Holiday Turkey Stuffing Balls

Why Make This Recipe

Holiday Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delightful and easy way to use up leftover turkey and stuffing from your holiday meals. These savory bites not only taste great but also bring a festive spirit to your table. Perfect as an appetizer or a side dish, they are sure to impress your family and guests. Plus, they are fun to make and can even involve family members in the preparation process, creating lasting memories in the kitchen.

The combination of mashed potatoes, stuffing, turkey, and cheese creates a rich and comforting flavor profile that embodies the essence of holiday cooking. You can serve them with delicious dips like gravy or cranberry sauce to elevate the dish even further. This recipe is also very adaptable, making it suitable for various occasions beyond just the holiday season.

How to Make Holiday Turkey Stuffing Balls

Ingredients:

To create these mouthwatering Holiday Turkey Stuffing Balls, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• 2 cups stuffing
• 1 cup shredded turkey
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

These ingredients combine to create a delicious blend of flavors and textures, making your stuffing balls irresistible.

Directions:

Making Holiday Turkey Stuffing Balls is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps to whip up this delightful dish:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your stuffing balls will bake evenly and get crispy on the outside.

2. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent the stuffing balls from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

3. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, stuffing, shredded turkey, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, bread crumbs, salt, and black pepper. Use a fork or your hands to mix everything until well combined. Ensure that all ingredients are evenly distributed, creating a consistent mixture.

4. Shape the Mixture: Once mixed, take portions of the mixture and form them into 1-inch balls. The size can be adjusted according to your preference, but around an inch is a perfect bite-sized portion. Make sure to leave some space between each ball on the prepared baking sheet to allow for even cooking.

5. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You are looking for a golden-brown color and a crispy exterior, while the inside will be warm and tender.

6. Serve: Once baked, take the turkey stuffing balls out of the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. They are delicious when served hot, accompanied by gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping.

How to Serve Holiday Turkey Stuffing Balls

Holiday Turkey Stuffing Balls are versatile and can be served in various ways. Here are a few ideas:

• Appetizer: Serve them on a platter as finger food during holiday gatherings or parties. They can be popped into the mouth easily and will surely be a hit among your guests.

• Side Dish: They can also make an excellent addition to your holiday meal lineup. Pair them with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and your choice of protein for a complete dinner.

• Dipping Sauces: Provide a mix of dipping sauces like gravy, cranberry sauce, or even a creamy ranch dressing. This will enhance the eating experience and cater to different tastes.

• Garnish: You can sprinkle some additional grated Parmesan or fresh herbs on top for a beautiful presentation. Adding color enhances the visual appeal, making the dish look even more inviting.

How to Store Holiday Turkey Stuffing Balls

Storing your leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls properly will help preserve their flavor and texture. Here’s how you can do it:

• Refrigeration: Place the cooled stuffing balls in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure they are completely cool before sealing to avoid condensation, which can make them soggy.

• Freezing: If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the turkey stuffing balls. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. They can be kept for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

• Reheating: To reheat, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the stuffing balls on a baking sheet and cover them with foil to keep them moist. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. For a crispier exterior, remove the foil during the last few minutes of reheating.

Tips to Make Holiday Turkey Stuffing Balls

To ensure your Holiday Turkey Stuffing Balls turn out perfect every time, consider these handy tips:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh turkey and homemade stuffing if possible for the best flavor. However, if you need to use store-bought stuffing, that works too!

• Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the salt and pepper according to your taste. If you like a bolder flavor, consider adding some garlic powder or onion powder to the mix.

• Don’t Over-Mix: When combining the ingredients, be careful not to over-mix. This can make the texture denser and less fluffy. Just mix until everything is well incorporated.

• Experiment with Cheeses: Try using different types of cheese to give your stuffing balls a unique flavor. Cheddar, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack can be delicious alternatives.

• Make Mini Balls: If you’re serving these as appetizers and want smaller bites, form mini balls about 1/2 inch in size. You can also serve them on toothpicks for easy handling.

Variation

While the classic recipe for Holiday Turkey Stuffing Balls is delicious, you can make some variations to suit your taste or dietary preferences:

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the shredded turkey with diced vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. You can also add cooked lentils for added protein.

• Spicy Twist: Add some chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to give your stuffing balls a spicy kick. Pair them with a spicy dipping sauce for an added layer of heat.

• Herbed Stuffing Balls: Incorporate fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary into the mixture. This adds freshness and an aromatic quality to the dish.

• Cheesy Stuffing Balls: Add more cheese or try different types like feta or goat cheese mixed in the stuffing for a creamy texture and tangy flavor.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make Holiday Turkey Stuffing Balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture ahead of time and form the stuffing balls. Store the raw balls in the refrigerator for a day before baking, making it convenient for busy holiday schedules.

Q2: Can I use store-bought mashed potatoes?
Absolutely! Using store-bought mashed potatoes is a great way to save time. Just make sure they are well-flavored and creamy to enhance the overall dish.

Q3: How do I know when the stuffing balls are done?
The stuffing balls should be golden brown on the outside and firm to the touch. A good way to test them is by inserting a toothpick; if it comes out clean, they are ready.

Q4: Can I bake these stuffing balls in an air fryer?
Yes, air frying is a great alternative! Preheat the air fryer to 370°F (185°C) and cook in batches for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown.

Q5: Are Holiday Turkey Stuffing Balls gluten-free?
To make them gluten-free, ensure that you use gluten-free bread for your stuffing and breadcrumbs. There are many gluten-free bread options available in stores.

Holiday Turkey Stuffing Balls are not only a delicious way to use leftovers but also provide a comforting and festive touch to any meal. With their simple preparation and versatility, they are bound to become a favorite in your holiday repertoire. Enjoy making and sharing this festive dish with your loved ones!

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