Balls made of leftover turkey and stuffing

 

Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls

During the holidays, we often have a lot of extra turkey and stuffing. Instead of just reheating them, why not try making something different and tasty with those leftovers? Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls are a great way to transform your holiday leftovers into a fun and tasty bite-sized snack or appetizer. These delicious balls are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. They are full of flavor and are a good way to avoid wasting food.

Leftover turkey stuffing balls can be used in many different ways. Offer them as a starter at your next get-together, as a fun side dish, or as a snack for game day. Serve with your favorite sauces to add more flavor. They are also excellent for a fast lunch with a salad or cooked veggies on the side.

Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls are a great way to make your holiday leftovers more exciting. They transform them into a delicious and crispy snack that everyone will enjoy. They are not only tasty but also help reduce food waste in a creative and delicious manner. Whether you fry, bake, or use an air fryer, these stuffing balls will be a success, giving a fun twist to your usual holiday dishes. Give this recipe a try and let your leftovers shine! Here’s how to create them from start to finish!

Ingredients

• 3 cups of leftover stuffing
• 2 cups of cooked turkey, shredded or finely chopped
• 1/2 cup of cranberry sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1/2 cup of grated mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 1/4 cup of turkey gravy (or chicken broth, if needed to bind)
• 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup of seasoned breadcrumbs
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works best)
• Fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Mixture:

1. In a large bowl, combine the leftover stuffing, shredded turkey, cranberry sauce (if using), and shredded cheese.
2. Gradually add gravy or broth, a little at a time, until the mixture is moist enough to hold together when pressed. If it’s too dry, add more gravy. If it’s too wet, add more stuffing or breadcrumbs.

Form the Balls:

1. Using your hands or a cookie scoop, shape the mixture into golf ball-sized balls, pressing firmly to ensure they hold together. Place the formed balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Set Up the Dredging Station:

1. Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
2. Roll each stuffing ball in the flour, then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help the breadcrumbs stick.

Chill the Stuffing Balls:

1. For the best results, refrigerate the coated stuffing balls for 15-20 minutes to help them firm up and prevent them from falling apart during frying.

Cook the Stuffing Balls:

1. In a deep pan or pot, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry the stuffing balls in batches, cooking them until golden and crispy all over, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
3. Use a slotted spoon to remove the balls and drain them on paper towels.

Bake Instead:

1. If you prefer a lighter option, you can bake the stuffing balls. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the balls on a greased baking sheet.
2. Lightly spray them with cooking spray and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and heated through.

Serve:

1. Serve the stuffing balls warm with turkey gravy, cranberry sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.

Tips for Making the Best Turkey Stuffing Balls

• Whether your stuffing is fresh or leftover, it works well in this recipe. If it’s too dry, simply add more gravy or broth to moisten it.
• Feel free to get creative with your add-ins. Try adding diced veggies, herbs, or even a bit of mashed potatoes to enhance the flavor.
• You can prepare these stuffing balls ahead of time and freeze them before frying. Just form, coat, and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag. When ready to cook, fry or bake directly from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• For a healthier version, cook the balls in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes until crispy and golden brown.

Enjoy these creative and delicious bites! 💛