Turkey Stuffing Balls with Gravy Recipe
Introduction
Turkey stuffing balls are a delightful way to enjoy leftover turkey and stuffing in a fun, bite-sized form. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they make a perfect appetizer or side dish for holiday meals or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
- 3 cups mashed potatoes
- 3 cups stuffing
- 1½ cups shredded turkey
- Gravy for serving
- Black pepper to taste
- Panko breadcrumbs (optional)
- Butter or oil for frying (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring the mashed potatoes, stuffing, and shredded turkey to room temperature. Warm the potatoes slightly if they are too cold, and moisten the stuffing with a little broth if it feels dry.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the potatoes and stuffing, then fold in the shredded turkey. Season the mixture with black pepper if desired.
- Step 3: Form the mixture into 12 golf ball-sized portions, shaping them firmly so they hold together.
- Step 4 (Baked Version): Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the balls on a lined baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes until heated through and crispy on the outside.
- Step 5 (Pan-Fried Version): Roll each ball in panko breadcrumbs. Heat butter or oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat, then fry the balls, turning gently, until golden brown on all sides.
- Step 6: Serve the turkey stuffing balls topped with hot gravy and cranberry sauce if desired. Enjoy immediately while hot.
Tips & Variations
- If you prefer extra crunch, coat the balls in panko breadcrumbs before baking as well.
- Use leftover turkey and stuffing from your holiday meal to make this recipe quick and easy.
- Add some chopped herbs like parsley or sage for a fresh flavor boost.
- For a lighter option, bake instead of frying.
Storage
Store leftover turkey stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crispy again. They are best enjoyed fresh but can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the balls and refrigerate them for a few hours before cooking. For best texture, cook them just before serving.
What can I use if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
Regular breadcrumbs work fine, or you can skip the coating entirely for a softer exterior, especially if baking.
PrintTurkey Stuffing Balls with Gravy Recipe
These Turkey Stuffing Balls are a comforting and delicious way to enjoy festive flavors in a bite-sized form. Made with mashed potatoes, classic stuffing, and shredded turkey, they can be either baked for a lighter option or pan-fried for a crispy, golden crust. Served with warm gravy and an optional cranberry sauce, they make a perfect side or appetizer for holiday meals or cozy dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 balls 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking and Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups mashed potatoes
- 3 cups stuffing
- 1½ cups shredded turkey
- Black pepper to taste
For Serving
- Gravy
- Cranberry sauce (optional)
Optional for Pan-Fried Version
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Butter or oil for frying
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Bring all the main ingredients—mashed potatoes, stuffing, and shredded turkey—to room temperature. If the mashed potatoes are cold, warm them slightly to make mixing easier and ensure even heating later. If the stuffing appears dry, moisten it with a little broth to keep the final balls moist.
- Mix & Form: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes and stuffing until well blended. Gently fold in the shredded turkey and season with black pepper to taste. Then, shape the mixture into 12 golf ball-sized portions to make individual stuffing balls.
- Choose Your Method – Baked Version: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the formed balls on a lined baking sheet, spacing them out slightly. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until heated through and the outside is slightly crispy.
- Choose Your Method – Pan-Fried Version: Roll each ball in panko breadcrumbs to coat. Heat butter or oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat. Fry the balls gently, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides and heated through.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked turkey stuffing balls to a serving plate. Top generously with warm gravy and add cranberry sauce if desired. Serve immediately while hot for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free stuffing and panko breadcrumbs or omit breadcrumbs when frying.
- You can prepare the balls ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Leftover balls can be reheated in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or lightly pan-fried to crisp up again.
- Add herbs like sage or thyme to the stuffing mixture for extra flavor.
- If you prefer a lighter version, skip the frying and bake only.
Keywords: Turkey stuffing balls, thanksgiving appetizer, holiday side dish, mashed potato stuffing balls, crispy stuffing balls
