The Fluffiest Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe for Holiday Joy

Crispy and golden turkey stuffing balls bring a playful twist to traditional holiday side dishes.

Packed with savory herbs and tender bread cubes, these delightful bites capture the essence of comfort food.

Serving something that makes people smile and ask for the recipe.

Each morsel combines classic flavors with a modern presentation that surprises guests.

Fragrant sage and thyme dance through the mixture, creating irresistible aromas that fill your kitchen.

Rich and satisfying, these crispy spheres transform leftover ingredients into something magical.

You’ll want to double the batch because they disappear faster than anyone expects.

Pro Tips for Moist and Crispy Turkey Stuffing Balls

• Boost Moisture Mastery: Add a splash of chicken broth or melted butter if the stuffing mixture feels too dry, ensuring each ball stays juicy and tender during cooking.
• Smart Coating Technique: Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness, and gently press the coating to help it adhere perfectly to the stuffing balls.
• Temperature Control Trick: When frying, maintain consistent oil temperature around 350F to prevent burning and ensure even golden-brown coloring.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers for those with dietary restrictions.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare and shape the stuffing balls in advance, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking to save time during meal preparation.

How to Store and Reheat Turkey Stuffing Balls

• Refrigeration: Store leftover turkey stuffing balls in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cool the balls completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
• Freezing: Wrap individual stuffing balls tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month to maintain the best quality and taste.
• Reheating (Oven): Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Place the stuffing balls on a baking sheet and cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through, removing the foil during the last 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.
• Reheating (Air Fryer): Set the air fryer to 350F (175C). Arrange the stuffing balls in a single layer and heat for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even warming.

Best Dishes to Serve with Turkey Stuffing Balls

• Pair with Cranberry Zinger: Complement the savory turkey stuffing balls with a bright, tangy cranberry cocktail. Mix vodka, cranberry juice, and a splash of lime for a refreshing drink that echoes the classic cranberry sauce.
• Match with Herb-Infused White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio with herbal undertones. The wine's light, zesty profile will enhance the stuffing's rich, herbal flavors without overwhelming the delicate turkey meat.
• Create a Dipping Sauce Symphony: Whip up a quick honey mustard or garlic aioli for an extra flavor punch. These creamy, bold sauces provide a perfect contrast to the crispy, golden-brown exterior of the stuffing balls.
• Serve with Autumn Salad Companion: Toss together a light mixed green salad with roasted pecans, crumbled goat cheese, and a maple vinaigrette. The fresh, crunchy salad will balance the warmth and richness of the stuffing balls.

Tasty Twists on Turkey Stuffing Balls

• Vegetarian Veggie Blast: Replace turkey with finely chopped roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Swap cheddar for a plant-based cheese alternative for a colorful and nutritious option.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced jalapeños, ground cumin, and chili powder to the mixture. Mix in corn kernels and black beans for a southwestern flavor profile that packs a punch.
• Mediterranean Magic: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, chopped spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. Season with dried oregano and fresh parsley to create a Mediterranean-inspired version with bright, tangy notes.
• Herb Garden Crunch: Mix in fresh chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage. Enhance the mixture with toasted pine nuts for extra texture and a robust herbal essence that elevates the traditional stuffing ball.

Turkey Stuffing Balls Questions Answered

• Can I make these stuffing balls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the stuffing balls and refrigerate them uncooked for up to 24 hours. Just cover them tightly and keep them chilled until you’re ready to fry or bake.

• Are these stuffing balls kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids usually love these crispy, bite-sized treats. They’re easy to eat and have familiar flavors from traditional holiday meals. Plus, they’re a fun way to use leftover turkey and stuffing.

• Can I freeze turkey stuffing balls?

Yes, you can freeze them before cooking. Place the uncooked balls on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then cook as directed.

• What if I don't have cheddar cheese?

No problem! You can substitute with other cheeses like mozzarella, Swiss, or even skip the cheese altogether. The stuffing balls will still be delicious and hold together well with the egg and breadcrumbs.

Why Turkey Stuffing Balls Are a Holiday Hit

• Revamp Thanksgiving Leftovers: Transform boring turkey and stuffing into crispy, delectable balls that breathe new life into post-holiday ingredients with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Whip up these stuffing balls in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous snack cravings when you want something deliciously satisfying.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Enjoy multiple cooking options like frying or baking, catering to different dietary preferences and kitchen equipment while maintaining a crunchy exterior and tender, savory interior that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Waste-Reducing Culinary Creativity: Ingeniously repurpose holiday leftovers into a exciting new dish that reduces food waste and provides a fresh twist on traditional turkey day ingredients, making meal planning more exciting and economical.

What Goes Into Turkey Stuffing Balls

Main Ingredients:

• Cooked Stuffing: The heart of the recipe, provides rich flavor and texture from traditional holiday ingredients.
• Chopped Turkey: Adds protein and helps bind the mixture with complementary flavor.
• Cheddar Cheese: Brings creamy, sharp taste and helps hold ingredients together.

• Egg: Helps bind ingredients and provides structure to the stuffing balls.
• Breadcrumbs: Adds crispy texture and helps absorb moisture for proper consistency.
• Melted Butter: Ensures moisture and prevents dry texture if mixture seems too dense.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall flavor profile.
• Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Creates a crispy, golden exterior with rich cheese notes.

• Vegetable Oil: For frying method, ensures even golden browning.
• Cooking Spray: Helps achieve crispy bake with minimal additional fat.

• Cranberry Sauce: Traditional complementary holiday condiment.
• Gravy: Adds extra moisture and rich flavor when serving.

How to Make Turkey Stuffing Balls Step-by-Step

Step 1: Craft The Flavor Foundation

• Cooked stuffing (crumbled and cooled)
• Shredded turkey pieces
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Fresh beaten egg
• Breadcrumbs

Mix everything with enthusiasm until the mixture feels perfectly cohesive. If the blend seems too dry, drizzle some melted butter to boost moisture. Sprinkle salt and pepper to awaken the taste buds.

Step 2: Shape Your Culinary Gems

Use your hands to scoop and roll the mixture into adorable bite-sized spheres. Each ball should be roughly the size of a golf ball. Aim to create around 12 uniform balls that hold together beautifully.

Step 3: Create A Crispy Exterior

• One with beaten egg
• Another with a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese

Dunk each ball first into the egg wash, then roll generously in the breadcrumb mixture. Ensure every inch is covered with the crunchy coating.

Step 4: Cook To Golden Perfection

Choose Your Cooking Method:

• Heat vegetable oil in a skillet
• Maintain medium temperature
• Gently place balls into the oil
• Fry until each side turns gorgeous golden brown
• Each batch takes approximately 3-4 minutes
• Drain excess oil on paper towels

• Preheat oven to 400 Fahrenheit
• Arrange balls on parchment-lined baking sheet
• Lightly spray with cooking spray
• Bake for 15-20 minutes
• Flip halfway through cooking
• Look for a crispy, golden exterior

Step 5: Serve With Flair

Present these scrumptious balls while they’re wonderfully warm. Accompany with classic cranberry sauce, rich gravy, or create a zingy dipping sauce that complements the savory flavors.

Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savory turkey stuffing balls bring classic holiday comfort to your table with crispy, golden-brown exteriors and herb-infused interiors. Crisp, delightful morsels make perfect appetizers or side dishes that complement roasted meats and festive gatherings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

MAIN INGREDIENTS:

• 3 cups (450 g) cooked stuffing
• 1 cup (150 g) cooked turkey, finely chopped
• ½ cup (60 g) shredded cheddar cheese

BINDING & COATING INGREDIENTS:

• 1 large egg, beaten
• ¼ cup (30 g) breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 cup (100 g) breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese

SEASONINGS:

• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• Cooking spray (for baking)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Combine the prepared stuffing with finely chopped roasted turkey, creating a cohesive base mixture that integrates the primary protein and bread elements.
2. Incorporate beaten egg and breadcrumbs into the stuffing blend, ensuring the mixture develops a sticky consistency that allows easy ball formation.
3. Gently fold cheddar cheese into the mixture, distributing it evenly to enhance the overall flavor profile and provide subtle creamy undertones.
4. Season the mixture with salt and pepper, adjusting the seasoning to create a balanced and robust taste that complements the turkey and stuffing.
5. Use clean hands to carefully roll the mixture into uniform spherical shapes, maintaining consistent size for even cooking and aesthetic presentation.
6. Prepare a coating station by mixing breadcrumbs with finely grated Parmesan cheese to create a crisp exterior layer.
7. Dip each formed ball into beaten egg, ensuring complete coverage to help the breadcrumb mixture adhere effectively.
8. Roll the egg-coated balls through the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to create a complete and even exterior coating.
9. For frying method, heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet until it reaches a consistent medium temperature.
10. Carefully place coated balls into the hot oil, frying in small batches to maintain oil temperature and prevent overcrowding.
11. Rotate the balls periodically to achieve a uniform golden-brown color and crispy exterior, cooking approximately 3-4 minutes per batch.
12. Alternatively, for baking, arrange the coated balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
13. Preheat the oven to 400°F and bake the stuffing balls, turning them midway to ensure consistent browning and crispness.
14. Remove the stuffing balls once they develop a beautiful golden exterior and achieve a crisp texture.
15. Serve immediately with complementary sauces like cranberry relish or classic turkey gravy for an enhanced dining experience.

Notes

• Ensure the stuffing is cooled before mixing to prevent the egg from scrambling and maintain the right texture.
• Use leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken for a quick and convenient protein boost in the stuffing balls.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like Gruyère or goat cheese to add unique flavor profiles to the mixture.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs and use cornstarch as a binding agent.
• Make ahead and freeze uncooked balls for up to 1 month, allowing for easy meal prep and quick entertaining.
• Adjust seasoning with herbs like thyme, sage, or rosemary to enhance the traditional holiday flavor of the stuffing balls.
• Create a lighter version by baking instead of frying, reducing overall oil content while maintaining a crispy exterior.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg