Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a fridge full of Thanksgiving leftovers and thinking, “How can I make this exciting again?”—I’ve got just the thing for you. This Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe is a total game-changer. It takes the classic flavors of turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes and turns them into crunchy, golden bite-sized balls that everyone will fight over. I promise you, these little pockets of comfort are a fun and clever way to revamp your leftovers, making mealtime something you actually look forward to.

What makes this recipe special is not just how delicious it is, but how versatile and forgiving it can be. Whether you’re working with a little or a lot of leftovers, you can tweak the ingredients to your liking. Plus, they’re perfect for a quick snack, an appetizer at a casual party, or even a simple weeknight dinner. You can’t beat how easy it is to come together, and with just a handful of pantry staples, you’re moments away from crispy, savory perfection. Trust me, this Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe will become your go-to for reinventing holiday extras.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create that perfect balance of creamy, savory, and crispy textures in the stuffing balls. When I shop for this, I always keep in mind how fresh and flavorful each component is because that really shines through in the final dish.

• Mashed potatoes: Creamy and starchy, they act as a binder, helping the balls hold together without getting dry.
• Stuffing: Whether homemade or store-bought, this gives the stuffing balls their rich, herbaceous flavor and a bit of texture contrast.
• Shredded turkey: Adds protein and that classic Thanksgiving taste; leftover turkey works perfectly here.
• Gravy: Not just for serving, a bit of gravy in the mixture can add extra moisture and flavor depth.
• Black pepper (optional): A pinch of fresh pepper can brighten the flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Panko breadcrumbs: These are your secret weapon for achieving that irresistible crunch on the outside. Make sure to get plain ones for a neutral taste!

Variations

I love experimenting with this Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe because it’s so adaptable. Feel free to toss in your favorite extras or make it fit your dietary needs—I’ve found a few tweaks that really shine.

• Cheese stuffed: Stuffing a small cube of cheddar or mozzarella inside each ball before frying adds a melty surprise inside. I remember the first time I tried this—wow, total crowd-pleaser!
• Herb boost: Adding fresh herbs like rosemary or sage to the mix boosts the aroma and flavor without much effort.
• Vegetarian version: Swap the turkey for roasted mushrooms or cooked lentils, and use vegetable gravy to keep things hearty.
• Spicy kick: A sprinkle of cayenne or hot sauce mixed in gives these balls a nice little heat, perfect if you like things bold.

How to Make Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

Step 1: Combine Your Leftovers

Start by mixing together 3 cups of mashed potatoes, 3 cups of stuffing, and 1 ½ cups of shredded turkey in a large bowl. Don’t be shy with the turkey—it’s the star protein here. If you want, add a few spoonfuls of gravy to add moisture and help everything meld nicely. I always season with a little black pepper at this point. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to get everything well combined but don’t overmix—you want the mixture cohesive but not mushy.

Step 2: Form Into Balls

Next, scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and gently roll it between your palms into balls. This recipe tends to make about 20-24 balls, depending on how big you go. For easier handling and a crispier crust, roll each ball in panko breadcrumbs until fully coated. If you haven’t used panko before, these light, flaky breadcrumbs give a crunch that regular breadcrumbs just can’t match—trust me, it’s worth the little extra step.

Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat a generous layer of oil in a skillet over medium heat—enough to cover the balls halfway. Once the oil is shimmering (about 350°F if you like to be precise), carefully add the balls in batches, giving them plenty of space so they don’t stick together. Fry until golden brown all over, about 3-4 minutes per side. Don’t rush this part; the goal is crispy outsides with a warm, soft center. After frying, drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.

How to Serve Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping these balls with a drizzle of warm gravy—that hits all the cozy notes. Fresh parsley or chopped chives sprinkled on top adds a pop of green and freshness, which balances out the richness beautifully. Sometimes I even serve them with a dollop of cranberry sauce on the side for a sweet contrast that’s reminiscent of holiday leftovers but so much more fun.

Side Dishes

These balls pair wonderfully with simple sides like steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad. If you want to keep the leftover vibes going, creamy cranberry sauce and a bowl of extra gravy for dipping make the meal feel complete. I’ve even served them alongside roasted veggies for a more filling dinner that feels festive without too much fuss.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to serve the Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe on a large platter with little bowls of different dips: gravy, cranberry sauce, and even a spicy aioli. Guests love the variety and it looks super inviting. Another fun way is to skewer a few balls with a toothpick, making bite-sized morsels perfect for casual mingling—instant party win!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They hold up well, especially when refrigerated properly, but I’ve found they lose a bit of their crispness if left too long. It’s best to reheat them sooner rather than later for the tastiest results.

Freezing

If you want to make these ahead for later, freezing is a great option! Place the formed, but not fried, balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, fry them straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cooking time. I’ve done this many times, and it’s a real time-saver without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To reheat leftover turkey stuffing balls, I like using the oven or an air fryer to bring back that crispiness. Place them on a baking sheet and heat at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes or until warmed through and crispy outside. Microwaving works in a pinch but tends to make them a bit soggy, so try to avoid that if you can.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe will change the way you think about post-holiday meals because it’s one of those rare recipes that turns leftovers into something new and exciting. I love making these when I’m craving comfort food but want to avoid eating the same old sandwich again. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy the crunchy texture and savory flavors that feel fresh while using ingredients you already have. Plus, it’s just plain fun to roll up your sleeves and create something that’s both delicious and thrifty, just like I have in my kitchen time and again.

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