Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls

Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls: A Delicious Way to Reinvent Thanksgiving Leftovers

After a big holiday feast, there’s often one thing most families have in abundance—leftovers. Instead of simply reheating your turkey and stuffing, why not transform them into something fun, flavorful, and totally new? Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with comforting holiday flavors. They make for a great snack, appetizer, or even a full meal when served with cranberry or gravy dipping sauce.

Here’s how to make these golden, savory bites step by step.

🦃 Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cups leftover stuffing (any type works: cornbread, sausage, traditional bread stuffing, etc.)
• 1 cup cooked turkey, finely chopped or shredded
• 1/2 cup mashed potatoes (helps bind the mixture)
• 1/2 cup grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss—optional but delicious)
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions or parsley (optional, for freshness)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (for coating)
• Oil for frying (or you can bake/air fry for a lighter option)

🥣 Step 1: Combine the Leftovers

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• the leftover stuffing,
• chopped turkey,
• mashed potatoes, and
• grated cheese (if using).

Mix everything together using a spoon or your hands until it forms a thick, moldable mixture. The mashed potatoes help bind everything, but if your mixture feels too dry, you can add a splash of turkey gravy or a spoonful of broth to moisten it slightly.

🍳 Step 2: Season and Bind

Add salt, pepper, and green onions or parsley for flavor.
Crack in one egg and mix well to help everything hold together.
Your mixture should be moist enough to form balls that stay together without crumbling.

If it feels too soft, stir in a few tablespoons of breadcrumbs to give it more structure.

🧆 Step 3: Shape into Balls

Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into golf ball-sized portions (about 1½ inches in diameter).
Place each ball on a plate or tray lined with parchment paper.

Once shaped, chill them in the refrigerator for about 15–20 minutes. This step helps firm them up and makes them easier to fry or bake without falling apart.

🧂 Step 4: Coat with Breadcrumbs

Roll each chilled ball in breadcrumbs to create a light, crispy coating.
If you want an extra-crunchy texture, you can do a double-coating:

1. Roll in beaten egg.
2. Then roll again in breadcrumbs.

This will give your stuffing balls a perfect golden crust.

🔥 Step 5: Choose Your Cooking Method

You can fry, bake, or air fry your leftover turkey stuffing balls—depending on your preference.

Option 1: Pan Fry

• Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Once hot, gently place the stuffing balls into the oil.
• Cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until all sides are golden brown and crispy.
• Remove and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Please Head On keep   Reading  (>)