Turkey Stuffing Balls with Gravy Recipe
Introduction
Turkey stuffing balls are a delicious and creative way to enjoy your Thanksgiving leftovers or any roast turkey meal. Combining mashed potatoes, stuffing, and shredded turkey, these bite-sized treats are perfect for a cozy snack or appetizer, topped with warm gravy for extra comfort.
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 and warm the mashed potatoes slightly if needed. 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 desired.
- Step 3: Form the mixture into 12 golf ball-sized portions.
- Step 4: Choose your cooking method:
Baked version: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the balls on a lined baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes until hot and crispy.
Pan-fried version: Roll the balls in panko breadcrumbs. Heat butter or oil in a nonstick pan and fry the balls until golden brown, turning gently for even cooking. - Step 5: Serve immediately topped with hot gravy. Add cranberry sauce if you like for a sweet contrast.
Tips & Variations
- If the mixture feels too loose to shape, add more stuffing or mashed potatoes to help bind it.
- For extra flavor, add chopped herbs like sage or thyme to the mixture.
- Use homemade gravy or your favorite store-bought version to enhance the taste.
- Try baking instead of frying for a lighter, less oily option.
Storage
Store any leftover turkey stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, or microwave briefly, though baking helps keep them crispier than microwaving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make turkey stuffing balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture and form the balls in advance. Keep them refrigerated and cook just before serving to maintain their texture.
Can I freeze turkey stuffing balls?
Absolutely. Freeze the formed balls on a tray first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, bake or fry them from frozen, adjusting cooking time as needed.
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Turkey Stuffing Balls with Gravy Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delightful holiday-inspired appetizer or side dish that combines mashed potatoes, flavorful stuffing, and tender shredded turkey into crispy, bite-sized spheres. They can be baked or pan-fried for a golden, savory finish and served with warm gravy and optional cranberry sauce for an extra festive touch.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups mashed potatoes
- 3 cups stuffing
- 1½ cups shredded turkey
- Black pepper to taste
For Serving
- Gravy for serving
- Cranberry sauce (optional)
Optional for Pan-Fried Version
- Panko breadcrumbs (optional)
- Butter or oil for frying (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Bring all ingredients to room temperature to ensure even mixing and cooking.
- Warm Potatoes: Slightly warm the mashed potatoes if needed to soften them, making them easier to combine.
- Moisten Stuffing: If the stuffing is dry, moisten it with a small amount of broth to enhance texture and flavor.
- Mix & Form: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes and stuffing thoroughly. Fold in the shredded turkey, then season with black pepper to taste. Mix gently until well combined.
- Shape Balls: Form the mixture into 12 golf ball-sized portions, compressing firmly so they hold together during cooking.
- Choose Your Cooking Method: For the 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 they are hot and crispy on the outside. For the pan-fried version, roll each ball lightly in panko breadcrumbs if using, heat butter or oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat, and fry the balls, turning gently until golden brown on all sides.
- Serve: Place the cooked stuffing balls on a serving dish, top generously with hot gravy, and add cranberry sauce if desired. Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to prevent the balls from falling apart while cooking.
- Moistening dry stuffing with broth helps keep the balls moist and flavorful.
- Panko breadcrumbs and frying oil are optional but recommended for a crispy exterior in the pan-fried version.
- Baking is a healthier alternative to frying and still yields a deliciously crispy texture.
- Serve with cranberry sauce for a classic holiday touch and extra sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Turkey stuffing balls, holiday appetizer, mashed potato balls, leftover turkey recipe, baked stuffing balls, pan-fried stuffing balls
