Turkey Stuffing Balls bring together the traditional flavors of Thanksgiving stuffing with a modern twist. Each bite is packed with savory turkey, warm herbs, and a satisfying crunch from the golden-baked bread cubes. They’re not only easy to make but also versatile enough to be a tasty appetizer, side dish, or festive snack. This recipe is perfect for repurposing holiday leftovers or simply adding an extra touch to your Thanksgiving meal. Serve them with a dollop of cranberry sauce for a sweet-savory contrast, or enjoy them solo. Their bite-sized shape makes them ideal for sharing with family and friends, making every gathering feel a little more special.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 12 cups dry bread cubes
- 3 cups cooked, chopped turkey
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking sheet or line with parchment paper.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and parsley, and sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and mix in the salt, poultry seasoning, and black pepper.
- Place bread cubes in a large mixing bowl, then pour the vegetable mixture over the bread and mix well.
- Add in the chopped turkey and mix to combine.
- Pour the beaten eggs over the mixture and stir until everything is well coated.
- Gradually add chicken broth, starting with 1 cup and adding more as needed, until the mixture is moist but not soggy.
- Shape the mixture into 2-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the stuffing balls are golden and heated through.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 180 kcal per serving | Servings: 12 servings
Background and Inspiration
The idea behind Turkey Stuffing Balls is to make a holiday staple more versatile, portable, and even fun to eat! Originating from traditional bread stuffing, a dish with roots that trace back to ancient Roman cuisine, stuffing has evolved to become a must-have on Thanksgiving tables in North America. While stuffing is typically made with herbs, bread, and a combination of aromatics like onions and celery, these Turkey Stuffing Balls incorporate cooked turkey into the mix, adding heartiness and depth to each bite. This concept allows the stuffing to be more than a side dish – it becomes a self-contained, satisfying savory snack or appetizer.
Why This Recipe is Special
- Portion Control and Convenience: Shaping stuffing into balls not only makes for a visually appealing presentation but also creates built-in portion control. Turkey Stuffing Balls are perfect for serving at parties, holiday gatherings, or as appetizers where guests can easily grab one or two without needing utensils. They can also be served as a light meal or paired with a salad for a satisfying lunch.
- Perfect Use of Leftovers: If you’re looking for a way to make your Thanksgiving leftovers feel fresh and exciting, these Turkey Stuffing Balls are a perfect solution. Instead of reheating a standard turkey dinner plate, you’re giving the ingredients a new life, reducing food waste, and adding variety to post-holiday meals.
- Balanced Nutrition: Each stuffing ball combines carbs from the bread, protein from the turkey, and a dose of healthy fats from the butter. Herbs like parsley, which is rich in antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and K, add freshness and nutritional benefits. This balance makes it a well-rounded snack that’s more than just a guilty holiday indulgence.
- Flexible Ingredients: This recipe allows for easy ingredient adjustments based on dietary needs or personal preferences. For example, you can use gluten-free bread for a celiac-friendly option or swap in olive oil for butter if you’re looking to reduce saturated fat. Some home cooks add vegetables like diced carrots or mushrooms to give the recipe more color, texture, and nutrition.
Recipe Benefits and Nutritional Information
Turkey Stuffing Balls offer a blend of flavors and nutrients that make them a practical and satisfying holiday option. Each bite contains a nice mix of protein, fiber, and complex carbs, contributing to a feeling of fullness without being overly rich or heavy. With around 180 calories per ball, this recipe is reasonable in terms of calorie count, allowing you to enjoy holiday flavors without overindulging.
These bite-sized treats are an excellent source of protein, thanks to the turkey, and they also provide vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and herbs. Poultry seasoning and herbs such as parsley not only contribute bold flavors but are also loaded with antioxidants and phytonutrients that can support digestion and provide anti-inflammatory benefits.
How to Serve and Customize Turkey Stuffing Balls
Turkey Stuffing Balls are an incredibly versatile dish. Here are a few ways to enjoy and enhance this recipe:
- Serve with Dipping Sauces: For added flavor, pair these with a side of cranberry sauce, gravy, or a herbed yogurt dip. The sweet-tart flavor of cranberry sauce contrasts beautifully with the savory, herb-laden stuffing balls, creating a holiday flavor medley in each bite.
- Add Cheese: Adding a small cube of cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella) in the center of each ball can make the recipe even more indulgent, as the cheese melts into a gooey center when baked.
- Use Different Meats: While this recipe uses turkey, you can also substitute it with other proteins, such as ground sausage, chicken, or even ham. Each variation brings its own twist, making this recipe adaptable year-round.
- Include More Veggies: For an extra boost of color and nutrition, finely diced carrots, mushrooms, or even chopped kale can be mixed into the stuffing before forming the balls. This is an excellent way to add texture and make the stuffing balls more nutrient-dense.
- Go Vegetarian: If you’d like a meat-free version, simply omit the turkey, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans to enhance the texture and create a richer, heartier bite.
Tips for Making the Best Turkey Stuffing Balls
- Use Dry Bread: This recipe works best when you use dry or day-old bread, as it absorbs the liquid better and holds its shape without getting too mushy. If you’re in a pinch and only have fresh bread, you can dry it in the oven for a few minutes before using it in the recipe.
- Don’t Overdo the Liquid: While you want the stuffing to be moist, adding too much chicken broth can cause the balls to become too soft and lose their shape. Start with a smaller amount of broth and gradually add more until the stuffing is moist enough to hold together.
- Shape with Care: When forming the balls, press them firmly so they hold their shape during baking. If they feel too loose, add a bit more beaten egg to help bind the mixture.
- Bake Until Golden Brown: Baking the stuffing balls at a slightly higher temperature helps them develop a golden, crispy exterior while remaining tender on the inside. Keep an eye on them, as cooking times may vary depending on the oven.
Conclusion
Turkey Stuffing Balls are more than just a seasonal treat; they’re a new way to enjoy classic holiday flavors in a format that’s versatile, crowd-pleasing, and fun. They appeal to all ages, making them a hit at gatherings or even as a simple meal prep option for busy holiday schedules. By making a batch of these, you’re capturing the essence of Thanksgiving in a way that’s easy to enjoy at any time. Each bite is a perfect balance of savory turkey, aromatic herbs, and buttery bread, with a slight crunch on the outside and a soft, flavorful center.
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Turkey Stuffing Balls
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Description
Turkey Stuffing Balls bring together the traditional flavors of Thanksgiving stuffing with a modern twist. Each bite is packed with savory turkey, warm herbs, and a satisfying crunch from the golden-baked bread cubes. They’re not only easy to make but also versatile enough to be a tasty appetizer, side dish, or festive snack. This recipe is perfect for repurposing holiday leftovers or simply adding an extra touch to your Thanksgiving meal. Serve them with a dollop of cranberry sauce for a sweet-savory contrast, or enjoy them solo. Their bite-sized shape makes them ideal for sharing with family and friends, making every gathering feel a little more special.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 12 cups dry bread cubes
- 3 cups cooked, chopped turkey
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking sheet or line with parchment paper.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and parsley, and sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and mix in the salt, poultry seasoning, and black pepper.
- Place bread cubes in a large mixing bowl, then pour the vegetable mixture over the bread and mix well.
- Add in the chopped turkey and mix to combine.
- Pour the beaten eggs over the mixture and stir until everything is well coated.
- Gradually add chicken broth, starting with 1 cup and adding more as needed, until the mixture is moist but not soggy.
- Shape the mixture into 2-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the stuffing balls are golden and heated through.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
