Turkey Stuffing Balls are the ultimate solution for transforming holiday leftovers into something completely irresistible—tender, savory bites brimming with juicy turkey, herby stuffing, and pops of cranberry, all baked to golden perfection. This delightful recipe combines everything we love about festive comfort food into snackable, hand-held rounds, making them a complete hit for family dinners, potlucks, or game day spreads. Each bite is a celebration of Thanksgiving flavors, all wrapped up in a crispy, golden shell and begging to be dipped into creamy, luscious gravy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Turkey Stuffing Balls come together with just a handful of simple, familiar ingredients that bring big, satisfying flavor. Each one is essential—working together to create a perfectly balanced bite, while letting you tweak and riff depending on what you have on hand.
- Cooked turkey (2 cups): Shredded or finely chopped, this is the main protein and adds juicy texture—perfect for using up leftovers!
- Prepared stuffing (3 cups, cooled): The backbone of the ball; it binds everything together and infuses that classic herbed flavor.
- Turkey or chicken gravy (1/4 cup, plus more for serving): Adds moisture and rich depth—don’t skip that extra gravy for dipping!
- Dried cranberries (1/4 cup, optional): For sweet-tart pops of flavor that make each bite extra festive; totally optional, but highly recommended.
- Egg (1, beaten): Acts as an efficient binder to keep the balls together as they bake.
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Infuses a warm, aromatic touch, blending right into the savory mix.
- Onion powder (1/2 tsp): Delivers subtle, sweet depth to round out all the flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 tsp): Lends a gentle kick to wake up the palate.
- Fresh parsley (2 tbsp, chopped): Adds fresh, vibrant color and a hint of brightness in each bite.
- Nonstick cooking spray or olive oil: A quick spritz or drizzle ensures incredible crispiness on the outside without extra fuss.
How to Make Turkey Stuffing Balls
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), then line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your Turkey Stuffing Balls won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze after you’ve devoured every last one.
Step 2: Mix the Base
In a spacious mixing bowl, toss in your cooked turkey, stuffing, creamy gravy, optional dried cranberries, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, cracked black pepper, and a generous handful of fresh parsley. Using clean hands or a sturdy spatula, gently mix everything together until it’s deeply combined and holds its shape—kind of like making holiday magic in a bowl.
Step 3: Shape Into Balls
Now comes the fun part! Using your hands or a cookie scoop, portion out 12 to 14 golf ball-sized rounds, rolling each one gently between your palms. Set them on your prepared baking sheet, spaced a little apart so they crisp up rather than steam.
Step 4: Add That Final Touch
Lightly coat the tops with nonstick cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil. This extra step is the secret to that glorious, golden exterior—so don’t skip it!
Step 5: Bake Until Crispy
Slide your tray into the hot oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until your Turkey Stuffing Balls are irresistible-looking: deeply golden, crispy at the edges, and heated all the way through.
Step 6: Serve with Gravy
Let them cool just briefly, then arrange them on a platter and serve with even more warm turkey or chicken gravy for dipping. They’re at their best when steaming, just out of the oven and dripping with sauce!
How to Serve Turkey Stuffing Balls
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra fresh parsley makes these little bites look impossibly inviting, or try a dusting of flaky sea salt for a pop of flavor. For a touch of color, spoon a little cranberry sauce right beside your Turkey Stuffing Balls, letting people drag each bite through the tangy red goodness.
Side Dishes
Pair Turkey Stuffing Balls with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a green bean almondine for a feast that nods to a classic holiday meal. They also shine as party appetizers with bowls of different dips and a crunchy salad to balance out the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve them skewered with toothpicks on a festive board, pop them into slider buns for a playful mini sandwich, or nestle them over a pile of buttery mashed potatoes with a ladle of extra gravy for a heartier meal. However you present them, these are guaranteed crowd-pleasers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is never a guarantee!), let the Turkey Stuffing Balls cool completely and then tuck them into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
They freeze beautifully! Once baked and fully cooled, arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag. Label and date, then freeze for up to 2 months. To prevent sticking, consider placing parchment between layers.
Reheating
For best texture, reheat the Turkey Stuffing Balls in a 350°F (175°C) oven or air fryer until warmed through and crispy—about 10 minutes from the fridge or 20 minutes from frozen. A quick zap in the microwave works for speed, but you’ll lose a bit of the crunch.
FAQs
Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Shredded or chopped cooked chicken works just as well in place of turkey, so feel free to make this recipe year-round, even when it’s not Thanksgiving.
What kind of stuffing is best for Turkey Stuffing Balls?
Any prepared stuffing will work, whether it’s homemade or straight from the box. Use your favorite! Classic bread stuffing is especially delicious, but cornbread or even wild rice-based stuffings add a unique twist.
Can I make Turkey Stuffing Balls gluten free?
Yes—just use gluten-free stuffing and double check your gravy ingredients. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it’s easy to adapt for those with sensitivities.
Are the cranberries necessary?
Not at all! Cranberries are optional but add a wonderful sweet-tart contrast. If you’re not a fan or don’t have any on hand, simply skip them or substitute with chopped dried apricots instead.
How do I keep the balls from falling apart?
Be sure your stuffing is moist (not dry), and really work the mixture until it’s cohesive before shaping. The egg and gravy act as binders, so don’t skip either of those. If your mixture still feels too loose, add a spoonful of extra stuffing or a sprinkle of breadcrumbs.
Final Thoughts
I can’t say enough good things about these Turkey Stuffing Balls—whether you’re trying to breathe new life into leftovers or just want a cozy, crowd-pleasing snack. They’re easy, endlessly versatile, and guaranteed to disappear fast, so go ahead and give them a try. I’d love to hear how they turn out in your kitchen!
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Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12–14 balls (4 servings) 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delicious way to use up Thanksgiving or holiday leftovers. Packed with the flavors of turkey, stuffing, and cranberries, these crispy balls make a perfect appetizer or main course. Easy to make and freezer-friendly!
Ingredients
Turkey Stuffing Balls:
- 2 cups cooked turkey (shredded or finely chopped)
- 3 cups prepared stuffing (cooled)
- 1/4 cup turkey or chicken gravy (plus more for serving)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- nonstick cooking spray or olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix turkey, stuffing, gravy, cranberries, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and parsley until well combined.
- Form balls: Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized portions and place on the baking sheet.
- Prepare for baking: Spray the tops with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and heated through.
- Serve: Serve warm with extra gravy for dipping.
Notes
- Perfect for using Thanksgiving or holiday leftovers.
- Add shredded cheese or chopped cooked vegetables for a twist.
- Freeze well—bake, cool, and freeze in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 balls
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
