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Try making these Turkey Stuffing Balls—they're little nuggets packed with Thanksgiving flavor. Toss together some turkey, stuffing, and potatoes. Perfect for dunking in gravy. Awesome for turning leftovers into a tasty snack or a fun meal.
Why You'll Love These
Can't get enough Thanksgiving food? This gives you the best bites in every mouthful. Bring them along to hangouts—everyone wants more. Bored of leftovers? Turn 'em into something awesome. Super simple, way more fun to eat.
Here's What You Need
- Paper: Lining for your baking sheet
- Breadcrumbs: Plain crumbs, if your mix needs it
- Mashed Potatoes: 1 cup, any kind
- Salt and Pepper: Just a tiny bit, your call
- Stuffing: 2 cups, already made
- Pan: Big one for baking
- Turkey: 2 cups cooked, shredded up
How You Do It
- Serve up:
- Let folks dip them in gravy while they're warm. Cranberry sauce is awesome too.
- Check done:
- Should be steaming inside with a nice browned shell.
- Put in oven:
- Line up the balls on your sheet. Bake 15 to 20 minutes. Flip them over partway so they brown all over.
- Make balls:
- Shape the mixture into little balls, about the size of a golf ball. Too sticky? Toss in some breadcrumbs.
- Mix everything:
- Combine turkey, stuffing, and potatoes in a big bowl. Sprinkle in some salt and pepper if you want. Mix it up with your hands.
- Warm stuff up:
- Zap the stuffing and potatoes in the microwave for a bit. It'll mix together easier.
- Heat oven:
- Cran oven up to 375°. Cover your tray with paper or foil.
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What Makes Them Awesome
Tastes like a full holiday meal all together. Grab-and-go snack for crowds. Kids love dipping them. No silverware, no problem. Makes old leftovers actually exciting.
Why They're Different
Every bite's got all the classic flavors from the holiday table. Juicy turkey inside. Stuffing brings the goodness. Potatoes keep it all held together. Crunchy shell outside, soft in the middle. Way more fun than just eating leftovers.
Tips for Perfect Balls
Always test before adding more salt—leftover foods are often salty already. Want more crunch? Toss them in the air fryer if you have one. Too squishy? More breadcrumbs do the trick. Dry? Extra potato will help. Keep your hands wet when rolling so it doesn't get sticky.
Keeping Them Fresh
Pop them in a sealed box in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze for a couple months—just wrap them tightly. To warm up, microwave or bake until heated through. Double the batch—they disappear quick!
Ways to Make Them Your Own
Swap in your favorite stuffing. Throw in some dried cranberries for a sweet touch. Hide a chunk of cheese inside for a surprise. Roll tiny ones for snacking, big ones for dinner. Roll in extra crumbs for super crunch.
Fun Ways to Serve
Set out a bunch of dips—think gravy, ranch, or cranberry sauce. Make little sandwiches with them. Serve on a pile of mashed potatoes. Pack leftovers in lunchboxes. Awesome game day snacks too.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prep these early?
Totally! Roll them a day ahead and store them in the fridge. Warm them right before serving. If making for a party, prep in the morning and they'll be good to go. They stay warm longer on a heated plate. Avoid storing too far ahead to keep them from drying out. Have extra gravy ready to keep them moist when reheating.
- → What dips go well?
Lots of options! Warm gravy's a classic. Sweet cranberry sauce is always a hit. Want different flavors? Try honey mustard, ranch, or even a hot cheesy dip. Spicy BBQ or herbed mayo work too. A mix of dip choices gives everyone a favorite. Warm dips pair better than cold ones for these bites.
- → They're falling apart—help!
No worries! Add breadcrumbs or crushed dry stuffing to act as glue. One egg works wonders too. Chop everything small—big chunks can break them. Roll them tightly, then chill in the fridge 30 minutes before cooking. Too wet? Stir in extra crumbs. Too dry? A splash of broth fixes it fast.
- → Is this gluten-free?
Not as-is since stuffing has bread, but you can make it gluten-free! Use any GF stuffing you have. If breadcrumbs are needed, grab the GF kind. Check your gravy if using a dip—it might have flour. Mashed potatoes can hold these bites together if needed. They might turn out softer but still taste great!
- → Can I freeze them?
Absolutely! Shape them, freeze on a cookie sheet till solid, then store in a freezer bag. They'll last about 3 months. No need to thaw—just bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time. After the holidays, make tons to freeze for emergencies or quick snacks for guests!
Conclusion
Love leftovers? Try layering turkey, veggies, and potatoes for a shepherd's pie with a crispy top. Or throw together a creamy turkey casserole with melted cheese. Fresh ways to use up holiday food!