These turkey stuffing balls are a tasty twist on traditional stuffing! Packed with savory turkey, herbs, and tasty bread, they are crispy on the outside and fluffy inside.
Making these is a fun way to up your holiday game. I could eat them as a snack any time—who needs a plate? Just pop them in your mouth and enjoy the flavors! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Turkey: Any cooked turkey works great here. Rotisserie turkey is a quick option, but leftover turkey from a holiday feast is perfect. If you’re vegetarian, consider using cooked mushrooms or lentils instead.
Bread Cubes: Day-old rustic bread is ideal for stuffing. If you don’t have any, you can use white or whole wheat bread, bagels, or even cornbread. Just dry it out slightly by toasting or leaving it out overnight.
Herbs: Fresh herbs add much flavor! Use thyme and sage, but if you only have dried, that works too—just reduce the amount as dried herbs are stronger. You can swap in rosemary or oregano for a different flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: This is optional, but it adds a nice depth. If you’re looking for dairy-free options, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or skip it altogether.
How Do You Ensure Your Stuffing Balls Hold Together?
The key to perfect turkey stuffing balls is getting the right moisture balance. When you mix in the broth and eggs, the mixture should be moist but not soggy. If it doesn’t hold together when squeezed, add more broth slowly until you achieve that sticky texture.
- Start with less broth and add gradually to avoid making it too wet.
- Test the mixture by forming a small ball—if it holds its shape, you’re good to go!
Also, brushing the tops with oil or butter before baking creates that beautiful golden crust and added flavor. Happy cooking!
Turkey Stuffing Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked turkey, finely chopped or shredded
- 4 cups bread cubes (preferably day-old, from a rustic bread)
- 1 cup celery, finely diced
- 1/2 cup onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried sage)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup chicken or turkey broth (adjust as needed)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil or melted butter, for greasing and optionally brushing balls
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and another 20-25 minutes to bake in the oven. In total, you’re looking at around 40-45 minutes from start to finish—a quick and easy side or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or line it with parchment paper to prevent the stuffing balls from sticking.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil or a bit of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they are soft and translucent, giving off a great aroma!
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked turkey, bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, chopped parsley, thyme, sage, and the Parmesan cheese if you’re using it. Mix everything together until well combined.
4. Add the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the chicken or turkey broth. Pour this mixture into your bread mixture. Stir gently until everything is combined. The mixture should be moist and sticky but firm enough to hold together when you form balls. If it feels too dry, add a little more broth.
5. Season Your Mixture:
Now, season the mixture generously with salt and pepper to taste. This step is important to enhance all those delicious flavors!
6. Form the Stuffing Balls:
Using a spoon or a small scoop, scoop out the mixture and form it into balls. Place each ball into the prepared muffin tin, or spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Add a Golden Touch:
Lightly brush the tops of the stuffing balls with olive oil or melted butter. This will help them achieve a lovely golden color while baking!
8. Bake to Perfection:
Place the tray in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and firm. If you’re using a baking sheet, you can turn them halfway through for even browning.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. They make a delicious side dish or snack that everyone will love!
Enjoy these crisp-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside turkey stuffing balls as a flavorful twist on classic stuffing!
Can I Use Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey is perfect for this recipe. Just make sure it’s chopped or shredded into small, manageable pieces for even mixing and cooking.
How Should I Store Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
What Can I Substitute for the Bread Cubes?
You can use a variety of breads such as white, whole wheat, or cornbread. For a gluten-free option, try gluten-free bread cubes or even cooked quinoa for a different texture and flavor.
Can I Freeze These Stuffing Balls?
Yes! You can freeze the uncooked stuffing balls before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. When ready to bake, cook them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
