Introduction

Turkey stuffing balls are a fun and delicious way to enjoy leftover turkey and stuffing. These bite-sized delights combine creamy mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, and shredded turkey, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy meals.

The image shows six round, golden-brown mashed potato balls stacked closely on a white plate, each ball having a crispy, slightly rough outer texture. The potato balls are generously covered with light brown gravy that has a smooth texture and slightly glossy shine, pooling gently on the white plate around the base of the balls. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled on some of the potato balls, adding a touch of color contrast. The background is a white marbled surface, giving a clean and simple look to the setting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 cups mashed potatoes
3 cups stuffing
1½ cups shredded turkey
Gravy for serving
Black pepper to taste
Panko breadcrumbs (optional)
Butter or oil for frying (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring all ingredients to room temperature. Warm the mashed potatoes slightly if needed, and moisten the stuffing with broth if it feels dry.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes and stuffing. Fold in the shredded turkey and season with black pepper if desired.
Step 3: Form the mixture into 12 golf ball-sized portions.
Step 4: Choose your cooking method:
1. Baked version: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the balls on a lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until hot and crispy.
2. Pan-fried version: Roll the balls in panko breadcrumbs. Heat butter or oil in a nonstick pan and fry the balls until golden, turning gently to cook evenly.
Step 5: Serve immediately, topped with hot gravy. Add cranberry sauce if you like for an extra touch of sweetness.

Tips & Variations

If the mixture feels dry, add extra broth or a bit of melted butter to improve texture.
Keep the mixture chilled if you’re not cooking immediately to help it firm up.
You can freeze the balls before cooking for convenient make-ahead appetizers.
Try placing a small dollop of cranberry sauce inside each ball before forming for a tasty surprise.

Storage

Store cooked turkey stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or a skillet to maintain their crispy exterior. Uncooked formed balls can be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw before cooking.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate with several golden-brown, crispy mashed potato balls stacked in the center. Each ball is coated with a rich, smooth brown gravy that drips slightly down the sides, creating a glossy texture. Some green herbs are subtly sprinkled on top, adding a hint of color contrast. The background surface is a white marbled texture that brightens the overall composition, emphasizing the warm colors of the food. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make turkey stuffing balls without mashed potatoes?

Mashed potatoes help bind the mixture and add creaminess, but you can substitute with cooked rice or extra stuffing if preferred, adjusting moisture as needed.

What is the best way to reheat these balls without losing crispiness?

Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes or in a lightly oiled skillet on medium heat. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.

Turkey Stuffing Balls with Gravy Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.5 from 150 reviews

These Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delicious and creative way to transform leftover Thanksgiving ingredients into flavorful, crispy bites. Made with mashed potatoes, stuffing, and shredded turkey, you can either bake or pan-fry them to golden perfection. Served with rich gravy and optional cranberry sauce, these make perfect appetizers or snacks for festive occasions or cozy family dinners.

Author: Dana
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking and Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

3 cups mashed potatoes
3 cups stuffing
1½ cups shredded turkey
Black pepper to taste

Optional Ingredients

Panko breadcrumbs for coating (optional, for pan-frying)
Butter or oil for frying (optional, for pan-frying)
Gravy for serving
Cranberry sauce for serving (optional)

Instructions

Prep Ingredients: Bring all the ingredients to room temperature to ensure easier mixing. Warm the mashed potatoes slightly if they are too cold or firm. If the stuffing is dry, moisten it with some broth to improve the texture.
Mix & Form: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes and stuffing thoroughly. Fold in the shredded turkey evenly throughout the mixture. Season with black pepper according to your taste. Shape the mixture into 12 golf ball-sized portions for uniform cooking.
Choose Your Cooking Method: For baking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the stuffing balls on a lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy on the outside. For pan-frying, roll the balls in panko breadcrumbs for crunch. Heat butter or oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat, then fry the balls gently, turning frequently until they are golden brown on all sides.
Serve: Plate the turkey stuffing balls and generously top with hot gravy. Add a side of cranberry sauce if desired for a touch of sweetness. Serve immediately while they are hot and enjoy.

Notes

If you’re not cooking immediately, keep the mixture chilled to maintain freshness.
If the mixture feels too dry, add extra broth or butter for moisture and binding.
These balls can be prepared ahead of time and frozen before cooking for convenience.
They make perfect party appetizers, offering a festive finger food option.

Keywords: Turkey stuffing balls, Thanksgiving leftovers, holiday appetizers, baked stuffing balls, pan-fried turkey balls, gravy, cranberry sauce