Turn your Thanksgiving leftovers into something new and exciting with these turkey stuffing balls. Crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside, they’re the perfect way to reuse cooked turkey, stuffing mix, and mashed potatoes in a fun, bite-size form.allrecipes+7
Great as appetizers, snacks, or a quick post-holiday meal, these stuffing balls are freezer-friendly and endlessly customizable.
Why Turkey Stuffing Balls Are the Best Leftover Hack
These balls solve the “what do I do with all these leftovers?” problem in the tastiest way.
Transforming Thanksgiving Leftovers into Bite-Size Treats
Instead of reheating the same plates, you combine turkey, stuffing, and potatoes into compact, crispy balls that feel like a new dish entirely.
Crispy Outside, Tender Inside Texture
A light coating of flour or breadcrumbs plus oven-baking (or air frying) creates a golden crust while the interior stays soft and flavorful.
Great for Snacks, Appetizers, or Light Meals
Serve them with gravy for dipping, alongside soup, or as part of a leftover “grazing board.” They’re satisfying enough to stand alone as a light meal.
Freezer-Friendly for Quick Post-Holiday Meals
Make a big batch, freeze, and pull out a few at a time for easy lunches or appetizers throughout the holiday season.
Ingredients for Turkey Stuffing Balls
This recipe is flexible, but these core ingredients create the best texture and flavor.
Cooked Turkey, Stuffing Mix, and Mashed Potatoes
Shredded or diced cooked turkey provides protein. Prepared stuffing mix adds seasoning and structure. Mashed potatoes act as a binder and keep the interior moist.
Parmesan Cheese, Parsley, and Egg as Binders
Grated Parmesan adds umami and helps with browning. Fresh parsley brings brightness, and a beaten egg holds everything together.
Flour or Breadcrumbs for Coating
A light dredge in flour or seasoned breadcrumbs before baking creates a crisp exterior. You can also brush with melted butter or oil for extra color.
Gravy or Cranberry Sauce for Dipping
Serve warm stuffing balls with warm gravy for a classic combo, or offer cranberry sauce for a sweet-tart contrast that echoes Thanksgiving flavors.
How to Make Turkey Stuffing Balls Step by Step
This method ensures balls that hold together and bake evenly.
Mixing Turkey, Stuffing, and Potatoes
In a large bowl, combine shredded turkey, broken-up stuffing, and cold mashed potatoes. Mix until well combined; the mixture should be moist but moldable.
Forming Golf Ball–Sized Portions
Scoop about 2–3 tablespoons of mixture and roll into balls between your palms. Aim for uniform size so they bake evenly.
Coating and Arranging on a Baking Sheet
Roll each ball lightly in flour or breadcrumbs. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each for air circulation.
Baking Until Golden and Heated Through
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway, until golden brown and hot throughout. For extra crispness, broil for the last 1–2 minutes (watch closely).
Serving & Storage Tips for Stuffing Balls
Get maximum use from every batch.
Pairing with Gravy, Cranberry Sauce, or Ranch
Offer a trio of dips: savory gravy, tart cranberry sauce, and creamy ranch. This covers classic and modern flavor profiles.
Serving as Appetizers or Alongside Soup
Arrange on a platter with toothpicks for easy grazing, or serve alongside creamy soups like butternut squash, tomato, or turkey noodle.
Storing in the Fridge and Freezer
Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating in Oven or Air Fryer for Crispiness
Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes in the oven or 5–7 minutes in an air fryer to restore a crispy exterior and warm interior.
Variations & FAQs for Thanksgiving Leftover Balls
Customize to your taste and what you have on hand.
Adding Cheese, Herbs, or Veggies to the Mix
Fold in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyère, plus herbs like thyme, sage, or rosemary. Finely diced sautéed onions, celery, or carrots also work well.
Making Mini Stuffing Balls for Parties
Form smaller, bite-size balls for party trays. They cook a bit faster and are perfect for grazing alongside other appetizers.
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Leftovers?
Yes. Brown seasoned ground turkey, let it cool slightly, then use it in place of shredded leftover turkey. Adjust salt and seasoning as needed.
How to Keep Stuffing Balls from Falling Apart
Ensure your mixture is moist enough to hold together when squeezed. If it feels dry, add a bit more mashed potato or a splash of broth or milk.
Turkey Stuffing Balls (Easy Thanksgiving Leftover Recipe)
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked turkey shredded or diced
- 3 cups prepared stuffing broken up
- 2 cups cold mashed potatoes
- ½ cup 50 g grated Parmesan
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg beaten
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup 65 g all-purpose flour or seasoned breadcrumbs, for coating
- Gravy or cranberry sauce for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- In a large bowl, combine turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, Parmesan, parsley, egg, and pepper. Mix until well combined and moldable.
- Scoop 2–3 tablespoons of mixture; roll into golf ball–sized portions.
- Roll each ball lightly in flour or breadcrumbs. Place on the sheet, spaced apart.
- Bake 20–25 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and heated through. Optional: broil 1–2 minutes for extra crispness.
- Serve warm with gravy or cranberry sauce. Store refrigerated up to 4 days; freeze up to 3 months. Reheat at 375°F for 8–10 minutes.
