Crispy golden Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe elevate holiday leftovers into a delightful appetizer perfect for game day or casual gatherings. These savory morsels combine shredded turkey with your favorite stuffing, creating a unique dish that is both flavorful and satisfying. Ideal for any occasion, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible snack you’ll want to make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can turn leftover turkey and stuffing into a delicious bite-sized treat.
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for appetizers at parties or as a fun addition to your family meals.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of herbs, cheese, and seasonings makes these balls bursting with flavor.
- Crispy Texture: A light mist of olive oil ensures a golden-brown, crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender filling.
- Kid-Friendly: These stuffing balls are great for children who love finger foods and are easy to dip in cranberry sauce.
Tools and Preparation
To create these delicious turkey stuffing balls, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly during preparation.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or scoop for shaping
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to combine all ingredients easily without making a mess.
- Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet ensures even cooking and makes transferring the balls easy.
- Parchment paper: This prevents sticking and makes cleanup simple after baking.
Ingredients
For the Turkey Stuffing Balls
- 2 cups leftover turkey, shredded
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cups leftover stuffing
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- Olive oil spray for baking
How to Make Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Collect all leftover turkey and stuffing components, ensuring they are at room temperature for optimal mixing.
Step 2: Mix Turkey and Stuffing
In a spacious mixing vessel, combine shredded turkey with stuffing, creating a uniform base for the appetizing morsels.
Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients
Integrate eggs, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper into the mixture. Blend thoroughly to guarantee even distribution of flavors.
Step 4: Shape the Balls
Gently shape the consolidated mixture into compact spheres about the size of a standard golf ball. Maintaining consistent size will ensure uniform cooking.
Step 5: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Arrange the sculpted balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Space them adequately to allow proper heat circulation.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking
Delicately mist the spherical formations with olive oil. This promotes a crisp exterior during roasting.
Step 7: Bake
Position the baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375F (190C). Allow the spheres to bake for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown.
Step 8: Check Doneness
Verify doneness by confirming a rich amber coloration on the outside while ensuring complete internal heating.
Step 9: Serve
Transfer the aromatic turkey stuffing spheres to a serving platter. Serve them hot alongside tangy cranberry sauce for dipping.
Enjoy your delicious Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls as a tasty appetizer that everyone will love!
How to Serve Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Leftover turkey stuffing balls make for a delightful appetizer or snack that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dish and impress your guests.
Pair with Dipping Sauces
- Tangy Cranberry Sauce – A classic pairing that adds a sweet and tart flavor, perfect for complementing the savory stuffing balls.
- Creamy Ranch Dressing – A cool and creamy option that balances the crispy texture of the turkey stuffing balls.
- Spicy Mustard – For those who enjoy a kick, spicy mustard enhances the flavors with a zesty bite.
Serve on a Charcuterie Board
- Cheese Platter – Include a variety of cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or brie to create an enticing contrast with the turkey stuffing balls.
- Fresh Vegetables – Add sliced cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers for crunch and freshness alongside the rich flavors of the stuffing balls.
Create Mini Sliders
- Turkey Stuffing Ball Sliders – Place stuffing balls in mini slider buns with toppings like lettuce, tomato, or avocado for a fun twist on traditional sliders.
How to Perfect Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
To ensure your leftover turkey stuffing balls are perfectly delicious every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients – This helps in achieving better mixing and ensures even cooking throughout.
- Don’t Overmix – Gently combine ingredients to maintain a light texture; overmixing can lead to dense balls.
- Uniform Size is Key – Shape your stuffing balls consistently for even cooking; aim for golf ball-sized portions.
- Preheat Your Oven – Ensure your oven is adequately preheated before baking for optimal browning and crispiness.
- Check for Doneness – Look for a golden-brown finish and ensure they’re heated through before serving.
Best Side Dishes for Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Complement your leftover turkey stuffing balls with these delicious side dishes. They add variety and balance to your meal.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy and flavorful potatoes provide a comforting side that pairs well with savory flavors.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts offer a delightful crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft stuffing balls.
- Mixed Green Salad – A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette cleanses the palate and adds brightness to the meal.
- Sweet Potato Fries – Sweetness from fries enhances the savory stuffing balls while adding texture to your plate.
- Vegetable Medley – A colorful mix of steamed vegetables brings nutrition and vibrancy to your table.
- Quinoa Salad – A protein-packed salad that is light yet filling, perfect as an alternative starch option alongside the appetizer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making leftover turkey stuffing balls, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.
- Using cold ingredients: Starting with cold turkey and stuffing can lead to uneven mixing. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for better blending.
- Not measuring correctly: Eyeballing ingredients can throw off the texture. Use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
- Overcrowding the baking sheet: Placing too many balls close together can prevent even cooking. Space them out properly to allow air circulation.
- Skipping the olive oil spray: Failing to mist your balls with oil can result in a dry exterior. A light spray ensures a crispy finish.
- Not checking doneness: Relying solely on cooking time might leave them undercooked. Always check for a golden-brown color and ensure they are heated through.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover turkey stuffing balls in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
- Place cooled balls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to use leftover turkey?
Using leftover turkey in recipes like our Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe is great! It transforms leftovers into a tasty snack or appetizer.
Can I make these stuffing balls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and shape it into balls when you’re ready to bake.
What dips pair well with leftover turkey stuffing balls?
Tangy cranberry sauce complements these savory bites perfectly, but feel free to try ranch or aioli.
How do I customize the flavors of my turkey stuffing balls?
You can add herbs like thyme or rosemary, or mix in different cheeses based on your taste preferences.
Final Thoughts
The Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. These savory bites make an excellent appetizer for any gathering or game day celebration. Feel free to customize them with your favorite herbs or spices for an added twist!
Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Transform your holiday leftovers into a deliciously crispy appetizer with this Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe. These golden-brown bites are packed with shredded turkey and savory stuffing, making them perfect for game day or casual gatherings. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering snack that everyone will love. Serve them hot alongside tangy cranberry sauce for dipping and watch them disappear from the platter! Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply enjoying a cozy night in, these turkey stuffing balls are sure to impress.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded leftover turkey
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cups leftover stuffing
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray for baking
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine shredded turkey and leftover stuffing until well blended.
- Add eggs, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper; mix until combined.
- Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized spheres.
- Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet and mist with olive oil spray.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball (45g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 55mg