When the Thanksgiving feast is just a memory, and your fridge is filled with delicious leftovers, nothing beats turning those treasures into Crispy Thanksgiving Leftover Stuffing Balls. These bite-sized wonders are a celebration of holiday flavors, transforming your turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes into an easy-to-make snack that’s perfect for cozy nights or unexpected get-togethers.
I discovered this gem one year when I was on a mission to find a way to enjoy all the leftovers without the monotony of reheating the same dishes. The result? Mouthwatering balls that are golden and crispy on the outside, yet delectably fluffy on the inside. Ready in just 20 minutes, they’re the ultimate solution for turning post-holiday blues into a culinary delight. So let’s dive into this simple, crowd-pleasing recipe that makes good use of everything leftover from your Thanksgiving celebration!
Why are Turkey Stuffing Balls a Must-Try?
Crispy goodness: These Turkey Stuffing Balls boast a delightful crunch that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Flavor explosion: Packed with Thanksgiving flavors, they make for a savory snack or appetizer that resonates with the holiday spirit.
Quick preparation: In just 20 minutes, you can transform your leftovers into a spectacular dish, saving time and reducing waste.
Versatile options: Feel free to customize with different herbs, cheese, or veggies, ensuring that every batch is uniquely delicious.
Perfect for gatherings: Serve them at parties, game nights, or cozy family dinners, and watch them disappear in no time!
Turkey Stuffing Balls Ingredients
For the Base
• Leftover Stuffing – Provides the base flavor; any type can work, making these turkey stuffing balls adaptable to what you have.
• Mashed Potatoes – Adds creaminess and binds the ingredients together; for convenience, instant mashed potatoes are a great option.
• Cooked Turkey – Enhances the holiday flavor profile and adds protein; chicken can be substituted if needed.
For the Coating
• Panko Breadcrumbs – Creates that irresistible crispy exterior; regular breadcrumbs can be used for a softer texture.
For Binding
• Egg – Acts as a binder to hold the mixture together; for a vegan alternative, try a flax egg or similar substitute.
For Extra Flavor
• Seasonings (optional) – Fresh herbs like parsley can add a burst of freshness to your turkey stuffing balls, making them even more delightful.
How to Make Turkey Stuffing Balls
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Prep the Mixture: In a large bowl, combine your leftover stuffing, mashed potatoes, shredded turkey, and beaten egg. Mix well until everything is evenly combined, creating a hearty and flavorful base.
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Form the Balls: Scoop out about a golf ball-sized portion of the mixture and gently roll it into a ball. Aim for about 1.5 inches in diameter for the perfect bite-sized piece!
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Coat with Panko: Take each ball and roll it in panko breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coating. This step is crucial for achieving that deliciously crispy exterior.
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Cook: In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat until shimmering. Fry the balls in batches, cooking them for about 3-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy all around.
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Drain and Serve: Once perfectly cooked, use paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve the turkey stuffing balls warm, and watch them disappear!
Optional: Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch or cranberry sauce, for an added flavor boost.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Turkey Stuffing Balls
Fridge: Store cooked turkey stuffing balls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezer: Freeze uncooked turkey stuffing balls by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. No need to thaw before frying; just fry directly from frozen!
Reheating: To reheat leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also re-fry them for that crispy texture!
Make-Ahead: For convenience, prepare the turkey stuffing balls and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before frying. This allows you to enjoy a quick snack whenever you desire!
Turkey Stuffing Balls Variations
Ready to take your Turkey Stuffing Balls to a whole new level? Let’s get creative with these fun and delicious twists!
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Herb-Infused: Add fresh sage or thyme to enhance the Thanksgiving flavors while giving a fresh twist to every bite.
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Cheesy Delight: Incorporate shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese for gooey deliciousness and extra depth of flavor that’ll melt in your mouth.
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Vegetable Medley: Toss in some leftover roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots to add texture and enhance nutritional value in each ball.
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Spicy Kick: For those who love heat, mix in diced jalapeños or a splash of sriracha to take these turkey balls on a flavorful adventure.
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Sweet & Savory: Add a pinch of cranberry sauce to provide a lovely sweetness to the stuffing, balancing the savory elements perfectly.
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Bacon Boost: Crumbled bacon mixed into the turkey mixture gives a smoky flavor that elevates these turkey stuffing balls to a whole new level of indulgence.
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Vegan Twist: For a plant-based option, substitute the turkey with lentils or mushrooms and use a flax egg for binding, preserving the essence of the dish.
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Global Flair: Experiment by adding spices like curry powder or Italian seasoning for a unique flavor profile that diverges from the traditional Thanksgiving palette.
Let your imagination run wild and embrace these variations to make each batch uniquely yours!
What to Serve with Crispy Thanksgiving Leftover Stuffing Balls?
Elevate your delicious turkey stuffing balls into a complete meal with these ideal accompaniments that complement and enhance their flavors.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The rich creaminess perfectly contrasts with the crispy stuffing balls, creating a comforting combination that’s like a hug in a bowl.
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Savory Gravy: Drizzling warm turkey gravy over the stuffing balls transforms them into a divine treat that binds all those delicious flavors together.
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Cranberry Sauce: The sweet and tangy burst of cranberry sauce elevates each bite, adding a refreshing zing that brightens the lavish holiday flavors.
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Green Bean Casserole: This classic side offers a crunchy topping and earthy flavor, balancing the indulgence of the stuffing balls with freshness and texture.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The slight bitterness and crispiness of roasted Brussels sprouts serve as a delicious counterpoint, providing elegance and depth to your meal.
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Crisp Salad: A mixed greens salad with a zesty vinaigrette can cleanse the palate and add a refreshing crunch, making every bite of the stuffing balls even more enjoyable.
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Sparkling Cider: A glass of sparkling cider complements the rich flavors beautifully, highlighting the sweetness of the Thanksgiving spirit in each sip.
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Pumpkin Pie: For dessert, serve slices of pumpkin pie to conclude your meal on a sweet note, tying together the essence of the holiday feast.
Expert Tips for Turkey Stuffing Balls
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Hot Oil: Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying; this prevents the turkey stuffing balls from absorbing too much oil, keeping them crispy instead of soggy.
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Batch Frying: Don’t overcrowd the skillet! Fry in batches to ensure even cooking and avoid steaming instead of frying your delicious bites.
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Sticky Mixture: If your mixture feels too sticky to form balls, add extra panko breadcrumbs bit by bit until you achieve a manageable consistency.
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Flavor Variations: Experiment with different herbs or spices like sage or thyme. This not only personalizes your turkey stuffing balls but also elevates their flavor.
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Storage Tips: For make-ahead convenience, refrigerate uncooked balls for up to 24 hours. You can fry them fresh when you’re ready for a tasty snack!
Make Ahead Options
These Turkey Stuffing Balls are perfect for meal prep, allowing busy home cooks to enjoy the flavors of Thanksgiving without the stress! You can prepare the mixture up to 24 hours in advance by combining leftover stuffing, mashed potatoes, shredded turkey, and egg, then refrigerate it in an airtight container. Additionally, once formed into balls, you can refrigerate the uncooked balls for the same timeframe, making it easy to fry them fresh when you’re ready to serve. Just remember to roll them in panko breadcrumbs right before frying for that irresistibly crispy texture. This way, you can serve delicious snacks with minimal effort, perfectly enhancing your busy weeknights!
Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe FAQs
What type of stuffing can I use?
Absolutely! You can use any leftover stuffing as the base for your turkey stuffing balls. Whether it’s traditional bread stuffing or a wild rice blend, it’ll all bring delicious flavor to your bites.
How should I store leftover turkey stuffing balls?
After cooking, you can store the turkey stuffing balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing to keep them from getting soggy.
Can I freeze turkey stuffing balls?
Yes! For freezing, place your uncooked turkey stuffing balls on a baking sheet to firm up for about an hour. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, and they will keep for up to 2 months. You can fry them directly from the freezer without thawing—just add a minute or two to the cooking time!
What to do if the mixture is too sticky?
If your mixture feels sticky, don’t worry! Just add extra panko breadcrumbs, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency for rolling into balls. This will help create that perfect, crispy texture on the outside.
Are these turkey stuffing balls safe for kids or pets?
While the ingredients are generally safe, it’s important to watch for allergies, especially to eggs or gluten (from the stuffing and breadcrumbs). For pets, avoid serving them any onions or garlic often found in stuffing, as these can be harmful to them.
Can I make turkey stuffing balls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and form the balls, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before frying. This is especially handy for gatherings, as it allows you to have a quick and tasty bite ready to go when guests arrive.
Crispy Turkey Stuffing Balls to Transform Your Leftovers
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prep the Mixture: In a large bowl, combine leftover stuffing, mashed potatoes, shredded turkey, and beaten egg. Mix until evenly combined.
- Form the Balls: Scoop about a golf ball-sized portion of the mixture and roll it into a ball, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Coat with Panko: Roll each ball in panko breadcrumbs for an even coating.
- Cook: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the balls in batches for about 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Drain and Serve: Use paper towels to drain excess oil and serve warm.