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