Turkey Stuffing Balls with Gravy Recipe
Introduction
Turkey stuffing balls are a delightful way to transform leftover Thanksgiving favorites into a fun and easy appetizer. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these bite-sized treats are perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or cozy family 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 all ingredients to room temperature. Warm the mashed potatoes slightly if they are too cold, and moisten the stuffing with a little broth if it seems dry.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes and stuffing. Fold in the shredded turkey and season with black pepper to taste.
- Step 3: Form the mixture into 12 golf ball-sized portions, shaping each firmly so they hold together.
- Step 4: Choose your cooking method:
- Baked: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the balls on a lined baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes until heated through and slightly crispy.
- Pan-fried: Roll each ball in panko breadcrumbs. Heat butter or oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat. Fry the balls, turning gently, until golden brown on all sides.
- Step 5: Serve the turkey stuffing balls immediately, topped with hot gravy. Cranberry sauce on the side adds a lovely touch if desired.
Tips & Variations
- If your mixture feels dry, add a bit of extra broth or melted butter before shaping the balls.
- For a gluten-free option, skip the panko breadcrumbs and pan-frying, or use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead.
- These balls can be frozen before cooking—just thaw thoroughly before baking or frying.
- Experiment with adding herbs like sage or thyme for extra flavor in the mixture.
Storage
Store any uncooked turkey stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cooked balls keep well in the fridge for about 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or a skillet to maintain their crispy exterior. For longer storage, freeze uncooked balls for up to 1 month and thaw them before cooking.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these without turkey?
Yes, you can omit turkey to make plain stuffing and mashed potato balls, or substitute with cooked chicken or sausage for a different twist.
What if I don’t have leftover mashed potatoes or stuffing?
You can prepare fresh mashed potatoes and stuffing from scratch. Just be sure to let them cool to room temperature before mixing so the balls hold together better.
PrintTurkey Stuffing Balls with Gravy Recipe
These Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delightful and comforting appetizer or side dish that combines creamy mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, and tender shredded turkey. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a delicious, crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside treat, served hot with rich gravy and optional cranberry sauce.
- 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
Optional Ingredients
- Panko breadcrumbs (for pan-frying)
- Butter or oil for frying
- Gravy for serving
- Cranberry sauce for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Bring all ingredients to room temperature. Slightly warm the mashed potatoes if they are too cold, and moisten the stuffing with broth if it feels dry to ensure the mixture binds well.
- Mix & Form: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes and stuffing thoroughly. Gently fold in the shredded turkey and season with black pepper as needed. Once mixed, shape the mixture into 12 evenly sized golf ball portions.
- Choose Your Cooking Method – Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the formed balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the balls are heated through and the exterior is slightly crispy.
- Choose Your Cooking Method – Pan-Frying: Optionally, roll the formed balls lightly in panko breadcrumbs. Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat with butter or oil. Fry the balls gently, turning occasionally, until they develop a golden-brown crust all around.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the turkey stuffing balls immediately topped with hot gravy. For an extra holiday touch, add cranberry sauce on the side. Enjoy them warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Keep the mixture chilled if you are not cooking immediately to maintain freshness and ease of handling.
- If the mixture feels dry, add extra broth or a bit of butter to improve moisture and binding.
- The balls can be frozen before cooking; shape and freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for easy storage.
- These turkey stuffing balls make perfect party appetizers and can be easily doubled or tripled for larger gatherings.
Keywords: Turkey stuffing balls, holiday appetizers, mashed potatoes, stuffing, shredded turkey, crispy appetizers, gravy side dish, party snacks
