The turkey stuffing balls recipe is a fun twist on your traditional stuffing that is excellent to have for your holiday feasts, potlucks, or even weeknight dinners. These turkeys are savory little bites made from shredded turkey and herbs and dipped in breadcrumbs and fried until crispy and golden. Regardless of whether you’re serving them as a side dish, appetizer, or festive snack, turkey stuffing balls are sure to dazzle.
With their satisfying texture, multiple flavor options, and straightforward prep, they’re a great pick for anything from casual meals to fancy dos. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to make the perfect turkey stuffing balls, with flavor-boosting tips, serving suggestions, and ways to use leftovers.
Ingredients
For the Stuffing Balls:
- 1 lb ground turkey (preferably 93% lean turkey for the right balance of moisture and flavor)
- 3 cups stuffing (homemade or bread-based)
- 1 c. breadcrumbs (panko or traditional)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Glaze (Optional for More Flavor):
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Procedure
To Prepare the Stuffing Mixture
Prepare the Stuffing Mix:
If using boxed stuffing mix, prepare according to package directions and cool slightly. For homemade stuffing, mix toasted cubed bread with melted butter, herbs, and chicken stock until moistened.
Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook for 3-4 minutes or until softened. This step deepens the flavor of the stuffing balls.
Combine the Ingredients:
In a big bowl, mix the prepared stuffing mix, ground turkey, breadcrumbs, melted butter, and eggs. Add the cooked onion and garlic, fresh parsley, sage, thyme, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Mix Thoroughly:
Then, with clean hands or a wooden spoon, mix the ingredients until they are all combined. The mixture should be moist to the touch but firm enough that it holds its shape.
Forming the Stuffing Balls
Shape the Balls:
Form the mixture into golf ball-sized portions (about 1½ inches in diameter). Making the sizes even ensures cooking.
Arrange on a Baking Sheet:
Prepare a baking sheet by covering it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with cooking spray. Organize the stuffing balls in a single layer, leaving some space between them for airflow.
Cooking Methods
Oven-Baked Turkey Stuffing Balls (Good Option – it’s nice and basic)
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat the oven to 375° F (190° C).
Bake Until Golden:
Bake the internal stuffing balls for 20-25 minutes or check with a meat thermometer until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Add a Glaze (Optional):
To make your turkey taste more flavorful, mix cranberry sauce, honey, and Dijon mustard in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, until slightly thickened. During the last 5 minutes of baking, brush the glaze over the stuffing balls.
Turkey Stuffing Balls (For Crispier Texture – Air Fryer)
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Use cooking spray to give the stuffing balls a light dusting.
- Working in batches, air fry the sweet potato for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even cooking.
Turkey Stuffing Balls (Quick & Crispy)
- In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the stuffing balls to the skillet and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, 8 to 10 minutes.
- Before serving, make sure it is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Huge-Batch Slow Cooker Turkey Stuffing Balls
- Use cooking spray to grease your slow cooker.
- Lay the stuffing balls out in a single layer and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours or high for 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Serving and Presentation
Arrange on a Platter:
Mound the stuffing balls on a holiday serving platter and sprinkle fresh parsley around for a pop of color.
Dipping Sauces for Variety:
Serve a variety of dipping sauces, such as cranberry sauce, creamy ranch, tangy mustard, etc.
Holiday Styling Tip:
Use decorative rosemary sprigs, pomegranate seeds, or mini clusters of cranberries for an elegant holiday presentation.
How to Make Perfect Stuffing Balls
- Don’t Overmix: Overworking the mixture will give you dense, dry stuffing balls. Fold gently for a light, airy crumb.
- Keep it Moist: If your mixture seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth to get the right consistency.
- Uniform size of stuffing balls: This helps cooks ensure even cooking. This will ensure you have accurate measurements.
- Golden Crust: For an extra crispy finish, lightly brush the stuffed balls with olive oil before baking.
Leftover Ideas
Got leftovers? Here’s how to repurpose your stuffing balls into exciting new meals:
- Turkey Stuffing Ball Soup: Add leftover stuffing balls to a savory broth with diced-up carrots, celery, and herbs.
- Stuffing Ball Casserole: Crumble the stuffing balls into a greased baking dish, add turkey gravy, and top with mashed potatoes for a fast shepherd’s pie.
- Stuffing Ball Wraps: Halve stuffed balls in barbecue sauce, wrap in a tortilla, and add lettuce for a fresh, delicious wrap.
Troubleshooting Guide
- Dry Texture: Add an extra egg or splash in a bit of broth for added moisture.
- Falling Apart: The mixture needs to be moist enough to hold its shape before baking. Extra breadcrumbs can help bind the mixture.
- Centers Still Undercooked: Increase baking time slightly, or make sure your balls aren’t larger than 1.5 inches in diameter.
Nutritional Information
One serving size of turkey stuffing balls (3 balls) has:
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 14g
- Sodium: 480mg
For a lighter version, halve the butter and use ground turkey breast in place of regular ground turkey.
Conclusion
Turkey stuffing balls are a versatile, delicious, and popular find for your festive table or everyday family meal. Endless seasoning variations, creative serving ideas, and multiple cooking methods make this recipe adaptable to your taste and schedule. Glazed, stuffed with cheese, or alongside cranberry sauce, these savory morsels are sure to be a hit when they land on your table. Savor each golden, flavorful bite!
