Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls – A Creative Way to Enjoy Holiday Leftovers
When the holiday season comes to an end, many of us are left with an abundance of delicious leftovers. From mashed potatoes and stuffing to juicy turkey, it can be overwhelming to figure out what to do with it all. Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls are the perfect solution! These savory bites are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with classic holiday flavors. They make an excellent appetizer, snack, or even a light lunch and are sure to please both kids and adults alike.
This recipe is not just about repurposing food — it’s about creating a dish so tasty that you’ll find yourself making extra leftovers just to enjoy these flavorful stuffing balls later. Whether it’s the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive family dinner, this recipe will help you reduce food waste while satisfying your cravings.
Why You’ll Love These Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls
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Reduce food waste – A practical way to use up leftovers like turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing.
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Quick and easy – Only 30 minutes from start to finish!
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Family-friendly snack – Loved by kids and adults alike.
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Versatile serving options – Serve as an appetizer, snack, or side dish.
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Perfect for parties – A crowd-pleasing finger food for holiday gatherings.
Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls – A Creative Way to Enjoy Holiday Leftovers
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients combine to create delicious stuffing balls with bold holiday flavors.
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2 cups mashed potatoes – The creamy base that helps bind everything together.
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2 cups leftover stuffing – Adds savory, herby holiday flavors.
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1 cup shredded turkey – A perfect way to use up leftover turkey meat.
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Provides a rich, umami taste.
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1 egg, beaten – Acts as a binder to hold the mixture together.
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¼ cup bread crumbs – Creates a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
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¼ teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors.
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⅛ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a mild kick to the mixture.
Pro Tip: If your mixture feels too wet, add more bread crumbs to firm it up.
Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
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Mashed potatoes
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Stuffing
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Shredded turkey
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Parmesan cheese
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Beaten egg
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Bread crumbs
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Salt and black pepper
Mix thoroughly with a spoon or your hands until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
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Step 3: Shape the Balls
Using your hands, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls.
Make sure each ball is packed tightly to prevent it from falling apart during baking.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the balls evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Chef’s Tip: For extra crunch, brush the balls lightly with melted butter before baking.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your hot, golden-brown stuffing balls with a side of gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping.
These sauces enhance the flavor and give you that perfect holiday taste in every bite.
Serving Suggestions for Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls
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Appetizer: Serve on a platter with toothpicks for an easy grab-and-go party snack.
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Main dish: Pair with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
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Game day snack: These stuffing balls are a perfect finger food for casual get-togethers.
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Lunchbox treat: Pack a few for a satisfying lunch the next day.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers (though they disappear quickly!), here’s how to keep them fresh:
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Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freezer: Freeze uncooked stuffing balls for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra 5–10 minutes of cooking time.
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Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Helpful Notes and Variations
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Add herbs: Fresh parsley or thyme can add brightness and extra flavor.
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Cheese lovers: Try adding mozzarella or cheddar cheese to the mix for a gooey surprise inside.
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Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free bread crumbs to make this dish gluten-free.
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Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a little heat.
Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls
Tips From Famous Chefs
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Ina Garten: “Always taste the mixture before baking and adjust seasoning to ensure a perfect balance of flavors.”
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Gordon Ramsay: “For an extra crispy texture, brush the balls with melted butter before baking.”
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Jamie Oliver: “Prepare the mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge for a quicker prep on busy days.”
Final Thoughts on Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls
Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls are a brilliant way to transform your holiday leftovers into something truly special. They’re crispy, savory, and bursting with the comforting flavors of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Perfect for parties, snacks, or even a fun dinner, this recipe will become a holiday tradition in your household.
Instead of letting your leftovers sit in the fridge, turn them into these flavorful bites and enjoy every last bit of your holiday feast in a whole new way.
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So grab your mashed potatoes, stuffing, and turkey, and start baking these irresistible stuffing balls today!