Turkey Stuffing Balls

Introduction

These Turkey Stuffing Balls are a game-changer when it comes to holiday meals or even casual weeknight dinners. Combining the savory flavors of turkey with the cozy goodness of stuffing, these bite-sized treats are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a side dish, or the main course in a light, satisfying meal, they’re sure to impress.

I remember making these for the first time at Thanksgiving a few years ago, and they were an instant hit. Everyone loved how the stuffing and turkey complemented each other so perfectly, with the stuffing adding just the right amount of flavor and the turkey keeping things light and savory. The crispy exterior gives them that irresistible crunch, while the inside is tender and flavorful. They quickly became a family favorite, and now we make them for every holiday gathering.

What’s great about these Turkey Stuffing Balls is how versatile they are. You can easily customize them by adding your favorite ingredients—whether it’s fresh herbs, dried fruit, or even a little bit of cheese to make them your own. They’re also perfect for making ahead of time; just prep them the day before, pop them in the oven when you’re ready, and voilà—deliciousness in every bite! So whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a special dinner, these Turkey Stuffing Balls will bring a little extra joy to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why you’ll adore these Turkey Stuffing Balls:

• Perfect Flavor Balance: The combination of savory turkey and seasoned stuffing creates a perfect harmony of flavors.
• Crispy Exterior: The outside gets golden and crispy, adding texture to the tender turkey and stuffing inside.
• Versatile: These balls can be served as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a main course with your favorite dipping sauces.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple to prepare, making it a great option for both busy weekdays and special occasions.
• Make Ahead-Friendly: You can prep these ahead of time and freeze them for later, saving time on the day of your meal.
• Kid-Friendly: The small, bite-sized portions are perfect for little hands, making them an excellent choice for family meals.
• Great for Leftovers: Transform leftover turkey into something delicious and new with these flavorful stuffing balls.
• Customizable: You can easily modify the stuffing to include your favorite ingredients, from cranberries to sausage or even cheese.
• Healthy Twist: Lighten up your stuffing with lean ground turkey instead of fattier meats without sacrificing flavor.
• Perfect for Holidays: These Turkey Stuffing Balls are a great addition to any holiday spread, whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 12-15 stuffing balls
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 120 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 13g, Fat: 6g, Carbohydrates: 10g

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make Turkey Stuffing Balls:

For the Turkey Stuffing Balls:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 cups stuffing mix (preferably a herbed variety)
• 1/2 cup chicken or turkey broth
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Olive oil for greasing the baking sheet

For the Gravy (Optional):

• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups turkey or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Ingredient Highlights

• Ground Turkey: A lean protein that’s perfect for lightening up your stuffing balls without compromising flavor.
• Stuffing Mix: Adds texture and flavor with herbs and spices, making the turkey stuffing balls deliciously seasoned.
• Broth: Helps to moisten the stuffing mix, ensuring a tender and flavorful stuffing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Turkey Stuffing Balls:

Prepare the Stuffing

1. Cook the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, sautéing until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Combine with Broth: Stir in the turkey or chicken broth, and bring to a simmer. Add the stuffing mix and stir until evenly moistened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Make the Turkey Stuffing Balls

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, egg, garlic powder, dried sage, thyme, pepper, parsley, and Parmesan cheese (if using). Add the cooled stuffing mixture and stir to combine, ensuring everything is evenly mixed.
2. Form the Balls: Using your hands or a spoon, form the mixture into balls about 1-1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place them on a greased baking sheet.

Bake the Turkey Stuffing Balls

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake the Balls: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden brown and cooked through. You can check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer, which should read 165°F (74°C) when done.
3. Cool Slightly: Allow the stuffing balls to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Make the Gravy (Optional)

1. Prepare the Gravy: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until it forms a roux.
2. Add Broth: Gradually add the turkey or chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook until the gravy thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Season: Taste and season with salt and pepper, as needed.

Serve

1. Serve the Stuffing Balls: Arrange the warm turkey stuffing balls on a platter and drizzle with the homemade gravy, if desired. Enjoy!

How to Serve

Here are some great ways to serve Turkey Stuffing Balls:

• With Gravy: Drizzle with the savory turkey gravy for extra richness and flavor.
• As an Appetizer: Serve with dipping sauces like cranberry sauce or a creamy mustard dip for a festive starter.
• Alongside Mashed Potatoes: Pair these stuffing balls with creamy mashed potatoes for a classic comfort meal.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans for a balanced meal.
• On a Holiday Buffet: Perfect for your Thanksgiving or Christmas spread as a side dish or a fun finger food.
• As a Main Course: Serve these stuffing balls with a side of salad for a light and satisfying meal.
• With Gravy and Rice: Serve these stuffing balls on a bed of rice, topped with turkey gravy for a delicious dinner.
• In a Sandwich: Use them to make a festive sandwich with your favorite bread and condiments.
• With a Side Salad: A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the turkey stuffing balls.
• For Meal Prep: These make excellent meal prep options that can be enjoyed throughout the week.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips for making the best Turkey Stuffing Balls:

• Don’t Overmix: When combining the turkey and stuffing, be gentle to avoid making the mixture too dense.
• Toast the Stuffing: If you’re using homemade stuffing, lightly toast it before adding the broth to enhance the flavor.
• Moisture is Key: If the mixture seems too dry, add more broth until it reaches the right consistency.
• Make Smaller Balls: For bite-sized appetizers, make smaller stuffing balls that are perfect for dipping.
• Test for Doneness: Ensure that the stuffing balls are cooked through by checking that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).
• Freeze for Later: Make a double batch and freeze the uncooked stuffing balls for later use. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Use Ground Chicken: You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken for a slightly different flavor.
• Add Cranberries: Add a handful of dried cranberries to the stuffing mixture for a festive twist.
• Gravy Variations: Try different gravies like mushroom gravy or a lighter lemon sauce to change things up.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley, thyme, and sage will add even more flavor and freshness to the stuffing balls.

Recipe Variations

Here are some tasty variations of Turkey Stuffing Balls:

• Sausage Stuffing Balls: Mix in cooked breakfast sausage for a heartier, richer flavor.
• Cranberry Pecan Stuffing Balls: Add chopped pecans and dried cranberries for a sweet and savory twist.
• Cheese Stuffing Balls: Add shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan cheese to the stuffing mixture for extra flavor.
• Gluten-Free Stuffing Balls: Use gluten-free bread cubes or stuffing mix to make these balls gluten-free.
• Spicy Stuffing Balls: Add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
• Herbed Stuffing Balls: Use a variety of fresh herbs, like rosemary, thyme, and sage, for a more aromatic stuffing ball.
• Vegetarian Stuffing Balls: Use vegetable broth and omit the turkey, making a flavorful vegetarian version.
• Bacon Stuffing Balls: Add crispy bacon bits for extra flavor and a satisfying crunch.
• Apple and Pecan Stuffing Balls: Add chopped apples and toasted pecans for a sweet and savory combination.
• Lemon Garlic Stuffing Balls: Incorporate lemon zest and garlic into the stuffing for a bright, fresh flavor.

Freezing and Storage

Here’s how to store and freeze your Turkey Stuffing Balls:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the uncooked stuffing balls by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag or container for up to 3 months. Bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Reheating: Reheat leftover stuffing balls in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make these stuffing balls ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare them the day before and store them in the fridge until ready to bake.
2. Can I use store-bought stuffing mix?
   Absolutely! Store-bought stuffing mix works just as well and saves time.
3. How do I prevent the stuffing balls from falling apart?
   Make sure to gently mix the ingredients and use enough broth to keep the mixture moist.
4. Can I make these stuffing balls without meat?
   Yes, simply use a plant-based meat alternative or skip the meat altogether for a vegetarian version.
5. Can I freeze the cooked stuffing balls?
   Yes, you can freeze the cooked stuffing balls for up to 2 months.
6. How can I make these stuffing balls spicier?
   Add some chopped fresh chilies or a dash of hot sauce to the stuffing mixture.
7. What should I serve with these stuffing balls?
   They go great with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and a gravy of your choice.
8. Can I make these stuffing balls in the air fryer?
   Yes, cook them in an air fryer at 375°F for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
9. Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?
   Yes, you can substitute ground beef or chicken for the turkey in this recipe.
10. How can I add more flavor to these stuffing balls?
    You can try adding more herbs or mixing in some grated cheese or diced vegetables.

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Conclusion

These Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delightful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for the holidays or any time you crave a savory, comforting bite. With their golden, crispy exterior and flavorful turkey and stuffing center, they’re sure to be a hit at your next family gathering or casual dinner. The combination of tender turkey, savory stuffing, and crispy perfection will have everyone coming back for more.

Serve them with your favorite gravy or dip for an extra layer of deliciousness, and enjoy the comforting flavors in every bite. Whether as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course, these Turkey Stuffing Balls are versatile and always satisfying.

Give this recipe a try, and I can’t wait to see how they turn out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations! Happy cooking!