Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls: A Perfect Holiday Recipe for Leftovers

After a big holiday meal, it’s always a challenge to figure out what to do with all the leftovers. Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls are an easy, creative way to transform those excess turkey and stuffing into something new and exciting. These savory, crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside treats are perfect for using up leftover Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner ingredients. Not only are they delicious, but they also make a great snack, appetizer, or side dish. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility—you can tweak it according to your tastes or what you have on hand.

Why Choose Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls?

Leftover turkey and stuffing are often relegated to bland reheats or thrown away, but with a little creativity, they can be turned into something special. The concept of stuffing balls gives you the opportunity to use ingredients you already have in a way that’s exciting and flavorful. Plus, you can customize the recipe to suit your preferences—add a bit of cheese, mix in some extra herbs, or even toss in a spicy kick with some hot sauce or chili flakes. These turkey stuffing balls are also perfect for meal prep, snacks, or even as a quick dinner when paired with your favorite sides.

Ingredients for Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls

Making these leftover turkey stuffing balls requires just a handful of ingredients, most of which you likely have left over from your holiday meal. Here’s everything you’ll need:

• 2 cups leftover stuffing
• 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp dried thyme or poultry seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
• Olive oil or cooking spray (for baking)

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s flexible. You can add or remove ingredients depending on what you have on hand or your preferences. For instance, if you like a bit of extra flavor, adding a spoonful of cranberry sauce or gravy can elevate the taste of the stuffing balls. Or, try experimenting with some hot sauce if you want a spicy kick.

How to Make Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls

Creating leftover turkey stuffing balls is simple and fun. Here’s how to prepare them from start to finish:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent the balls from sticking. Preheating the oven ensures that your stuffing balls cook evenly and become crispy on the outside.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the leftover stuffing, cooked turkey, egg, Parmesan cheese (if using), garlic powder, thyme, salt, pepper, and parsley. Stir everything together until the ingredients are well incorporated. The mixture should hold together when pressed. If it feels too dry, you can add a little bit of gravy or broth to help bind it. Alternatively, if the mixture feels too wet, add a bit more stuffing or breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Form the Balls

Once your mixture is ready, use your hands to scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Place each formed ball onto the prepared baking sheet. Be sure to pack the mixture tightly to prevent the balls from falling apart during baking. If you find the mixture a little sticky, you can dampen your hands with a bit of water to make shaping the balls easier.

Step 4: Bake the Stuffing Balls

Before placing the balls in the oven, lightly brush the tops with olive oil or spray them with cooking spray for a golden, crispy finish. Bake the turkey stuffing balls for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on the outside and crisp to the touch. You can flip them halfway through baking to ensure even crispiness. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on the size of the balls.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once your leftover turkey stuffing balls are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet. This allows them to firm up and makes them easier to handle. Serve them warm with your favorite gravy, cranberry sauce, or even as a side dish alongside leftover mashed potatoes. These turkey stuffing balls are perfect for game day snacks or holiday parties, too!

How to Make Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls Your Own

One of the best things about leftover turkey stuffing balls is that they can be customized to suit your tastes. Here are a few ideas to make them even more flavorful:

• Cheese: Add a little cheddar or mozzarella cheese inside the balls for extra gooey goodness. You can even try using cream cheese to give the filling a creamy texture.
• Spices: If you like a little more heat, add cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the mix.
• Cranberries: For a touch of sweetness, toss in a handful of dried cranberries. They’ll add a tart contrast to the savory turkey and stuffing.
• Vegetables: Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Dice up some carrots, celery, or onions and fold them into the mixture for added texture and flavor.

Serving Ideas for Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls

These stuffing balls are extremely versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas:

• Appetizer: Serve them as finger food at your next party with a side of dipping sauce, like ranch, barbecue sauce, or a spicy mustard sauce.
• Dinner: Pair them with mashed potatoes and gravy for a delicious, easy dinner.
• Snack: Grab a few for a quick and satisfying snack in between meals.
• Side Dish: These stuffing balls are an excellent side dish, especially if you want to add a little extra something to your holiday leftovers.

Why Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls Are So Great

Leftover turkey stuffing balls are not only delicious but also make use of ingredients that might otherwise go to waste. By repurposing your turkey and stuffing, you minimize food waste while creating a dish that everyone will love. These flavorful little bites are an easy way to bring new life to leftovers, ensuring that nothing goes to waste.

Conclusion

In conclusion, leftover turkey stuffing balls are the perfect way to make your post-holiday meals even more enjoyable. Whether you’re looking for a savory snack, appetizer, or side dish, these crispy and tender bites will surely hit the spot. With just a few simple ingredients, you can transform your leftovers into a tasty treat that the whole family will love. Get creative with your mix-ins, experiment with different flavors, and enjoy the convenience of using up leftovers in a fun and delicious way!

FAQs

Q1: Can I use store-bought stuffing for turkey stuffing balls?
Yes! While homemade stuffing often adds a personal touch, store-bought stuffing works perfectly for these turkey stuffing balls. Just be sure to use high-quality stuffing for the best results.

Q2: Can I freeze leftover turkey stuffing balls?
Absolutely! You can freeze them either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, simply place the unbaked balls on a baking sheet, freeze them, and then store them in a freezer bag. Bake them straight from frozen when you’re ready to eat them. To freeze after baking, let them cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container.

Q3: How long do leftover turkey stuffing balls last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, these stuffing balls will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For the best flavor and texture, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

Q4: Can I add vegetables to these turkey stuffing balls?
Yes, feel free to incorporate diced vegetables such as carrots, celery, or onions to give your stuffing balls more texture and flavor. You can also try adding some sautéed mushrooms for an earthy taste.

Q5: What dipping sauces go well with leftover turkey stuffing balls?
These stuffing balls pair wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces. Gravy, cranberry sauce, ranch dressing, or even a spicy barbecue sauce make excellent choices.

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