Crowd-Pleaser: Combine simple ingredients in minutes for a delicious appetizer or snack that kids and adults will absolutely love.
• Stress-Free Preparation: Mix, roll, and bake with minimal kitchen skills required, making this recipe perfect for novice cooks or busy weeknight meals.
• Versatile Party Treat: Perfect for game day gatherings, potlucks, or casual get-togethers where you want a crowd-friendly finger food that impresses without complicated steps.

Ingredients for Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls

• Shredded Turkey: Tender leftover meat that provides protein and rich flavor to the stuffing balls.
• Stuffing: Classic bread-based mixture that forms the core texture and base of the recipe.
• Egg: Binding agent that helps hold the ingredients together and creates a cohesive mixture.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor and helps enhance the overall taste of the stuffing balls.
• Cranberry Sauce: Provides a sweet and tangy element that complements the savory turkey.

• Breadcrumbs: Creates a crispy, golden exterior that adds crunch and texture to the stuffing balls.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup during baking.

How to Prepare Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls

Step 1: Combine Turkey and Stuffing Mixture

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend shredded turkey meat with prepared stuffing. Add grated Parmesan cheese, tangy cranberry sauce, and a fresh egg. Use your hands or a sturdy spatula to mix everything thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated and hold together smoothly.

Step 2: Shape Delightful Bite-Sized Balls

Scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them between your palms to create compact, uniform balls. Each ball should be roughly the size of a golf ball. Gently roll each ball in crispy breadcrumbs, ensuring a complete and even coating that will provide a delicious crunch when baked.

Step 3: Prepare Baking Surface

Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. Arrange the coated turkey stuffing balls with some space between them, allowing hot air to circulate and create an even golden exterior.

Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Place the baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, watching for a beautiful golden-brown color and a crisp exterior. The balls should look enticing and feel firm when gently touched.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Transfer the hot, crispy turkey stuffing balls to a serving platter. Enjoy them immediately while they’re warm and crunchy. These delectable bites make an excellent appetizer, snack, or creative way to reinvent leftover holiday turkey.

Tips for Perfect Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls

• Ensure turkey is finely shredded for better ball consistency and easier binding.
• Use fresh breadcrumbs for extra crunch and golden-brown exterior.
• Add herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the savory flavor profile.
• Freeze uncooked balls for quick future meals, perfect for meal prepping.
• Replace egg with mashed potato or flaxseed mixture for vegan adaptation.

Variations to Try With Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls

• Spicy Southwest Stuffing Balls: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, and swap cranberry sauce for salsa to create a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Turkey Stuffing Balls: Incorporate feta cheese, chopped olives, and dried oregano for a Greek-style flavor profile with Mediterranean herbs.
• Herbed Garden Stuffing Balls: Mix in fresh chopped herbs like parsley, thyme, and rosemary to enhance the savory profile with bright green undertones.
• Cheesy Bacon Stuffing Balls: Fold crispy bacon bits and extra sharp cheddar cheese into the mixture for a rich, indulgent variation that adds smoky depth.

Pairing Recommendations for Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls

• Pair Tangy Cranberry Cocktail: Create a zesty cranberry martini using leftover cranberry sauce, vodka, and a splash of orange liqueur for a festive drink that complements the turkey stuffing balls.
• Match Crisp Green Salad: Toss together mixed greens, toasted pecans, crumbled goat cheese, and a light apple cider vinaigrette to balance the rich, savory flavors of the stuffing balls.
• Drizzle Herb Aioli Dip: Whip up a quick herbed aioli with mayonnaise, fresh chives, garlic, and lemon zest to provide a creamy, bright sauce that enhances the crispy exterior of the turkey balls.

Storage Guidelines for Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls

• Store leftover turkey stuffing balls in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Ensure they cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual stuffing balls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months for maximum flavor and texture preservation.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Arrange frozen or refrigerated balls on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Place stuffing balls on a microwave-safe plate, heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature between each burst. Use sparingly to maintain crispiness.

FAQs for Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls

• Can I use other types of meat instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Shredded chicken or even ground pork works great as a substitute for leftover turkey in this recipe.

• How do I prevent the stuffing balls from falling apart?

Make sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly and compact the mixture well when forming the balls. The egg helps bind everything together, creating a stable texture.

• Are these stuffing balls good for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare these in advance and store them in the refrigerator before baking. They’re perfect for quick reheating and make an excellent grab-and-go snack or appetizer.

• What can I do if the mixture seems too dry or too wet?

If the mixture is too dry, add a little more egg or cranberry sauce. If it’s too wet, incorporate additional breadcrumbs to help absorb excess moisture and improve binding.

Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls elevate holiday remnants into irresistible appetizers that blend comfort and creativity. Packed with savory flavors and golden-brown crunch, these bite-sized delights ensure no delicious morsel goes to waste when you gather around the table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover turkey, shredded
• 1 cup stuffing
• 1 egg

Binding and Flavor Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Sauce Ingredient:

• 1/4 cup cranberry sauce

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly blend shredded turkey, prepared stuffing, grated Parmesan, cranberry sauce, and beaten egg in a spacious mixing vessel until ingredients are uniformly distributed.
2. Craft compact spheres approximately 1-2 inches in diameter, ensuring consistent size and shape.
3. Meticulously coat each formed sphere with breadcrumbs, rotating to achieve complete and even coverage.
4. Arrange breaded turkey spheres on a parchment-lined baking sheet, maintaining slight separation between each ball.
5. Position in preheated oven at 350F (175C) and roast for 20 minutes, monitoring until exterior transforms to a rich golden-brown and develops a crisp exterior texture.
6. Remove from oven and allow brief cooling moment before transferring to serving platter.
7. Present immediately while warm, offering as a delectable appetizer or hearty side dish that repurposes holiday remnants with gourmet flair.

Notes

• Make extra stuffing balls and freeze them for quick future meals, ensuring a delightful go-to snack.
• Adjust breadcrumb coating with gluten-free alternatives for individuals with wheat sensitivities.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices like sage or thyme to enhance the turkey’s flavor profile and create unique taste variations.
• For vegetarian adaptation, replace turkey with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or lentils while maintaining the original recipe’s texture and binding elements.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg