Delicious Turkey and Stuffing Balls Recipe: A Perfect Way to Use Thanksgiving Leftovers

Thanksgiving dinner is always a feast, but what to do with all those leftovers? Instead of the usual turkey sandwiches, why not try something a little more creative and equally delicious: Turkey and Stuffing Balls? These tasty bites are the perfect way to use your leftover turkey and stuffing in a fun, flavorful, and family-friendly recipe. Plus, they’re super easy to make and can be served as an appetizer, snack, or even a meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Turkey and stuffing are classic comfort foods, but when they are transformed into crispy, savory balls, it gives these traditional leftovers a new life. The best part? You can make this recipe in just about 30 minutes. These balls can be baked, air-fried, or even pan-fried to suit your preference. They also freeze well, so you can enjoy them long after the holidays are over.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these turkey and stuffing balls, you’ll only need a handful of ingredients—most of which you probably already have in your kitchen from your Thanksgiving spread.

• 2 cups of leftover turkey, finely chopped
• 2 cups of leftover stuffing
• 1 egg, beaten (to help bind the mixture together)
• 1/4 cup of turkey gravy (optional, for extra flavor in the mix)
• 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs (optional, for added texture)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil spray (for baking or air frying)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven or Air Fryer

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). This ensures that the turkey and stuffing balls come out crispy and golden on the outside while staying moist on the inside.

2. Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine your leftover turkey and stuffing. If the stuffing is dry, add a bit of gravy to moisten it. Stir in the beaten egg, which helps the mixture bind together. If the mixture feels too wet, you can add breadcrumbs to absorb the moisture.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add any extra seasonings you like. Some great options include sage, thyme, or a dash of garlic powder.

3. Shape the Mixture into Balls

Once the mixture is fully combined, use your hands to form it into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. If you prefer larger or smaller bites, feel free to adjust the size to your liking.

4. Cook the Turkey and Stuffing Balls

For oven-baked turkey balls, place them on a lined baking sheet and lightly spray them with olive oil. Bake them for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and heated through.

For air-fried turkey balls, arrange them in the air fryer basket and spray them lightly with oil. Cook for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even browning.

For a crispy finish, you can also pan-fry these balls. Heat some olive oil in a skillet and fry the balls for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp.

5. Serve with Gravy or Cranberry Sauce

Once your turkey and stuffing balls are ready, serve them with your favorite dipping sauces. Turkey gravy, cranberry sauce, or even a bit of honey mustard works wonderfully with these savory bites.

Tips and Variations for the Perfect Turkey and Stuffing Balls

Add Cheese

If you’re a cheese lover, you can incorporate some shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or even Parmesan into the mixture for a rich and gooey center.

Spice it Up

Add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mix if you like your food with a bit of heat. This adds a nice contrast to the savory turkey and stuffing.

Make it Gluten-Free

If you or your guests are gluten-free, simply swap out the stuffing and breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives. Many stores now carry gluten-free stuffing mixes, or you can make your own.

Use an Egg Substitute

To make these turkey and stuffing balls egg-free, you can use a flax egg or chia seed mixture to bind the ingredients. Simply mix one tablespoon of flax or chia seeds with three tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens.

Why This Recipe Works Well for Meal Prep

One of the greatest things about this recipe is its versatility. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just looking for a quick meal prep solution, turkey and stuffing balls fit the bill.

1. Easy to Freeze: Once the turkey and stuffing balls have been formed (but not cooked), you can freeze them on a baking sheet for about an hour, then transfer them to a ziplock bag. This way, you can pop a few in the oven or air fryer whenever you want, and you’ll always have a quick meal or snack ready.

2. Customizable to Your Diet: Depending on your dietary preferences or what you have on hand, you can easily adapt this recipe. Add some vegetables, spices, or even switch out turkey for chicken.

3. Crowd Pleaser: Whether you’re serving these as a side dish or an appetizer, these turkey and stuffing balls are sure to be a hit with everyone. They are bite-sized, packed with flavor, and great for dipping, making them perfect for parties or gatherings.

Nutrition Information

While nutrition will vary based on the specific ingredients you use, here’s a general idea of what you can expect from a serving of turkey and stuffing balls:

• Calories: ~180 per serving (for 2 balls)
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 6g
• Sodium: 450mg

These balls are relatively low in calories and packed with protein, making them a satisfying snack or meal option.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a creative and tasty way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers, these turkey and stuffing balls are a fantastic option. They’re easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or freezing them for later, these bites are a fun twist on traditional holiday dishes.

So the next time you find yourself with leftover turkey and stuffing, give this recipe a try. It’s a great way to reduce food waste while enjoying something delicious!