Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into irresistible turkey stuffing balls!
Its after Thanksgiving and you still have left over Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes in your fridge. How about turn them into a yummy new course instead of just reheating your used plates? Well let me introduce you to Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls that are a wonderful recipe to whip up for those post-holiday blues when all of your efforts have been consumed. This recipe is not only a great way to reduce food waste, it’s one that makes meal planning just a little bit more enjoyable.
These turkey stuffing balls make a great appetizer for entertaining, or even as an easy family meal option. They are also baked in the oven, so a little healthier than fried snacks. Then go ahead and try them with hot gravy for the total feel good grub! Believe us, after you make them once, Thanksgiving leftovers will have a new life for you each year!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 30 Minute Meal: Great for those days when you need to get dinner on the table quick and in a jiffy on a hectic weekday.
- Cheaper: Uses up leftovers, meaning less waste and more cents
- Family Friendly: A win for parents and adorable food lovers because who can resist deliciously golden, salty cubes dunked in a love bath of gravy?
- Works well as an app, snack or can round out the night as a main course.
Ingredients
To make these irresistible turkey stuffing balls, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1½ cups shredded turkey
Use your leftover roasted turkey. Both white and dark meat work well. - 3 cups stuffing
Any variety of leftover stuffing will do—herbed, cornbread, or sausage stuffing adds extra flavor. - 3 cups mashed potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes help bind everything together. - Gravy
For coating and serving. Homemade or store-bought works fine. - Panko breadcrumbs (for coating)
Gives the turkey balls a crispy exterior. - Optional: Black pepper
To taste. Adds a hint of spice.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- 3 cups mashed potatoes
- 3 cups stuffing
- 1½ cups shredded turkey
If desired, season the mixture with black pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. The mashed potatoes act as a binder, holding the turkey and stuffing together.
Step 3: Shape into Balls
Using your hands, scoop out portions of the mixture and shape them into balls about the size of a golf ball. Press firmly to ensure they hold their shape. This recipe should yield approximately 18-24 balls, depending on size.
Step 4: Coat with Panko Breadcrumbs
Pour panko breadcrumbs into a shallow dish. Roll each turkey ball in the breadcrumbs, coating all sides. The panko adds a delightful crunch to each bite.
Step 5: Bake
Place the coated balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and heated through.
Step 6: Serve with Gravy
While the turkey balls are baking, heat your gravy in a saucepan over low heat. Once the balls are done, remove them from the oven and drizzle or coat them generously with the hot gravy. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Tips and Variations
- Cheesy Twist: Add a cube of cheddar or mozzarella cheese in the center of each ball for a gooey surprise.
- Herbs and Spices: Mix in chopped fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, or thyme for extra flavor.
- Cranberry Sauce Dip: Serve with a side of cranberry sauce mixed with a bit of orange zest for a sweet and tangy contrast.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free stuffing and breadcrumbs if you have dietary restrictions.
- Deep Frying Alternative: For an extra crispy exterior, deep fry the balls until golden brown.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approximately 320
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
Why This Recipe Works
This new method for combining leftovers also saves you time, money and adds a new spin to classic flavors. These creamy mashed potatoes naturally function as a binder, and hold everything together perfectly as part of the turkey aroma. Baking the balls would require less oil, which is one of the healthiest options. The panko breadcrumbs add that ideal crunch without covering up what is inside. Top that with hot gravy, and every classic Thanksgiving flavor is packed into one delicious mouthful.
Serving Suggestions
- Appetizer: Serve on a platter with toothpicks and a side of gravy or dipping sauce at your next holiday party.
- Main Course: Pair with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Snack Time: Great for kids’ lunchboxes or an after-school snack.
Leftover Storage
If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely! ), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to regain some of the original crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Could I freeze Turkey Stuffing Balls?
Yes! Once your cookies are baked, cool them fully and freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. But you want to quickly transfer the strawberries to a freezer-safe bag or container after they have been frozen. It will keep for a while in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes when ready to eat.
2. But what if you don’t have mashed potatoes?
Mashed sweet potatoes are a great mashed-up alternative, or an extra cup of stuffing and a little beaten egg to help bind the mixture.
3. Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use mushrooms, carrots, and celery (above) to replace the turkey. Serve with vegetable gravy.
Additional Tips for Success
Uniform Ball Size: To make them cook evenly.
Do Not Overmix : Just mix the wet and dry ingredients enough for everything to bind together well so that you do not ruin the texture of these muffins.
Ensure you season to taste because the stuffing and your potatoes should be well-favored, but if you over-season it can become overwhelming.
Food Waste Reducing Dish
With today’s value on zero wastage, saving those scraps can be a big win. This recipe is the perfect way to transform your holiday leftovers! By putting a meal on the table and changing your kitchen habits, you are not just creating a tasty dish but, as an overall result, living a more sustainable life.
Not only is this recipe Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls, but it celebrates making due with what’s on hand and really getting-down in the kitchen. Next time you find yourself looking at a fridge full of leftovers, you’ll have the perfect guide. Get your family around the kitchen and make (and eat) this yummy recipe together.
Try It Today!
Whatever you do, don’t waste those Thanksgiving leftovers. Make them something great everyone will have seconds of. Make this recipe and… have some fun turning yesterday’s leftovers into foodie goodness!
