Irresistible Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe | All We Cook

Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls: A Delicious Way to Repurpose Your Holiday Leftovers

If you’ve ever faced a pile of leftover turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing after a holiday feast, you know the struggle of making it exciting again. Enter our Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls—golden, crispy, and bursting with flavor. These bite-sized delights are not only a clever way to reuse your leftovers, but they’re also irresistibly savory snacks or sides that will impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unlike reheating cold leftovers that can feel bland, these stuffing balls are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, delivering the perfect combination of textures. The addition of panko breadcrumbs adds an extra crunch, while the gravy drizzle brings it all together with richness. Best of all, this recipe is quick, simple, and perfect for using up any leftover holiday staples.

Ingredients and Their Role

1 ½ cups chopped turkey meat – Provides the rich, savory protein base that makes each ball satisfying and flavorful.
3 cups mashed potatoes – Acts as a binder and adds creamy texture to keep the balls moist inside.
3 cups stuffing – Brings the iconic herbaceous flavor and body, making the stuffing balls rich and aromatic.
Panko breadcrumbs, as needed – Helps bind the mixture if too soft, while adding a light, crisp coating during baking.
Gravy, to taste – Adds moisture and enhances flavor, perfect for drizzling or dipping.
Salt and pepper, to taste – Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently mix the chopped turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, salt, and pepper. Ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Adjust texture with panko: If the mixture feels too loose or sticky, gradually add panko breadcrumbs until it holds together well. The ideal mixture should form into balls without crumbling.
Shape the balls: Take small handfuls of the mixture and roll them into evenly sized balls, roughly 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter. Consistent sizing ensures even baking.
Arrange on baking sheet: Place each ball on the prepared sheet, leaving space between them for air circulation and crisping.
Bake to perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–15 minutes, or until the balls are golden brown and heated through. They should be slightly firm to the touch and lightly crisp on the exterior.
Add the finishing touch: Serve immediately with a generous drizzle of warm gravy, or provide gravy on the side for dipping. Optionally, sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley for added color and flavor.

Pro Tips for the Best Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls

Use cold mashed potatoes and turkey from the fridge—they are easier to mix and shape.
If your mixture is too wet, add more panko crumbs slowly; if too dry, add a small spoon of milk or gravy to loosen it.
For extra crispiness, lightly brush each ball with melted butter before baking.
Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; give each ball room to crisp up evenly.
Experiment with adding cheese or herbs to the mixture for unique flavor variations.

Serving Suggestions

These Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls are incredibly versatile:

Serve as a hearty appetizer at holiday parties with dipping sauces like gravy, cranberry sauce, or a tangy mustard aioli.
Pair with a simple green salad and roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Stack them on a platter alongside other holiday leftovers for a creative buffet display.
They can even be served as a comforting side dish for weeknight dinners, transforming leftovers into a gourmet treat.

Conclusion

Our Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls recipe is the ultimate solution for turning holiday leftovers into something delicious, comforting, and irresistibly crispy. With a combination of creamy mashed potatoes, savory turkey, and flavorful stuffing, each bite delivers a satisfying texture and mouthwatering taste. Easy to prepare, quick to bake, and endlessly versatile, this recipe will make leftover meals something everyone looks forward to. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a snack, or a main side, these stuffing balls prove that simplicity and flavor can go hand-in-hand, making your leftovers the star of the table.