Alright, let’s talk stuffing—like, the kind that reminds you of grandma’s kitchen, Thanksgiving leftovers, and just good old-fashioned comfort food. Now picture this: you take that cozy, herby stuffing…roll it up into bite-sized balls…mix in juicy turkey…then bake ‘em until golden and crispy on the outside, warm and tender on the inside.
Yeah, I’m talkin’ about turkey stuffing balls—the snack that feels like a hug in food form.
These little guys are perfect for using up holiday leftovers, but honestly? I make them all year long. They’re that good. Whether it’s a family get-together, game day snack table, or just you on the couch with a plate and a cozy blanket—this recipe delivers.
Why You’ll Wanna Make These
Okay, first off, they’re easy. Like, mix, roll, bake—done.
Second, you can totally freestyle with the ingredients depending on what you’ve got in the fridge. Leftover turkey? Check. Some stuffing from two nights ago? Boom. A little gravy for dipping? Now you’re talkin’.
But my favorite part? The outside gets all crispy and golden, and then the inside stays super soft and full of flavor. It’s like a handheld bite of Thanksgiving magic. And you don’t need a holiday as an excuse.
What You’ll Need
Here’s the basic lineup. Nothing fancy—just pantry staples and fridge-friendly ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked stuffing (leftover or freshly made)
- 1 ½ cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
- 1 egg
- ½ cup shredded cheddar (or mozzarella, or whatever cheese is in the drawer)
- ¼ cup chicken broth (or turkey gravy if you’ve got some—game changer!)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional but adds a nice color pop)
- Olive oil spray or melted butter (for brushing or spraying before baking)
Optional for dipping: cranberry sauce, gravy, ranch—whatever you’re feelin’.
Step-by-Step Instructions (With Some Real Talk Along the Way)
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. (And if you forget to preheat, no worries—we’ve all been there. Just let it warm up while you’re mixing.)
2. Mix the Goods
In a big ol’ bowl, toss in the stuffing, turkey, egg, cheese, broth (or gravy), and seasonings. Get in there with a spoon—or your hands if you’re feeling bold—and mix it all together until it holds its shape.
👉 Tip: If the mix feels too dry, add a splash more broth. If it’s too wet, sprinkle in a handful of breadcrumbs.
3. Roll It Up
Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll into a ball. Don’t overthink it—they don’t have to be perfect. Place them on your baking sheet with a little space between each.
I usually get about 15–18 balls out of this recipe, depending on how “generous” my scoops are. (Let’s be honest, sometimes I make ‘em bigger because I’m hungry.)
4. Bake Time
Give each ball a little spray with olive oil or brush lightly with melted butter. This helps them crisp up real nice.
Bake for about 20–25 minutes, or until the outside is golden brown and the centers are heated through.
If you want extra crisp (and who doesn’t?), pop ‘em under the broiler for 2–3 minutes at the end. Just don’t walk away or you’ll end up with turkey stuffing charcoal balls. IYKYK.
5. Serve It Up
Let them cool for a few minutes (burnt tongues are no joke), then serve ‘em with your fave dip. Cranberry sauce gives you that sweet-tart holiday vibe, while warm gravy makes it feel like a full meal.
Quick Tips for Quicker Prep
- No leftover stuffing? Just grab a boxed mix like Stove Top. Takes 5 minutes and totally works.
- Leftover rotisserie chicken can stand in for turkey—still delish.
- Air fryer option: Yep, they work in the air fryer! 375°F for 10–12 minutes. Flip halfway.
- Make-ahead move: Roll and chill ‘em in the fridge a day ahead. Pop in the oven when you’re ready.
What They Taste Like (Let Me Paint You a Picture)
Alright, imagine biting into a crispy shell that gives way to soft, savory stuffing, tender turkey, a hint of melty cheese, and those warm garlic and onion notes. It’s like someone took your Thanksgiving plate and made it into a snack you can eat with your hands.
I served these at a holiday potluck once, and no joke, they disappeared faster than the pie. And yes, Aunt Carol did ask for the recipe.
How to Make It Your Own
This recipe’s super flexible. Want to spice things up?
- Add chopped jalapeños for a little heat
- Stir in diced mushrooms or sautéed onions for more depth
- Swap in stuffing muffins for extra crunch factor
- Try different cheeses—Gruyère, Swiss, or even a sharp white cheddar
It’s your kitchen, your rules.
Final Thoughts (aka: Just Make These Already)
Honestly, if you’re looking for something easy, tasty, and just plain comforting—turkey stuffing balls check all the boxes. They’re the kind of thing you can whip up on a lazy Sunday, or bring to a party and watch people fight over the last one.
So next time you’ve got leftover turkey and stuffing (or even if you don’t), skip the sandwich and roll up a batch of these little beauties.
Comfort food in ball form? Count me in.
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