The Coziest Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe for Holiday Magic

Crispy, golden turkey stuffing balls offer a delightful twist on traditional holiday fare.

Packed with savory herbs and tender breadcrumbs, these bite-sized morsels burst with comforting flavors.

Home cooks adore how quickly they come together in the kitchen.

Each morsel combines classic stuffing ingredients into a convenient, portable appetizer that guests will devour.

Leftover turkey and bread become magical when transformed into these irresistible little spheres.

Warm spices and rich textures make these stuffing balls a crowd-pleasing addition to any gathering.

You’ll find yourself making extra just to satisfy everyone’s cravings.

Turkey Stuffing Balls FAQs Answered

• Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, ground chicken works perfectly as a substitute and provides a similar texture and flavor profile.

• How do I prevent the stuffing balls from falling apart?

Ensure you mix ingredients thoroughly and don’t overwork the meat mixture. The eggs and breadcrumbs help bind everything together.

• Are these stuffing balls gluten-free?

Not in their current form. To make them gluten-free, use gluten-free bread or breadcrumbs and verify all other ingredients are gluten-free.

• Can I prepare these stuffing balls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the balls and refrigerate them up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time when baking directly from the refrigerator.

Why Turkey Stuffing Balls Are Perfect For Leftovers

• Craft Memorable Meals: Transform ordinary ground turkey into a crowd-pleasing dish that brings families together with delightful, hearty stuffing balls.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Learn to sauté vegetables, blend ingredients, and create perfectly shaped protein-packed bites without complex culinary skills.
• Versatile Dinner Solution: Enjoy these stuffing balls as a flexible side dish or appetizer that complements multiple main courses and suits various meal settings.
• Nutritious Comfort Food: Pack protein and vegetables into a single bite, offering a balanced and satisfying option for health-conscious food lovers.

What Goes In Turkey Stuffing Balls

• Ground Turkey: A lean meat that provides a protein-rich base for the stuffing balls with a mild flavor profile.

• Bread Cubes: Helps to create structure and absorb moisture in the stuffing balls.
• Eggs: Acts as a binding agent to hold the ingredients together and provide richness.

• Onion, Celery, Garlic: These vegetables add depth of flavor and create a classic savory base for the stuffing balls.

• Dried Herbs, Salt, Pepper: Enhance the overall taste and provide essential seasoning to the mixture.

• Butter, Chicken Broth: Add moisture and a rich, buttery flavor to keep the stuffing balls tender and delicious.

How To Make Turkey Stuffing Balls From Scratch

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Preheat your oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfect cooking.

Step 2: Break Down Bread

Crumble bread cubes into small, even pieces to create a consistent texture that will help bind the stuffing balls together.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Onions (finely chopped)
• Celery (diced)
• Garlic (minced)

Step 4: Prepare Protein Base

Mix ground turkey with eggs in a large bowl, creating a smooth and cohesive foundation for your stuffing balls.

Step 5: Blend Flavor Enhancers

• Breadcrumbs
• Dried herbs
• Salt
• Pepper

Step 6: Add Moisture

Gently incorporate melted butter and chicken broth into the mixture, ensuring a light and juicy consistency without overworking the ingredients.

Step 7: Shape Stuffing Balls

Use clean hands or a small scoop to form compact balls, each about the size of a golf ball. Arrange them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cook in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Rotate the tray halfway through to ensure even browning and a crispy exterior.

Step 9: Rest and Settle

Remove from the oven and let the stuffing balls rest for 5 minutes. This helps them firm up and develop a delightful crispy crust.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Present these savory balls as a mouthwatering side dish or a crowd-pleasing appetizer that will impress everyone at the table.

Tips To Make Turkey Stuffing Balls Even Better

• Bread Texture Tip: Crush bread cubes a day ahead and let them dry out for better absorption of flavors and improved binding in the stuffing balls.
• Moisture Magic: Add an extra splash of chicken broth if the mixture seems too dry to ensure juicy, tender stuffing balls that won't crumble.
• Herb Boost: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to elevate the flavor profile and create a more complex taste experience.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular bread with gluten-free bread crumbs or almond flour to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Prepare and freeze uncooked stuffing balls for up to one month, allowing for quick and easy meal prep whenever needed.

Tasty Changes For Turkey Stuffing Balls

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground turkey with crumbled firm tofu or plant-based ground meat alternative, maintaining similar texture and protein content.
• Gluten-Free Edition: Substitute regular bread cubes with gluten-free bread or almond flour breadcrumbs, ensuring safe consumption for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add diced red bell peppers, crumbled feta cheese, and oregano to introduce a zesty Mediterranean flavor profile with extra aromatic herbs.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Use cauliflower rice instead of bread cubes, mix with ground chicken or ground pork, and incorporate additional eggs to enhance binding and reduce carbohydrate content.

What To Serve With Turkey Stuffing Balls

• Savor Turkey Stuffing Ball Pairings
• Elevate Herb-Infused Red Wine: Pinot Noir's earthy notes complement the savory turkey and herbal undertones, creating a harmonious flavor profile that dances on your palate.
• Complement Crisp Green Salad: Arugula and mixed greens with a light vinaigrette provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, hearty stuffing balls, balancing the meal's texture and taste.
• Match Roasted Seasonal Vegetables: Caramelized Brussels sprouts or honey-glazed carrots offer a sweet and slightly charred companion that enhances the stuffing balls' depth of flavor.
• Boost with Cranberry Sauce: Tart and sweet homemade cranberry relish cuts through the richness, adding a bright, tangy element that elevates the entire dish's complexity.

Keep Turkey Stuffing Balls Fresh The Easy Way

• Store leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep them refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring they remain fresh and safe to eat.
• Wrap individual stuffing balls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months, preserving their delicious flavor and texture.
• Place stuffing balls on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through to distribute heat evenly and maintain moisture.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, spread stuffing balls on a baking sheet, and cover with foil.

Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Irresistible turkey stuffing balls bring classic holiday comfort to finger-food perfection. Crispy golden exteriors and savory herb-infused centers make these bite-sized delights a crowd-pleasing appetizer you won’t be able to resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 large eggs

Bread and Dry Ingredients:

• 4 cups bread cubes
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup dried parsley
• 2 tbsp dried sage
• 1 tbsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Moisture and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a perfectly prepared surface for your savory stuffing balls.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, crumble the bread cubes into uniform pieces, ensuring a consistent texture for optimal binding.
3. Sauté the finely chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic in a skillet until they become translucent and fragrant, releasing their aromatic essence.
4. Combine the ground turkey with eggs in a separate bowl, mixing thoroughly to create a cohesive protein base.
5. Incorporate the sautéed vegetables, breadcrumbs, dried herbs, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture, blending all ingredients until well-distributed.
6. Drizzle melted butter and chicken broth over the mixture, gently folding to maintain a light and moist consistency without overworking the ingredients.
7. Using clean hands or a small scoop, form compact balls approximately 1.5 inches in diameter, placing them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through to ensure even browning and a golden-crisp exterior.
9. Remove from the oven and let the stuffing balls rest for 5 minutes, allowing them to firm up and develop a delectable crispy crust.
10. Serve hot as a delightful accompaniment to your main course or enjoy as a standalone appetizer.

Notes

• Lean protein boost by using ground turkey instead of traditional fatty meats, making these stuffing balls a healthier alternative for fitness enthusiasts.
• Gluten-free transformation possible by substituting regular bread with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for those with dietary restrictions.
• Vegetable enhancement potential by adding finely chopped mushrooms or spinach to increase nutritional value and create additional depth of flavor.
• Freezer-friendly option allows preparing balls in advance, storing them uncooked, and baking directly from frozen state for convenient meal preparation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg