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

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent the turkey stuffing balls from sticking during baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Turkey Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of shredded turkey, 3 cups of stuffing, and 3 cups of mashed potatoes. Use your hands or a large spoon to mix everything together until well combined. The mashed potatoes will act as a binder, holding the turkey and stuffing together.

If the mixture feels too dry, you can add a tablespoon of gravy at a time to moisten it. On the other hand, if it’s too wet, add a little more stuffing or breadcrumbs to balance the texture.

Step 3: Form the Balls
Using a spoon or your hands, scoop out a portion of the turkey mixture and form it into balls. Aim for balls about the size of a golf ball, which will give you the perfect bite-sized portion. Roll each ball between your palms until it’s smooth and uniform.

Place the formed turkey stuffing balls onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re evenly spaced and not touching each other.

Step 4: Coat with Panko Breadcrumbs
In a separate shallow dish, pour the panko breadcrumbs. Roll each turkey ball in the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure the crumbs adhere to the surface. This step adds a crispy coating that will contrast beautifully with the soft filling inside.

For extra crunch, you can double-coat by dipping the balls in gravy before rolling them in the breadcrumbs. This also infuses more flavor into the coating.

Step 5: Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the turkey stuffing balls are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Check halfway through the baking time and turn the balls to ensure they brown evenly.

Step 6: Serve with Gravy
Once baked, remove the turkey stuffing balls from the oven and allow them to cool for a couple of minutes. Serve hot with a side of warm gravy for dipping or drizzling on top. The creamy gravy adds a rich, savory element that perfectly complements the crispy exterior and tender filling of the balls.

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!