Savory Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe: A Holiday Game-Changer

Crispy golden turkey stuffing balls combine comfort and creativity in one delightful bite.

These savory morsels pack incredible flavor into compact, irresistible rounds.

Perfectly seasoned breadcrumbs mingle with herbs and tender meat, creating a spectacular appetizer.

Memories of cozy holiday gatherings dance through each delectable sphere.

Traditional ingredients get a playful twist with this crowd-pleasing approach.

Grandma’s classic stuffing recipe takes an exciting new form that sparks conversation.

You’ll want to make extra because these little gems disappear faster than snowflakes in sunshine.

Pro Tips for Perfect Turkey Stuffing Balls

• Choose Fresh Herbs: Opt for fresh sage, thyme, and parsley to boost the stuffing balls' aromatic flavor and elevate the overall taste profile.
• Prevent Dryness: Mix in some extra chicken or turkey broth to keep the stuffing mixture moist and prevent the balls from becoming too dense or crumbly.
• Customize Texture: Briefly toast bread cubes in the oven before mixing to add a delightful crunch and enhance the stuffing's structural integrity.
• Ensure Proper Binding: Use beaten eggs as a critical binder to help the stuffing balls hold their shape and create a cohesive, smooth texture during baking.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare the stuffing balls in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking, which helps develop deeper flavors and saves time on cooking day.

Store and Reheat Turkey Stuffing Balls Like a Pro

• Store leftover turkey stuffing balls in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual balls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen stuffing balls remain fresh for 1-2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350F (175C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy on the outside.
• Heat refrigerated stuffing balls for 30-45 seconds, checking halfway to ensure even warming and prevent drying out.

Best Pairings for Turkey Stuffing Balls

• Robust red wines like Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon complement the rich, herbal flavors of turkey stuffing balls, cutting through their dense texture with smooth tannins and fruity undertones.
• Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heaviness of the stuffing balls, adding refreshing acidity and providing a clean palate contrast.
• Serve homemade cranberry sauce alongside the stuffing balls, introducing a sweet-tart element that enhances the savory herbs and brings traditional holiday flavor complexity to the dish.
• Roast Brussels sprouts or honey-glazed carrots as a side dish, providing additional vegetable nutrition and complementing the stuffing balls' warm, comforting profile with caramelized edges and subtle sweetness.

Turkey Stuffing Balls Variations to Try

• Gluten-Free Herb Stuffing Spheres: Replace regular bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers, ensuring those with celiac disease can enjoy this classic dish.
• Vegetarian Lentil Stuffing Bites: Swap ground turkey for cooked lentils and mushrooms, creating a plant-based protein alternative that's packed with savory flavors and nutrients.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Stuffing Rounds: Use riced cauliflower instead of bread crumbs, reducing carbohydrate content and adding extra vegetables to the recipe for a lighter option.
• Keto-Friendly Almond Flour Stuffing Nuggets: Substitute bread crumbs with almond flour, increasing healthy fats and creating a low-carb version perfect for ketogenic diet followers.

Turkey Stuffing Balls: What Makes Them Special

• These turkey stuffing balls come together in just 30 minutes, making them a perfect last-minute side dish for busy home cooks who want delicious results without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Kids and adults alike will love these crispy, golden-brown balls packed with savory herb and bread flavors that remind everyone of classic holiday meals with a fun, portable twist.
• Great for thanksgiving gatherings, potlucks, or game day appetizers, these stuffing balls can be prepared ahead of time and reheated, offering maximum convenience for entertaining and meal planning.
• Using basic pantry staples like bread, herbs, and ground turkey, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary side dish that feels gourmet but requires minimal culinary skills.

Ingredients Needed for Turkey Stuffing Balls

• Ground Turkey: Lean protein base that adds heartiness and moisture to the stuffing balls.

• Breadcrumbs, White Bread: Provides structure and helps bind the ingredients together, stale bread works best for better texture.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic aromatics that add depth and savory notes to the stuffing balls.
• Sage, Thyme, Parsley: Herbs that bring traditional holiday flavor and fresh, earthy undertones.

• Egg: Helps hold the mixture together and adds richness.
• Chicken Stock: Adds moisture and enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing flavors.
• Olive Oil: Helps prevent dryness and adds a subtle richness.

• Celery: Provides a subtle crunch and traditional stuffing flavor.
• Butter: Can be used for additional richness and golden-brown exterior.

How to Make Turkey Stuffing Balls Without the Fuss

Step 1: Prepare Bread Base

Tear bread slices into small chunks. Allow bread to sit out and slightly dry for better texture. Place bread pieces in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Chop Aromatic Vegetables

Finely dice onions and celery. Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions and celery until soft and translucent.

Step 3: Mix Flavor Components

• Sautéed onions and celery
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Dried sage
• Dried thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 4: Bind Ingredients

Pour chicken broth into bread mixture. Crack eggs into the bowl. Mix ingredients thoroughly until everything is well combined and slightly moist.

Step 5: Shape Stuffing Balls

Use hands to form mixture into compact round balls. Place stuffing balls on prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each ball.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide baking sheet into preheated oven. Bake until exterior becomes crispy and golden brown, approximately 25-30 minutes.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove stuffing balls from oven. Let cool for few minutes. Transfer to serving platter and garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.

Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory turkey stuffing balls bring festive comfort from traditional holiday kitchens to your dinner table. Crispy exterior and herbed interior blend perfectly, offering irresistible bite-sized goodness you’ll crave at every gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground turkey
• 2 cups prepared stuffing (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for baking or frying)

Optional Serving Ingredient:

• Cranberry sauce or gravy (for dipping)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a light coating of cooking spray to ensure easy release of the stuffing balls.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine dried bread cubes, finely chopped onions, and diced celery, creating a foundational texture for the stuffing mixture.
3. Add minced fresh herbs like sage, thyme, and parsley to infuse the mixture with aromatic flavors that complement the turkey’s richness.
4. Incorporate beaten eggs and melted butter, which will help bind the ingredients and provide a smooth, cohesive consistency to the stuffing balls.
5. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and poultry seasoning to enhance the overall taste profile and create depth of flavor.
6. Gently mix all ingredients until they are evenly distributed, being careful not to overmix and compress the bread cubes.
7. Using clean hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into compact, golf ball-sized spheres, ensuring they are tightly packed to maintain their shape during baking.
8. Arrange the stuffing balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow for even heat circulation and consistent browning.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through to ensure uniform golden-brown coloration and crispy exterior.
10. Remove from the oven when the stuffing balls are golden brown and have a crisp exterior, with a tender and moist interior.
11. Let the stuffing balls rest for a few minutes before serving to allow them to set and cool slightly, enhancing their texture and flavor.

Notes

• Swap bread cubes for gluten-free alternatives like cornbread or rice-based stuffing to accommodate dietary restrictions easily.
• Add extra herbs like sage or thyme to boost flavor intensity and create a more aromatic stuffing ball experience.
• Ensure meat mixture isn’t too wet by gently pressing ingredients together, preventing crumbly texture during baking.
• Let stuffing balls rest for 5 minutes after cooking to help them hold shape and absorb remaining moisture, resulting in a perfectly cohesive bite.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg