Crispy & Comforting Turkey Stuffing Balls Everyone Will Love

If you’re staring at your fridge wondering what to do with leftover turkey and stuffing, you’re in for a treat. These Turkey Stuffing Balls are the answer. Crispy on the outside, moist and flavorful on the inside, these bite-sized gems are the perfect way to turn holiday leftovers into something crave-worthy. Whether you’re hosting a post-holiday brunch, need a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or just want a comforting snack, these savory balls will win everyone over.

Made with just a handful of simple ingredients and packed with all the classic Thanksgiving flavors, this recipe is a clever and delicious way to reduce waste while adding a new twist to your leftover turkey recipes. Serve them with gravy, cranberry sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Save

Why You’ll Love This Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

There are dozens of reasons to fall in love with these golden beauties:

• Great for leftovers: A creative way to use up leftover turkey and stuffing after a big holiday meal.
• Easy to make: Minimal prep with ingredients you already have on hand.
• Kid-approved: They’re bite-sized, easy to eat, and fun to dip—kids love them.
• Freezer-friendly: Make ahead and freeze for easy reheating later.
• Versatile: Serve them as appetizers, snacks, or a main course with a side salad or roasted veggies like these honey glazed carrots and green beans.

Looking for more cozy Thanksgiving ideas? These scalloped potatoes and crockpot fajitas are also great choices for crowd-pleasing holiday meals.

What Are Turkey Stuffing Balls?

Turkey Stuffing Balls are bite-sized savory snacks or appetizers made by combining cooked turkey, stuffing, and a few binding ingredients like eggs and broth to form a cohesive mixture. The balls are then baked or fried until golden brown and crisp on the outside.

They’re an ingenious way to transform Thanksgiving leftovers into a new, delicious dish. Think of them as meatballs with a seasonal twist—or like stuffing meets arancini. They’re perfect for dipping and even better the next day.

They also make a fantastic finger food for game day, holiday parties, or as part of a leftover turkey grazing board with other nibbles like cheesy mashed potato puffs or cucumber shrimp salad.

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Turkey Stuffing Balls

These are the basics you’ll need to get started:

• 2 cups cooked stuffing (any variety)
• 1 ½ cups cooked turkey, finely chopped
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup turkey or chicken broth (more if needed for moisture)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but adds flavor)
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil spray or melted butter, for brushing

Optional add-ins:

• Chopped parsley or sage
• Diced cooked vegetables (carrots, celery)
• Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese for cheesy stuffing balls

These can be customized based on what’s in your fridge—flexibility is one of the reasons people love this dish so much.

How to Make Turkey Stuffing Balls (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and lightly grease.

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the chopped turkey, stuffing, eggs, broth, cheese, and spices. Mix with a fork or your hands until well blended. The mixture should be moist enough to hold together but not wet. Add a little extra broth if it feels too dry.

Step 3: Scoop and roll the mixture into golf ball-sized portions, about 1 ½ inches wide. You can use a cookie scoop for uniformity.

Step 4: Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray or brush each ball with olive oil or melted butter to promote browning.

Step 5: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through. Turn them halfway through baking for even color.

Step 6: Serve hot, with dipping sauces like cranberry sauce, gravy, or ranch dressing. You can even serve them over mashed potatoes for a full meal.

Save

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need for This Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare Turkey Stuffing Balls with ease:

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fork or spoon for mixing
• Cookie scoop (optional but helpful)
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or foil
• Oven and timer

These are basic tools, making this recipe super approachable even for beginner cooks.

Tips for Making the Best Stuffing Balls with Turkey

• Use moist stuffing: If your stuffing is dry, moisten it with broth or gravy before mixing.
• Chop turkey finely: Smaller pieces bind better and make for a consistent texture.
• Don’t overmix: Mix just until everything comes together to avoid dense balls.
• Add cheese for flavor: Parmesan or cheddar can add a nice depth of flavor and help bind the mixture.
• Make ahead: Roll them in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

You can even prep and freeze them uncooked, then bake fresh when needed.

Recipe Variations for Different Tastes or Diets

Want to switch things up?

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free stuffing and broth.
• Dairy-Free: Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
• Cheesy Version: Add a small cube of cheese in the center of each ball for a melty surprise.
• Spicy: Mix in red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños.
• Vegetarian: Use a meatless stuffing mix and replace turkey with sautéed mushrooms or lentils.

This recipe is highly adaptable—try a Southwest version with corn, cumin, and cilantro, or an Italian twist with mozzarella and basil.

Serving Suggestions and Presentation Ideas

These Turkey Stuffing Balls are great as:

• Appetizers with a dipping station of sauces like sweet chili sauce, cranberry relish, or mustard aioli
• Main course served alongside a salad or soup
• Party bites on a grazing board with cheese-stuffed mini peppers, crack breakfast casserole, and more
• Lunchbox option with a side of veggies or rice

Don’t forget a festive garnish like chopped parsley or dried cranberries.

How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls

To store: Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To freeze: Lay uncooked or cooked balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months.

To reheat: Bake frozen balls at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until warmed through. If already cooked, you can microwave them in 30-second intervals.

These also reheat beautifully in an air fryer for extra crispiness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Turkey Stuffing Balls

• Using dry stuffing without adjusting moisture: Always moisten dry stuffing with broth or gravy.
• Not binding properly: Eggs and cheese help hold everything together—don’t skip them.
• Overcooking: Keep an eye on baking time to prevent dry or rubbery texture.
• Uneven sizes: Use a cookie scoop to ensure they cook evenly.

Avoid these pitfalls and you’ll get perfectly crisp and flavorful bites every time.

Other Recipes to Try Using Leftovers

Want more ideas for those holiday extras? Here are a few delicious ways to use them:

• Creamy mushroom and spinach stuffed chicken
• Ground turkey and peppers stir-fry
• Cheesy pasta bake with pumpkin tomato sauce
• Pumpkin chicken chili

You can even repurpose leftover mashed potatoes into cheesy mashed potato puffs or serve your stuffing balls over slow cooker pumpkin pie oatmeal for a savory breakfast twist.

Save

FAQs About Leftover Turkey and Stuffing Balls

Can I make these in the air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway for an extra crispy finish.

Can I use store-bought stuffing mix?
Absolutely. Just prepare it according to package directions and proceed with the recipe.

Can I freeze these before baking?
Yes, freeze unbaked balls on a tray first, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen or thawed.

What sauces go best with them?
Cranberry sauce, ranch dressing, gravy, or honey mustard all work beautifully.

How long do they last in the fridge?
Up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container.

Final Thoughts + Subscribe and Share the Recipe

These Turkey Stuffing Balls are proof that leftovers don’t have to be boring. With a little creativity, you can turn your post-holiday fridge into a flavorful meal that everyone will be excited to eat. Crispy, savory, and packed with comforting flavors, these are sure to become a new seasonal favorite.

If you love creative leftover ideas, don’t miss other delicious recipes on the blog like cottage cheese flatbread or fruit dip for your next snack table.

Share this recipe with friends and family, and be sure to subscribe to our blog for more clever, tasty, and practical recipes year-round!

Print