Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delicious twist on a classic Thanksgiving favorite, perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a quick snack.
These bite-sized morsels combine tender turkey, savory stuffing, and a hint of seasoning, all baked to perfection. They’re an ideal way to use up leftovers or make ahead for a festive gathering. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, these turkey stuffing balls are a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone reaching for seconds.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoon or hands
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 3 cups prepared stuffing (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (optional, for brushing)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, stuffing, beaten egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form Balls: Using your hands, shape the mixture into golf ball-sized portions and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Optional Brushing: If desired, brush the tops of the balls with melted butter for a golden finish.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the turkey is cooked through and the balls are lightly browned. Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Let the turkey stuffing balls cool slightly before serving. They pair well with cranberry sauce, gravy, or a creamy dipping sauce.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Nutrition (Per Serving, based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
Expert Tips
- Leftovers: Use leftover stuffing from Thanksgiving for an easy, flavorful shortcut.
- Texture: If the mixture is too dry, add a tablespoon of chicken broth or water until it holds together.
- Crispy Finish: For extra crispiness, broil the balls for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and shape the balls, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze turkey stuffing balls?
Absolutely! Freeze uncooked balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.
What can I serve with these?
They pair wonderfully with cranberry sauce, turkey gravy, or a creamy ranch dip.
Can I use a stuffing mix?
Yes, boxed stuffing mixes work well. Just prepare the mix as directed before combining with the turkey.
Storing & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked balls for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen.
Substitutions & Variations
- Meat: Swap ground turkey with ground chicken or beef for a different flavor.
- Stuffing: Use cornbread stuffing for a sweeter twist.
- Cheese: Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
Turkey Stuffing Balls
Equipment
- - Large mixing bowl
- - Baking sheet
- - Parchment paper or non-stick spray
- Measuring cups and spoons
- - Mixing spoon or hands
Ingredients
- - 1 pound ground turkey
- - 3 cups prepared stuffing homemade or store-bought
- - 1 large egg beaten
- - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- - 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- - 1/4 teaspoon salt
- - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- - 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted (optional, for brushing)
Instructions
- **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- **Mix Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, stuffing, beaten egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- **Form Balls:** Using your hands, shape the mixture into golf ball-sized portions and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- **Optional Brushing:** If desired, brush the tops of the balls with melted butter for a golden finish.
- **Bake:** Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the turkey is cooked through and the balls are lightly browned. Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- **Serve:** Let the turkey stuffing balls cool slightly before serving. They pair well with cranberry sauce, gravy, or a creamy dipping sauce.
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