These Turkey Stuffing Balls are a fun twist on traditional stuffing! Made with tasty turkey, bread, and spices, they are perfect for a festive meal or a cozy dinner.
Who doesn’t love bite-sized goodies? Personally, I can’t resist popping a few of these delicious balls while cooking. They disappear fast, so you might want to make extra! 🦃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Day-old Bread Cubes: Using stale bread gives the best texture as it absorbs the liquids without becoming too soggy. If you don’t have day-old bread, you can toast fresh bread cubes in the oven for about 10 minutes until dry.
Cooked Turkey: Leftover turkey is perfect for this recipe! However, you can use rotisserie chicken if turkey isn’t available. It works just as well, giving you that delicious flavor.
Celery and Onion: Both add great flavor and crunch. If you’re not a fan, feel free to swap them for finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms. They’ll bring a different taste but still delicious!
Dried Cranberries: These add a lovely sweetness to the stuffing balls. If you prefer, you can use raisins, or skip them entirely for a savory version. Chopped nuts can also add a nice crunch!
How Do I Ensure My Stuffing Balls Hold Their Shape?
To get those perfect, round stuffing balls that hold up during baking, pay attention to a couple of steps:
- Make sure to combine all ingredients evenly. This ensures the egg and broth mix throughout, helping with binding.
- After mixing, let the mixture rest for a few minutes. This allows the bread to soak up all the moisture, making it easier to form the balls.
- Don’t make them too large. Golf ball size is ideal—this helps them cook evenly!
- Finally, if they seem too crumbly, you can add a splash more broth to help. Make sure not to overdo it, though—you want them moist, not soggy!
How to Make Turkey Stuffing Balls
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups day-old bread cubes (white or whole wheat)
- 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded or finely chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Seasonings & Bindings:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried sage
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
Moisture:
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth or turkey broth
- 2 tbsp butter or olive oil, for sautéing
Time Needed:
You’ll need about 15 minutes for preparation and 20-25 minutes for baking. So, in total, you’ll be looking at around 40-45 minutes from start to finish to enjoy these delicious Turkey Stuffing Balls!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, lightly grease or line a muffin pan or baking sheet to prevent sticking.
2. Sautéing Veggies:
In a skillet, heat up your butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, sautéing until they become soft and fragrant—this should take about 5 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until it smells amazing. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat.
3. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine your day-old bread cubes, cooked turkey, sautéed vegetables, dried cranberries (if using), and fresh parsley. Mix everything gently to ensure it’s well combined.
4. Adding Seasonings:
Sprinkle in the dried sage, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir to evenly distribute the spices throughout the mixture.
5. Binding the Mixture:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg and chicken broth. Pour this mixture over the bread mixture and toss everything with care, making sure the bread gets moistened, but avoid over-soaking it.
6. Resting the Mixture:
Let your mixture rest for a few minutes. This resting time helps the bread soak up the flavors and moisture for better texture when baking.
7. Shaping the Balls:
Using your hands or a spoon, shape the mixture into balls about the size of a golf ball. Place them gently on the prepared baking sheet or into the muffin pan.
8. Baking:
Put the tray into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until you see a lovely golden-brown color on the stuffing balls. They’ll smell fabulous!
9. Cooling and Serving:
Once baked, take them out and let them cool slightly. You can garnish with extra fresh parsley if you like, then enjoy these delightful Turkey Stuffing Balls either as an appetizer or a hearty side dish!
These stuffing balls blend savory turkey with classic flavors and a touch of sweetness from cranberries, creating a delightful dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
Can I Use Different Bread Types for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While day-old bread is preferred, you can experiment with different types like sourdough, cornbread, or even gluten-free bread. Just ensure they are dried out a bit to absorb the liquid effectively.
Can I Substitute the Turkey with Another Protein?
Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken or even ground meat like chicken or pork if turkey isn’t available. Just be sure to cook any raw meat thoroughly before mixing it into your stuffing balls.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover turkey stuffing balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through!
Can I Freeze Turkey Stuffing Balls?
Yes, you can freeze them! Just shape the balls and arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months—bake straight from frozen, adding an extra few minutes to the cooking time.