Turkey stuffing balls are a fun and tasty way to enjoy Thanksgiving flavors. They’re made with ground turkey, bread, herbs, and spices, all rolled into tasty bites!
These little balls are great for snacking or as a side dish. I love making a big batch to share with friends and family. They disappear fast, so grab one before they’re all gone! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Stuffing Mix: Traditional stuffing mix is simple and flavorful, but you can use day-old bread cubes for a fresher taste. Just break them into small pieces and add your own herbs.
Cooked Turkey: Leftover turkey works perfectly here! If you don’t have turkey, shredded chicken or even plant-based protein can be great substitutes.
Celery and Onion: These add crunch and flavor. If you’re not a fan, you could use diced bell peppers or even omit them entirely. Just make sure to keep some kind of aromatic!
Dried Cranberries: These add a nice sweetness. If you prefer, you can replace them with chopped apples or omit them. Nuts, like walnuts or pecans, can also add a delightful crunch.
How Do You Get the Perfect Texture for Stuffing Balls?
The key to great turkey stuffing balls is balancing moistness with a firm structure. Here’s how to get it right:
- Be careful not to soak the stuffing; it should be moist but not dripping wet.
- Mix everything gently. Over-mixing can lead to tough balls. Stir until just combined.
- Use your hands to form the balls, pressing them firmly but gently for even baking.
- Don’t skip the baking time; they’ll come out golden brown and crispy on the outside if you let them bake long enough.
These tips will help ensure your turkey stuffing balls are both delicious and satisfying every time!
Turkey Stuffing Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 6 cups stuffing mix (or day-old bread cubes)
- 1 cup cooked turkey, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or turkey broth)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
Seasonings and Extras:
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray or extra butter for the pan
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes to bake. In total, you can expect to have these tasty turkey stuffing balls ready in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare your muffin tin by greasing it with cooking spray or lining it with paper liners.
2. Mix the Main Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the stuffing mix, chopped turkey, celery, onion, parsley, garlic, and dried cranberries or raisins if you’re using them. Add the sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to mix it together.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, eggs, and melted butter until blended. This will help keep your stuffing balls moist.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and mix gently until everything is nicely moistened. Be careful not to make it too soggy—just enough so all the ingredients come together.
5. Form the Stuffing Balls:
Using a spoon or your hands, take portions of the mixture and roll them into balls about the size of a golf ball. Place each ball into the prepared muffin tin.
6. Bake the Stuffing Balls:
Pop the muffin tin into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the balls feel firm to the touch.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once they are baked, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes in the pan. This will help them firm up a bit more. You can garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley, if you like!
8. Enjoy:
Your flavorful turkey stuffing balls are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them warm as a delicious side dish or tasty snack.
Can I Use Different Meat in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you don’t have turkey, you can use cooked chicken or even a plant-based meat alternative. Just make sure it’s finely chopped to blend well into the stuffing balls.
Can I Make These Stuffing Balls Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just be sure to form the balls and bake them fresh before serving for the best texture!
How Do I Store Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls?
Store leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
Can I Freeze These Stuffing Balls?
Yes, you can freeze them! After baking, let them cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To reheat, just bake from frozen, extending the cooking time by about 10 minutes.
