Description

If you're wondering what to do with your leftover turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes from the holidays, these Turkey Stuffing Balls are the perfect solution! Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they’re ideal for serving as appetizers or snacks. The combination of turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes, all wrapped in a crunchy panko coating and topped with gravy, is incredibly satisfying. Whether you're hosting a party or just craving a hearty, flavorful bite, these turkey stuffing balls are sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups shredded turkey
• Use 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 for extra flavor.

Preparation Method

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F or 190°C and grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.

2. In a bowl, mix 1.5 cups of shredded turkey, 3 cups of stuffing, and 3 cups of mashed potatoes until combined. Adjust moisture with gravy or add more stuffing if needed.

3. Scoop the mixture and form golf ball-sized balls, rolling them smooth. Place on the baking sheet with space between each ball.

4. Roll each ball in panko breadcrumbs to coat, pressing lightly. For extra crunch, dip in gravy before coating.

5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown, turning halfway through for even browning.

6. Let cool for a few minutes and serve hot with warm gravy.

Tips and Conclusion

Make it Cheesy: For an extra indulgent touch, try adding small cubes of cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyère) into the center of each ball before rolling. The cheese will melt as the balls bake, creating a gooey surprise inside.

Air Fryer Option: If you want an even crispier texture, try air frying the turkey stuffing balls instead of baking. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the balls for 10-12 minutes, turning them halfway through.

Add Veggies: For added flavor and nutrition, you can mix finely chopped veggies (like carrots, celery, or green beans) into the turkey mixture. It’s a great way to use up leftover roasted vegetables from your holiday feast.

Storage: These turkey stuffing balls can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness.

Freezing: To freeze, place the unbaked turkey stuffing balls on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, no need to thaw—just bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
These Irresistible Turkey Stuffing Balls are a fun, creative way to transform your holiday leftovers into something new and delicious. With the crispy coating, savory turkey filling, and the richness of mashed potatoes and stuffing, they’re the ultimate comfort food. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or even as part of a main meal, they’ll be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Pair them with a fresh salad or enjoy them on their own with a generous drizzle of gravy. Whatever the occasion, these turkey stuffing balls are sure to be a hit!