Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls are a quick and easy appetizer that puts your holiday leftovers to good use. Combining mashed potatoes, stuffing, and shredded turkey, these savory bites are mixed with Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, and seasonings. After baking to golden perfection, they come out crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They're great as an appetizer or snack, and pair wonderfully with gravy or cranberry sauce. Whether you're looking to serve these as a post-holiday snack or repurpose your leftovers into something new, these stuffing balls are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls are a fun and easy way to transform your holiday leftovers into a delicious snack. These crispy, golden-brown bites combine the best of mashed potatoes, stuffing, and turkey into one savory treat. Perfect for dipping in gravy or cranberry sauce, these stuffing balls make a great appetizer or snack.
Let’s take a look at the ingredients that make these stuffing balls so flavorful.
INGREDIENTS
- Mashed Potatoes: The mashed potatoes serve as the creamy, starchy base for the stuffing balls, helping bind all the ingredients together.
- Stuffing: Leftover stuffing adds a savory, herbaceous flavor to the balls, bringing in those classic holiday spices.
- Shredded Turkey: A great way to use up leftover turkey, adding a rich, meaty texture to each bite.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds a salty, umami flavor that pairs well with the turkey and stuffing.
- Egg: The beaten egg acts as a binder, helping the mixture hold its shape during baking.
- Bread Crumbs: These give the stuffing balls a crispy exterior, adding a satisfying crunch to every bite.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the flavors, ensuring the perfect balance in each bite.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the stuffing balls from sticking.
- Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of mashed potatoes, 2 cups of stuffing, 1 cup of shredded turkey, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 beaten egg, 1/4 cup of bread crumbs, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture can easily be shaped into balls.
- Step 3: Shape the Balls
- Once the mixture is combined, use your hands to form the mixture into 1-inch balls. Make sure each ball is tightly packed to prevent it from falling apart during baking.
- Step 4: Bake the Stuffing Balls
- Place the stuffing balls onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are evenly spaced. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the balls are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Step 5: Serve
- Once the stuffing balls are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and serve hot. They pair wonderfully with gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping, adding an extra burst of flavor.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls are best served hot, straight from the oven. Pair them with your favorite holiday condiments, such as gravy or cranberry sauce, to enhance the flavor of each bite.
- These stuffing balls make a great appetizer for holiday gatherings or a quick snack to enjoy the day after a big holiday meal. They’re perfect for repurposing your Thanksgiving or Christmas leftovers into something new and exciting.
- If you have leftovers, store the stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.
Helpful Notes
- If your mixture feels too soft or sticky when forming the balls, try adding a little more bread crumbs to help bind the mixture better.
- You can get creative with the flavors by adding some chopped herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to the mixture for a fresh, herby kick.
- If you have any extra mashed potatoes or stuffing, you can freeze them for future use or to make more stuffing balls at a later time.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Ina Garten: Always taste your mixture before forming the stuffing balls. Adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed to make sure the flavor is spot on.
- Jamie Oliver: If you're short on time, you can prepare the mixture the night before and store it in the fridge. Simply shape and bake the balls the next day for a quick and easy snack.
- Gordon Ramsay: For an extra crispy texture, try brushing the balls with a little melted butter before baking. This will give them a golden, crunchy finish.