Turkey Stuffing Balls with Gravy Recipe
Introduction
Turkey stuffing balls are a delicious and creative way to enjoy classic holiday flavors in a bite-sized form. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, they’re perfect as appetizers or a comforting snack. Serve them with warm gravy for an extra touch of indulgence.
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 all ingredients to room temperature. Warm the mashed potatoes slightly if they are cold, and moisten the stuffing with broth if it feels dry.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes and stuffing. Fold in the shredded turkey and season with black pepper if needed.
- Step 3: Form the mixture into 12 golf ball-sized portions, shaping them gently but firmly.
- Step 4: Choose your cooking method:
- Baked: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the balls on a lined baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes until they are hot and crispy.
- Pan-Fried: Roll the balls in panko breadcrumbs if desired. Heat butter or oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat and fry the balls, turning gently, until golden on all sides.
- Step 5: Serve the turkey stuffing balls immediately, topped with hot gravy. Add cranberry sauce on the side if you like.
Tips & Variations
- If the mixture feels dry, add extra broth or a bit of melted butter before forming the balls to help them hold together better.
- For a crunchy coating, roll the balls in panko breadcrumbs before frying.
- These can be prepared ahead and frozen before cooking—just thaw before baking or frying.
- Serve as party appetizers with a variety of dipping sauces for extra flavor.
Storage
Store any cooked turkey stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in the oven or a skillet to maintain their crispy exterior. Uncooked balls can be frozen on a tray and then stored in a freezer bag for up to 2 months; thaw before cooking.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey and stuffing for this recipe?
Yes, this recipe is a great way to use up leftover turkey and stuffing. Just make sure the ingredients are fresh and properly moisten the stuffing if it’s dry.
Can I bake these without using panko or frying?
Absolutely. Baking without breadcrumbs or frying still yields delicious results, with a tender inside and slightly crispy outside. Just bake them on a lined sheet until heated through and lightly golden.
PrintTurkey Stuffing Balls with Gravy Recipe
These Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delicious and creative way to use leftover Thanksgiving ingredients. Combining mashed potatoes, stuffing, and shredded turkey, they form crispy, golden balls that can be baked or pan-fried and served hot with gravy. Perfect as hearty appetizers or side dishes, they bring warm comfort and savory flavor to any meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups mashed potatoes
- 3 cups stuffing
- 1½ cups shredded turkey
- Black pepper to taste
For Cooking and Serving
- Gravy for serving
- Panko breadcrumbs (optional, for pan-frying)
- Butter or oil for frying (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Bring all ingredients to room temperature to ensure even mixing and cooking. If the mashed potatoes are cold, warm them slightly to soften. If the stuffing is dry, moisten it with broth to achieve the right consistency.
- Mix & Form: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes and stuffing thoroughly. Fold in the shredded turkey gently to maintain texture. Season the mixture with black pepper to taste. Then, form the mixture into 12 golf ball-sized portions, ensuring they are compact enough to hold together during cooking.
- Choose Your Method: For baking, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the balls on a lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until they are hot throughout and the outside is slightly crispy. For pan-frying, roll the balls in panko breadcrumbs to add crunch, heat butter or oil in a nonstick pan, and fry them gently, turning carefully until all sides are golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Serve the turkey stuffing balls immediately while hot. Top each ball with warm gravy and optionally add cranberry sauce for a festive touch.
Notes
- Keep the mixture chilled if you are not cooking immediately to help it hold together better.
- If the mixture feels dry, add extra broth or butter to moisten before forming into balls.
- These balls can be frozen before cooking, making them convenient for meal prep or holiday entertaining.
- Perfect to serve as party appetizers or a cozy side dish during holiday meals.
Keywords: turkey stuffing balls, Thanksgiving leftovers, holiday appetizers, baked stuffing balls, pan-fried turkey balls
