Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and of course, delicious food. But once the big meal is over, many of us are left with a surplus of turkey and sides. Rather than simply reheating the same old dishes, why not transform them into something new and exciting? Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls are the perfect solution. These flavorful bites are easy to prepare, crispy on the outside, and packed with the comforting flavors of Thanksgiving. Here’s how you can turn your leftovers into a mouth-watering dish that everyone will love.

These simple ingredients come together to create a new dish that will make your leftover turkey and stuffing shine. Now, let’s get into the step-by-step guide to making Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls.

How to Prepare Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Before starting, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preparing your oven early ensures it’s ready when you are. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil or butter to prevent sticking during baking.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, gather the following ingredients:

• Shredded or diced turkey: Use 3 cups of your leftover turkey. Whether you prefer it finely shredded or in larger chunks, it will work perfectly.
• Stuffing: Add 1/3 cup of leftover stuffing. This adds texture and flavor, making the balls more robust.
• Eggs: Whisk two large eggs and add them to the mix. They act as a binding agent.
• Parmesan cheese: Add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan for a rich, cheesy taste.
• Garlic and onion powder: These add a burst of flavor to every bite.
• Fresh parsley: Optional, but 1/4 cup of chopped parsley will add a pop of color and freshness.
• Mashed potatoes: If your mixture feels too crumbly, mix in 1 cup of mashed potatoes. The potatoes help bind everything together and create a creamy texture inside the balls.

Step 3: Combine and Roll the Mixture

Using your hands or a spoon, thoroughly mix all the ingredients until well combined. The mixture should be easy to shape but not too sticky. If it feels too dry, add a bit more mashed potatoes or a small amount of stock to loosen it up.

Once mixed, use your hands to roll the mixture into 1-1/2 to 2-inch balls. The size of each ball can vary depending on your preference, but keeping them around this size ensures they cook evenly and hold their shape.

Step 4: Coat the Balls in Breadcrumbs

After shaping the balls, it’s time to coat them in breadcrumbs. Spread 1 cup of breadcrumbs on a plate and roll each ball in the crumbs until fully coated. This step gives the stuffing balls a crispy, golden exterior when baked, adding a delicious crunch to every bite.

Step 5: Place on a Baking Sheet and Brush with Butter

Carefully place the breaded stuffing balls onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one. Brush or drizzle melted butter or oil over the tops of the balls. This helps create a beautiful golden-brown color and enhances the crispiness as they bake.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden Brown

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the stuffing balls are golden brown and crispy on the outside. If you prefer extra crispiness, you can flip the balls halfway through baking. Make sure to keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These tasty bites are incredibly versatile and can be served with leftover gravy, cranberry sauce, or even a dollop of mashed potatoes on the side. They also make a fantastic snack or appetizer for post-Thanksgiving gatherings.