After a festive meal, finding creative ways to repurpose leftovers can be a rewarding culinary adventure. Enter the Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls—a delicious and innovative dish that combines leftover turkey and stuffing into savory bite-sized treats. Whether you’re looking to breathe new life into Thanksgiving leftovers or simply enjoy a cozy meal with a twist, this recipe promises to satisfy your cravings and delight your taste buds.
Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls are not just a way to use up leftovers—they’re a culinary adventure that transforms traditional flavors into a new and exciting dish. The crispy exterior gives way to a tender and flavorful interior, making each bite a delightful experience. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy meal at home, these stuffing balls are sure to be a hit. So, gather your leftovers and embark on a journey of flavor with this inventive recipe that turns yesterday’s meal into today’s delight
INGREDIENTS:
- Leftover turkey stuffing: Use about 3 cups of leftover stuffing. If needed, you can add extra seasoning or ingredients to taste.
- Leftover cooked turkey: Approximately 2 cups, shredded or finely chopped.
- 1-2 eggs: Depending on the moisture content of your stuffing, you may need 1 or 2 eggs to help bind the mixture.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds flavor and helps bind the stuffing balls.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs: For coating the stuffing balls.
- Vegetable oil or cooking spray: For frying or baking.
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Prepare the Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the leftover turkey stuffing, shredded turkey meat, grated Parmesan cheese, and eggs.
- Mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should be moist enough to hold together when shaped into balls. If it feels too dry, add another beaten egg.
- Shape the Stuffing Balls:
- Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Ensure they are compact and hold their shape.
- If the mixture is sticky, lightly dampen your hands with water to prevent sticking.
- Coat with Breadcrumbs:
- Pour the breadcrumbs into a shallow dish or plate.
- Roll each stuffing ball in the breadcrumbs, coating evenly on all sides. This will give the balls a crispy exterior once cooked.
- Cooking Options:
- Frying Method: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the coated stuffing balls in the skillet, a few at a time, and cook until golden brown and crispy on all sides, turning occasionally. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes.
- Baking Method: Alternatively, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the coated stuffing balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Lightly spray or brush them with cooking spray. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once cooked, transfer the Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls to a serving platter.
- Serve them hot as a delicious appetizer, snack, or even as a main dish alongside a fresh green salad or cranberry sauce.