The holiday season often leaves us with an abundance of leftover turkey and stuffing, and while reheating a plate is always an option, why not transform those leftovers into something new and delicious? Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls are the perfect way to reinvent your holiday meal into a fun, bite-sized snack or appetizer. Crispy on the side and tender on the inside, these savory balls are packed with flavor and are a great way to reduce food waste.
Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls are incredibly versatile. Serve them as an appetizer at your next gathering, as a fun side dish, or as a game-day snack. Pair with your favorite dipping sauces for an extra burst of flavor. They’re also great as a quick lunch with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls are a fantastic way to breathe new life into your holiday leftovers, turning them into a crispy, savory treat that everyone will love. Not only are they delicious, but they also help reduce food waste in a creative and tasty way. Whether fried, baked, or air-fried, these stuffing balls are sure to be a hit, adding a delightful twist to your traditional holiday fare. Try this recipe, and make your leftovers the star of the show!! Here’s how to make them from start to finish!
INGREDIENTS:
- 3 cups leftover stuffing
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional, for added creaminess)
- 1/4 cup turkey gravy (or chicken broth, to bind)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil work best)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Prepare the Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the leftover stuffing, shredded turkey, cranberry sauce (if using), and shredded cheese. Gradually add the gravy or chicken broth until the mixture comes together and is moist enough to hold its shape when pressed. If the mixture is too dry, add more gravy; if it’s too wet, add extra stuffing or breadcrumbs.
- Shape into Balls: Using your hands or a cookie scoop, shape the mixture into golf ball-sized balls, pressing firmly to ensure they hold together. Place the formed balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Set Up a Dredging Station: Set up three shallow bowls—one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Roll each stuffing ball first in the flour, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Chill the Balls: For best results, refrigerate the coated stuffing balls for at least 15-20 minutes. This helps them firm up and prevents them from falling apart during frying.
- Fry the Balls: In a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the stuffing balls in batches, frying until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 3-4 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the balls and drain them on paper towels.
- Alternative Baking Method: If you prefer a lighter option, you can bake the stuffing balls. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the balls on a greased baking sheet. Spray them lightly with cooking spray and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and heated through.
- Serve with Dipping Sauce: Serve the stuffing balls warm with a side of turkey gravy, cranberry sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
Tips for Perfect Turkey Stuffing Balls
- Use Fresh or Stale Stuffing: Whether your stuffing is fresh or a few days old, it will work in this recipe. If it’s too dry, just add a little extra gravy or broth to moisten it up.
- Customize the Add-ins: Feel free to get creative with your leftover turkey stuffing balls. Add chopped vegetables, herbs, or even a bit of mashed potatoes for extra flavor.
- Make Ahead and Freeze: These stuffing balls can be made ahead and frozen before frying. Simply shape, coat, and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag. When ready to cook, fry or bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Air Fryer Option: For an even healthier take, cook the balls in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until crispy and golden.
ENJOY IT