Turkey Stuffing Balls with Gravy Recipe
Introduction
Turkey Stuffing Balls with Gravy are a fun and delicious way to enjoy leftover turkey and stuffing. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these bite-sized treats are perfect for holiday meals or anytime comfort food cravings strike.
Ingredients
- 3 cups mashed potatoes
- 3 cups stuffing
- 1½ cups shredded turkey
- Black pepper to taste
- Gravy
- Cranberry sauce (optional)
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Butter or oil for frying
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring the mashed potatoes, stuffing, and shredded turkey to room temperature. If the mashed potatoes are cold, warm them slightly to make mixing easier. If the stuffing is dry, moisten it with a little broth to keep the balls moist.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes and stuffing until well blended. Gently fold in the shredded turkey and season with black pepper to taste. Shape the mixture into 12 golf ball-sized portions.
- Step 3: For the baked version, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the balls on a lined baking sheet, spacing them apart, and bake for 10-12 minutes until heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.
- Step 4: For the pan-fried version, roll each ball in panko breadcrumbs. Heat butter or oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat, then fry the balls gently, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides and heated through.
- Step 5: Transfer the cooked stuffing balls to a serving plate, top generously with warm gravy, and add cranberry sauce if desired. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Tips & Variations
- Use leftover turkey and stuffing to save time and reduce food waste.
- Moisten stuffing with broth if it feels dry to ensure moist stuffing balls.
- Try adding chopped herbs like parsley or sage to the mixture for extra flavor.
- For a crispier coating, double-dip the balls in panko before frying.
Storage
Store leftover turkey stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. To keep them crispy, reheat in a hot oven rather than the microwave.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these stuffing balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and shape the balls ahead of time. Store them in the fridge before cooking, or freeze uncooked balls for up to a month. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even crushed cornflakes can be used as a coating for frying. Each will give a slightly different texture but will still result in a tasty crispy exterior.
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Turkey Stuffing Balls with Gravy Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These Turkey Stuffing Balls with Gravy are a delicious and comforting holiday-inspired appetizer or side dish. Made from a mixture of mashed potatoes, stuffing, and shredded turkey, these balls can be baked or pan-fried until golden and crispy. Served with warm gravy and optional cranberry sauce, they offer a flavorful and satisfying way to enjoy classic Thanksgiving flavors in a fun, bite-sized form.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups mashed potatoes
- 3 cups stuffing
- 1½ cups shredded turkey
- Black pepper to taste
Coating and Cooking
- Panko breadcrumbs (for pan-fried version)
- Butter or oil for frying (for pan-fried version)
Serving
- Gravy
- Cranberry sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Bring the mashed potatoes, stuffing, and shredded turkey to room temperature. Warm the mashed potatoes slightly if cold for easier mixing. If the stuffing is dry, moisten it with a little broth to keep the balls moist.
- Mix & Form: In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes and stuffing thoroughly. Gently fold in the shredded turkey and season with black pepper to taste. Shape the mixture into 12 golf ball-sized portions.
- Choose Your Method – Baked Version: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the formed balls on a lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until heated through and the outside is slightly crispy.
- Choose Your Method – Pan-Fried Version: Roll each ball in panko breadcrumbs to coat evenly. Heat butter or oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat. Gently fry the balls, turning occasionally, until golden brown and heated through on all sides.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked turkey stuffing balls to a serving plate. Generously top with warm gravy and add cranberry sauce if desired. Serve immediately while hot for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- If stuffing is too dry, add a splash of broth or turkey drippings to keep balls moist.
- You can prepare the balls ahead of time and refrigerate before cooking.
- For a crispier baked version, lightly spray the balls with cooking spray before baking.
- Use leftover turkey and stuffing to reduce food waste and speed preparation.
- Cranberry sauce adds a nice contrast but is optional.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: turkey stuffing balls, Thanksgiving recipe, holiday appetizer, baked stuffing balls, pan-fried stuffing balls, turkey leftovers, comfort food
