Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

There’s something magical about turning leftovers into a brand-new, delicious dish, and this Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe does exactly that. If you love Thanksgiving flavors but hate the monotony of reheated turkey and stuffing, these crispy, flavorful balls bring a fresh twist that’s simple and satisfying. Honestly, it’s one of my favorite ways to use up holiday scraps without feeling like I’m eating the same meal twice.

This recipe shines when you want a quick snack, appetizer, or even a fun lunch that feels cozy yet exciting. I’ve made these more times than I can count, usually when I’m craving that well-loved stuffing texture but want something a little more hands-on and crunchy. You’ll find this Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe easy to throw together and truly rewarding, especially when family and friends ask for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this mix plays a vital role, balancing creamy, savory, and crispy elements to make the perfect stuffing ball. Using mashed potatoes and stuffing sets a thick base, while the shredded turkey adds meaty goodness and protein. The optional black pepper is just the right kick, and panko crumbs coat the surface for that irresistible crunch.

• Mashed potatoes: Use smooth mashed potatoes for binding; leftover or fresh works fine but make sure they aren’t too watery.
• Stuffing: Classic herb stuffing is my go-to, but you can experiment with different flavors depending on what you have.
• Shredded turkey: This adds the star protein and keeps things hearty. Dark or white meat, shredded finely, works best.
• Gravy: Perfect for dipping and adding moisture, you can use leftover gravy or make a quick pan sauce.
• Black pepper (optional): A little pepper enhances the depth without overpowering the flavors.
• Panko: These Japanese breadcrumbs make the balls crispy on the outside, giving lovely texture contrast.

Variations

I love how versatile this recipe is, and you can easily customize it depending on what you love or what’s in your fridge. Don’t hesitate to swap ingredients or add extras to make it truly your own.

• Cheese addition: Sometimes I add a little shredded sharp cheddar or mozzarella inside for gooey, melty goodness.
• Vegetarian twist: Skip the turkey and add roasted veggies like mushrooms or carrots for a meatless version.
• Spicy kick: Toss in a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for warmth and depth.
• Gluten-free options: Use gluten-free stuffing and breadcrumbs, or swap panko for crushed nuts for crunch.

How to Make Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Leftovers Together

The first thing I do is grab a big bowl and mix the mashed potatoes, stuffing, and shredded turkey together until they’re well combined. The potatoes act like glue here; they keep everything from falling apart. Give everything a gentle but thorough stir—don’t overmix or you’ll lose some of the delightful chunky texture you want.

Step 2: Form Into Balls and Coat

Next, wet your hands a bit (to prevent sticking) and roll the mixture into golf-ball-sized balls. Then, gently coat each ball in panko crumbs to get a nice crispy crust when cooked. The panko makes all the difference between a soft, comforting bite and that lovely crunch that makes these balls stand out.

Step 3: Cook Until Golden

You can shallow fry or bake these; I prefer baking for a healthier approach. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway to get an even golden crust. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t dry out – the goal is warm, crispy, and slightly soft inside.

How to Serve Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping mine with fresh chopped parsley or a dusting of smoked paprika to add color and a tiny hit of freshness or warmth. Sometimes I drizzle a little bit of warm gravy on top or serve it alongside for dipping—the perfect combo that brings the whole dish together.

Side Dishes

While these balls are delicious on their own, I often pair them with simple roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad to lighten things up. They’re also awesome beside cranberry sauce or a tangy chutney to complement the savory flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party or holiday spread, I’ve served these Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe on a platter with toothpicks and small bowls of gravy and mustard for dipping. They also make an eye-catching appetizer if you stack them with little sprigs of rosemary or thyme on top—so festive and inviting!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling, I pop any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. They keep really well for up to 3 days and still taste great when reheated. Just make sure they’re cooled completely before storing to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

If I want to save some for later, I freeze the balls before cooking. I lay them out on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, you can bake them straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to get that crispiness back. Microwaving works but tends to make them a bit soggy, which I try to avoid whenever I can.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe has saved me more times than I can count. It turns what could be boring leftovers into a crowd-pleasing snack or meal with minimal effort. I hope you’ll give it a try next time you have turkey and stuffing hanging out in the fridge—because sometimes, the leftover magic is the best kind of magic in the kitchen!

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