Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls: A Crispy, Flavorful Way to Reinvent Holiday Leftovers

Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delicious and creative way to transform holiday leftovers into a completely new meal. Combining tender shredded turkey, seasoned stuffing, mashed potatoes, cheese, and herbs, these bite-sized balls are crispy on the outside, soft and savory on the inside, and packed with comforting flavors.

Whether you’re looking for a post-Thanksgiving recipe or simply want to reduce food waste, these stuffing balls are an excellent choice. They can be baked, air-fried, or pan-fried and are perfect as appetizers, snacks, lunch, or dinner. Serve them with turkey gravy, cranberry sauce, ranch dressing, or honey mustard for a satisfying meal everyone will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe makes the most of ingredients that might otherwise go unused. The stuffing provides seasoning and texture, the mashed potatoes help bind everything together, and the turkey adds lean protein. A little cheese melts into the mixture, making every bite rich and flavorful.

These stuffing balls are also freezer-friendly, making them a convenient make-ahead option for busy days.

Ingredients

For the Stuffing Balls

• 2 cups cooked turkey, finely shredded
• 2 cups prepared stuffing
• 1 cup mashed potatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried sage
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Salt, to taste

For the Coating

• 1 cup plain breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley

Optional for Baking

• Cooking spray or 2 tablespoons melted butter

For Serving

• Warm turkey gravy
• Cranberry sauce
• Ranch dressing
• Honey mustard
• Garlic aioli

Step 1: Prepare the Leftover Ingredients

Begin by gathering all of your leftovers.

Finely shred or chop the cooked turkey into small pieces. Smaller pieces distribute more evenly throughout the mixture and make the stuffing balls easier to shape.

Break apart the stuffing with a fork if it has become compact after refrigeration.

If your mashed potatoes are very cold, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes so they mix more easily.

Step 2: Combine the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• Shredded turkey
• Stuffing
• Mashed potatoes
• Shredded cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Eggs
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Thyme
• Sage
• Black pepper
• Fresh parsley

Mix everything thoroughly using a large spoon or clean hands until the ingredients are evenly combined.

The mixture should be moist enough to hold together but not sticky or wet.

Step 3: Adjust the Texture

If the mixture feels too wet, add a few tablespoons of breadcrumbs until it becomes firm enough to shape.

If it feels too dry or crumbly, mix in one or two tablespoons of turkey gravy, milk, or chicken broth.

A properly mixed filling should hold its shape when squeezed gently in your hand.

Step 4: Prepare the Breadcrumb Coating

In a shallow bowl, combine:

• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Paprika
• Dried parsley

Mix well.

This coating creates a crispy, golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.

Step 5: Shape the Stuffing Balls

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop portions of the mixture.

Roll each portion between your hands to form balls approximately 1½ inches in diameter.

Roll each ball gently in the breadcrumb mixture until evenly coated.

Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking tray.

Continue until all of the mixture has been used.

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