Holiday Turkey Stuffing Balls

The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and of course, delicious food. One dish that often takes center stage on the holiday table is turkey. After the big feast, many people are left wondering what to do with the leftovers. That’s where the Holiday Turkey Stuffing Balls come into play. These delightful bites use up leftover turkey while being easy to make and incredibly tasty. They are perfect for parties, gatherings, or just a cozy night in. Plus, they are a hit with both kids and adults alike!

Why Make This Recipe

There are plenty of reasons to make Holiday Turkey Stuffing Balls, especially during the festive season. Firstly, they provide an excellent way to repurpose leftover turkey and stuffing after a big holiday meal. Instead of letting leftovers go to waste, you can create a delicious new dish. This helps cut down on food waste and ensures everyone can enjoy turkey in a fresh, exciting form.

Secondly, these stuffing balls are incredibly versatile. You can serve them as appetizers at a holiday party, or you can enjoy them as a main dish alongside cranberry sauce or gravy. They also make great finger food for gatherings and are easy to eat on the run.

Finally, they are simple enough for anyone to make, regardless of cooking skill level. With just a few ingredients combined and baked, you can whip together a delightful dish that impresses guests and satisfies cravings.

How to Make Holiday Turkey Stuffing Balls

Making Holiday Turkey Stuffing Balls is straightforward and enjoyable. Here’s a step-by-step guide for how to do it:

Ingredients

To prepare Holiday Turkey Stuffing Balls, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• 2 cups stuffing
• 1 cup shredded turkey
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Follow these easy steps to bring your Holiday Turkey Stuffing Balls to life:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to preheat. This allows your oven to be hot enough when you’re ready to cook the stuffing balls.

2. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help prevent your stuffing balls from sticking to the sheet and make for easier cleanup.

3. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, stuffing, shredded turkey, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, bread crumbs, salt, and black pepper. Use a spatula or your hands to mix everything until well combined. The mixture should hold together well when formed into balls.

4. Form the Balls: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, scoop out a portion of the mixture and roll it into a 1-inch ball. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they’re spaced out a little so they have room to expand as they cook.

5. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they are done when they are golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.

6. Cool and Serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the stuffing balls to cool for a few minutes before serving. They are perfect on their own, but feel free to enjoy them with gravy or cranberry sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

How to Serve Holiday Turkey Stuffing Balls

When it comes to serving Holiday Turkey Stuffing Balls, the options are numerous. You can serve them hot or warm. Here are some serving suggestions:

• As Appetizers: Place the stuffing balls on a decorative platter. You can also accompany them with small bowls of gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping. This makes for a lovely presentation and allows guests to help themselves.

• As a Main Course: Serve them alongside a nice salad or some roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. They also pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes and gravy if you’re going for a heartier option.

• As Party Snacks: If hosting a gathering, serve the stuffing balls on a buffet table. Guests can grab a few at a time, making it easy for everyone to enjoy them without needing utensils.

• In Lunchboxes: Leftover stuffing balls can make a great addition to lunchboxes. They are easy to pack and can be eaten cold or heated up for a quick meal.

How to Store Holiday Turkey Stuffing Balls

To maintain the quality of your Holiday Turkey Stuffing Balls, proper storage is essential:

• Refrigeration: If you have leftovers (which is likely, considering how delicious they are), allow the stuffing balls to cool to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They should be good for 3 to 5 days.

• Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the stuffing balls. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and label them with the date. They can be kept in the freezer for up to three months.

• Reheating: To reheat your stuffing balls, you can pop them back in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave them for a quick heat-up, although they may lose some crispness.

Tips to Make Holiday Turkey Stuffing Balls

Here are some simple tips to ensure your Holiday Turkey Stuffing Balls turn out great every time:

• Customize the Flavor: Feel free to personalize the flavor of your stuffing balls. Add in some garlic powder, herbs, or spices like thyme or sage to elevate the taste.

• Consider Texture: Make sure your mashed potatoes are creamy and not too thick. This will help the mixture hold together nicely and create a smooth texture.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher your ingredients, the better the flavor and quality. Use fresh turkey, homemade stuffing, and freshly grated Parmesan if possible.

• Experiment with Cheese: If you’re not a fan of Parmesan, consider substituting other cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.

• Make them Smaller or Bigger: If you prefer smaller bites, you can make the balls smaller than 1 inch. Conversely, for a more substantial snack, you can make them larger, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.

Variation

If you’re looking to switch things up a bit, here are some variations you can try:

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the turkey with sautéed mushrooms or cooked lentils for a vegetarian version. You can also use vegetable broth in the stuffing to enhance the flavor.

• Spicy Kick: Add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for a little heat. This variation is especially loved by spicy food enthusiasts.

• Herbed Variation: Mix in fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or rosemary into the mixture to add freshness and aroma. Herbs will elevate the stuffing balls and make them even more flavorful.

• Cheese Lover’s Delight: Combine different types of cheese, such as feta, goat cheese, or gouda, with the Parmesan to create a cheesy explosion of flavor.

FAQs

Can I make Holiday Turkey Stuffing Balls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just shape the balls and bake them when you are ready to serve.

How do I know if the stuffing balls are cooked through?

The stuffing balls should be golden brown and firm to the touch when they are done. If you’re unsure, you can cut one open to check if it is heated throughout.

Can I use other leftover meats besides turkey?

Yes! You can use leftover chicken or any other cooked meat. Just ensure it’s finely shredded to help with the mixture binding together.

What if I don’t have leftover stuffing?

If you don’t have stuffing on hand, you can use breadcrumbs or make your own stuffing with dried bread cubes mixed with broth and herbs.

Can I bake these stuffing balls instead of frying them?

Baking is not only easier, but it also makes for a healthier dish. These stuffing balls are designed to be baked and come out crispy and delicious.

With these insights and recipes, you can master the art of making Holiday Turkey Stuffing Balls that are scrumptious, easy to prepare, and perfect for any festive occasion. Enjoy the cooking and the delight these treats will bring to your holiday table!