The holidays are always filled with laughter, family, and, of course, delicious food. One of the fondest memories I have is gathering in the kitchen with my children and grandchildren, making those little dishes that become staples for our holiday meals. One of the easiest, yet most satisfying, dishes we’ve made together over the years are my Turkey Stuffing Balls.
This simple recipe brings together all the comforting flavors of Thanksgiving in a single bite – a perfect combination of savory turkey, hearty stuffing, and just the right touch of gravy on top. It’s a dish that not only tastes like home but also reminds me of those cozy afternoons in the kitchen when we’re all together, preparing for our festive celebrations.
These little stuffing balls have become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving them as a side or turning them into a fun appetizer at a holiday gathering, they never fail to impress. The beauty of this dish is its versatility and how it lets the flavors of the turkey and stuffing shine through while adding that extra touch of comfort that we all crave.
Plus, they’re super easy to make, and you can choose to bake or fry them, depending on how crispy you like them! Let’s dive into how to make these turkey stuffing balls that will be sure to win over your guests every time.
Short Description
These Turkey Stuffing Balls combine the perfect balance of mashed potatoes, turkey, and stuffing, topped with a rich gravy for added flavor. A crowd-pleasing dish, these savory bites can be baked or fried for a crispy golden exterior.
Key Ingredients
- 3 cups mashed potatoes
- 3 cups stuffing
- 1½ cups shredded turkey
- Gravy (for serving)
- Black pepper to taste
- Panko breadcrumbs (optional)
- Butter/oil for frying (optional)
Tools Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet (if baking)
- Frying pan (if frying)
- Spoon or cookie scoop
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray (if baking)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prep Ingredients
Start by bringing all your ingredients to room temperature. If your mashed potatoes are chilled, warm them slightly to make mixing easier. If your stuffing seems a bit dry, moisten it with a little broth to bring it back to life.
Step 2: Mix & Form
In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes and stuffing. Add in the shredded turkey and season with black pepper to taste. Gently mix everything together, ensuring the ingredients are well combined. Once mixed, use your hands or a spoon to form the mixture into 12 golf ball-sized portions.
Step 3: Choose Your Method
You have two great options for cooking these savory little bites:
For the Baked Version:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the formed turkey stuffing balls on the sheet. Bake them for about 10-12 minutes, or until they’re hot and crispy on the outside.
For the Pan-Fried Version:
If you prefer a crispy, golden exterior, roll the balls in panko breadcrumbs. Heat butter or oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Fry the turkey stuffing balls until golden and crisp, turning gently for even cooking.
Step 4: Serve
Once cooked, serve the turkey stuffing balls with a generous drizzle of warm gravy. If you want to add a festive touch, serve them alongside cranberry sauce. Enjoy them as a delicious side dish or a fun, bite-sized appetizer!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy: With simple ingredients that you likely already have, these turkey stuffing balls are easy to throw together, whether you bake or fry them.
Comforting & Flavorful: The combination of mashed potatoes, stuffing, and turkey creates a rich, hearty flavor that everyone will love.
Versatile: You can make these ahead of time and store them, then simply reheat or crisp them up when you’re ready to serve.
Family-Friendly: Perfect for both adults and kids, these tasty bites are a fun and filling way to bring the flavors of Thanksgiving to any meal.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Don’t Overmix the Ingredients: Overmixing can make your stuffing balls tough. Be gentle when mixing and forming the balls to keep them light and fluffy.
Ensure the Stuffing Isn’t Too Dry: If your stuffing is on the dry side, add a bit of broth to moisten it before forming the balls.
Avoid Crowding When Frying: When frying, don’t overcrowd the pan. It can cause the balls to steam rather than crisp up. Fry them in batches for a golden, crispy exterior.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve these turkey stuffing balls as an appetizer at your holiday dinner, or as a comforting side dish with mashed potatoes and gravy.
Pair with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the dish.
For a festive touch, serve them with cranberry sauce or a savory chutney.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage: Store leftover turkey stuffing balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To keep them crispy, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or reheat in a hot pan with a little oil for that crispy texture.
FAQs
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing balls ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. If baking, they can go directly from the fridge to the oven.
2. Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute the turkey for chicken or even sausage for a different flavor profile.
3. How do I make these gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs and make sure the stuffing you use is also gluten-free.
4. Can I freeze them?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked stuffing balls. Freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a ziplock bag. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 15-18 minutes when ready.
5. Can I skip the gravy?
Of course! These turkey stuffing balls are delicious on their own or with a side of cranberry sauce for a sweet touch.
Tips & Tricks
Use a cookie scoop to make evenly sized balls, ensuring they cook evenly.
If you like your stuffing balls extra crispy, brush them with a little butter before baking or frying.
Recipe Variations
Herbed Stuffing: Add herbs like thyme, sage, or rosemary to the stuffing mixture for extra flavor.
Cheesy Stuffing Balls: Mix in some shredded cheddar cheese with the stuffing for a melty, cheesy twist.
Final Thoughts
These turkey stuffing balls have become a tradition in my kitchen, and they always bring smiles to our faces. I love how they are so simple, yet so full of flavor. They’re perfect for gatherings, easy to make ahead, and so versatile, whether you bake or fry them.
The blend of turkey, stuffing, and potatoes is a winning combination, and the warm gravy just ties everything together. It’s one of those dishes that brings back fond memories, and it always feels like home when I’m serving them. I hope this recipe becomes a cherished part of your holiday meal plans, too!
Turkey Stuffing Balls
Ingredients
- 3 cups mashed potatoes
- 3 cups stuffing
- 1½ cups shredded turkey
- Gravy for serving
- Black pepper to taste
- Panko breadcrumbs optional
- Butter/oil for frying optional
Instructions
- Bring ingredients to room temperature. Warm mashed potatoes slightly if needed, and moisten dry stuffing with broth.
- Combine mashed potatoes, stuffing, and shredded turkey in a large bowl. Season with black pepper and mix gently. Form into 12 golf ball-sized portions.
- For the baked version: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and bake for 10-12 minutes until crispy.
- For the fried version: Roll balls in panko breadcrumbs. Heat butter/oil in a pan and fry until golden and crispy.
- Serve with warm gravy and cranberry sauce for a festive touch. Enjoy as a side dish or appetizer!
