Delicious Turkey Stuffing Balls – Perfect for Holidays or Leftovers

Posted by Sophia

Introduction

Turkey Stuffing Balls are a creative and delicious way to enjoy Thanksgiving or holiday leftovers. These bite-sized treats combine tender turkey and savory stuffing into flavorful morsels that are easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a main course, they pair beautifully with cranberry sauce or gravy for a festive touch.

Overview of the Recipe

This recipe transforms leftover turkey and stuffing into a cohesive and delicious dish. By binding the ingredients with egg and broth and baking them until golden, you get moist and flavorful turkey stuffing balls. They’re versatile enough to be a centerpiece for your table or a delightful party appetizer.

History and Origin

Turkey stuffing balls are a modern innovation, likely originating from the need to repurpose holiday leftovers creatively. Combining two Thanksgiving staples—turkey and stuffing—into a convenient and flavorful format, this recipe represents the essence of holiday cooking: simplicity, comfort, and resourcefulness.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

  1. Cooked turkey: 3 cups, shredded or finely chopped
  2. Prepared stuffing: 2 cups (homemade or store-bought)
  3. Large egg: 1
  4. Chicken or turkey broth: ½ cup
  5. Garlic powder: ½ teaspoon
  6. Onion powder: ½ teaspoon
  7. Salt and pepper: To taste
  8. Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons (optional, for brushing)

For Serving:

  • Cranberry sauce
  • Gravy

Instructions

Step-by-Step Directions:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare the Mixture:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded turkey, prepared stuffing, egg, chicken or turkey broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well combined and hold together when pressed.
  3. Form the Balls:
    • Using your hands or a scoop, form the mixture into golf ball-sized rounds (about 2 inches in diameter). Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.
  4. Optional: Brush with Butter:
    • For a golden, flavorful finish, brush the tops of the balls with melted unsalted butter.
  5. Bake:
    • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the balls are heated through and slightly browned.
  6. Serve:
    • Remove the turkey stuffing balls from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve warm with cranberry sauce or gravy for dipping.

Serving Suggestions

  • As an Appetizer: Arrange on a platter with cranberry sauce and gravy as dipping options.
  • As a Main Course: Serve alongside roasted vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.
  • For a Party: Make smaller, bite-sized balls and serve them on toothpicks for easy snacking.

Variations of the Recipe

  1. Cheesy Twist:
    • Add ½ cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese to the mixture for a gooey, cheesy center.
  2. Vegetarian Version:
    • Use a vegetarian stuffing mix and substitute turkey with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based ground meat.
  3. Spiced-Up Balls:
    • Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or paprika for a spicy kick.
  4. Gluten-Free Option:
    • Use gluten-free stuffing and ensure your broth is gluten-free.
  5. Herb-Infused Balls:
    • Add 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley, thyme, or sage for a burst of fresh herb flavor.

Health Benefits Notes

  • Turkey: A lean source of protein, rich in B vitamins and minerals like selenium, which supports immune function.
  • Stuffing: Provides carbohydrates for energy; using whole-grain stuffing increases fiber content.
  • Broth: Offers hydration and minerals; choose low-sodium broth for a healthier option.

Turkey stuffing balls are a balanced dish when paired with lighter sides, making them an enjoyable yet nutritious holiday treat.

FAQs

1. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the mixture and shape the balls, then store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

2. Can I freeze turkey stuffing balls?

Absolutely. Freeze the uncooked balls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.

3. What if my mixture is too dry or too wet?

  • If it’s too dry, add more broth, one tablespoon at a time, until the mixture holds together.
  • If it’s too wet, add a small amount of breadcrumbs to absorb excess moisture.

4. Can I use other types of meat?

Yes, cooked chicken or ground turkey can be used as a substitute for cooked turkey.

Conclusion

Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delicious and creative way to enjoy Thanksgiving or holiday leftovers. With their savory flavors and tender texture, they’re sure to become a favorite dish for your family gatherings or casual dinners. Quick to prepare and endlessly customizable, these versatile bites are perfect for sharing and celebrating. Try them today and savor the taste of the holidays in every bite!

Delicious Turkey Stuffing Balls – Perfect for Holidays or Leftovers

by

Introduction

Turkey Stuffing Balls are a creative and delicious way to enjoy Thanksgiving or holiday leftovers. These bite-sized treats combine tender turkey and savory stuffing into flavorful morsels that are easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a main course, they pair beautifully with cranberry sauce or gravy for a festive touch.

Overview of the Recipe

This recipe transforms leftover turkey and stuffing into a cohesive and delicious dish. By binding the ingredients with egg and broth and baking them until golden, you get moist and flavorful turkey stuffing balls. They’re versatile enough to be a centerpiece for your table or a delightful party appetizer.

History and Origin

Turkey stuffing balls are a modern innovation, likely originating from the need to repurpose holiday leftovers creatively. Combining two Thanksgiving staples—turkey and stuffing—into a convenient and flavorful format, this recipe represents the essence of holiday cooking: simplicity, comfort, and resourcefulness.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

  1. Cooked turkey: 3 cups, shredded or finely chopped
  2. Prepared stuffing: 2 cups (homemade or store-bought)
  3. Large egg: 1
  4. Chicken or turkey broth: ½ cup
  5. Garlic powder: ½ teaspoon
  6. Onion powder: ½ teaspoon
  7. Salt and pepper: To taste
  8. Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons (optional, for brushing)

For Serving:

  • Cranberry sauce
  • Gravy

Instructions

Step-by-Step Directions:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare the Mixture:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded turkey, prepared stuffing, egg, chicken or turkey broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well combined and hold together when pressed.
  3. Form the Balls:
    • Using your hands or a scoop, form the mixture into golf ball-sized rounds (about 2 inches in diameter). Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.
  4. Optional: Brush with Butter:
    • For a golden, flavorful finish, brush the tops of the balls with melted unsalted butter.
  5. Bake:
    • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the balls are heated through and slightly browned.
  6. Serve:
    • Remove the turkey stuffing balls from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve warm with cranberry sauce or gravy for dipping.

Serving Suggestions

  • As an Appetizer: Arrange on a platter with cranberry sauce and gravy as dipping options.
  • As a Main Course: Serve alongside roasted vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.
  • For a Party: Make smaller, bite-sized balls and serve them on toothpicks for easy snacking.

Variations of the Recipe

  1. Cheesy Twist:
    • Add ½ cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese to the mixture for a gooey, cheesy center.
  2. Vegetarian Version:
    • Use a vegetarian stuffing mix and substitute turkey with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based ground meat.
  3. Spiced-Up Balls:
    • Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or paprika for a spicy kick.
  4. Gluten-Free Option:
    • Use gluten-free stuffing and ensure your broth is gluten-free.
  5. Herb-Infused Balls:
    • Add 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley, thyme, or sage for a burst of fresh herb flavor.

Health Benefits Notes

  • Turkey: A lean source of protein, rich in B vitamins and minerals like selenium, which supports immune function.
  • Stuffing: Provides carbohydrates for energy; using whole-grain stuffing increases fiber content.
  • Broth: Offers hydration and minerals; choose low-sodium broth for a healthier option.

Turkey stuffing balls are a balanced dish when paired with lighter sides, making them an enjoyable yet nutritious holiday treat.

FAQs

1. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the mixture and shape the balls, then store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

2. Can I freeze turkey stuffing balls?

Absolutely. Freeze the uncooked balls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.

3. What if my mixture is too dry or too wet?

  • If it’s too dry, add more broth, one tablespoon at a time, until the mixture holds together.
  • If it’s too wet, add a small amount of breadcrumbs to absorb excess moisture.

4. Can I use other types of meat?

Yes, cooked chicken or ground turkey can be used as a substitute for cooked turkey.

Conclusion

Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delicious and creative way to enjoy Thanksgiving or holiday leftovers. With their savory flavors and tender texture, they’re sure to become a favorite dish for your family gatherings or casual dinners. Quick to prepare and endlessly customizable, these versatile bites are perfect for sharing and celebrating. Try them today and savor the taste of the holidays in every bite!

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