Turkey Stuffing Balls with Gravy Recipe
Introduction
Turkey stuffing balls are a delicious and comforting way to enjoy holiday leftovers. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, they make a perfect snack or side dish. Whether baked or pan-fried, these bites bring warmth and flavor to your table.
Ingredients
- 3 cups mashed potatoes
- 3 cups stuffing
- 1½ cups shredded turkey
- Gravy for serving
- Black pepper to taste
- Panko breadcrumbs (optional)
- Butter or oil for frying (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring all ingredients to room temperature. Warm the mashed potatoes slightly if they are cold, and moisten the stuffing with some broth if it seems dry.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes and stuffing. Fold in the shredded turkey and season with black pepper as needed.
- Step 3: Form the mixture into 12 golf ball-sized portions, shaping them gently but firmly.
- Step 4: Choose your cooking method:
- Baked version: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the balls on a lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.
- Pan-fried version: Roll each ball in panko breadcrumbs. Heat butter or oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat, then fry the balls until golden brown on all sides, turning gently to avoid breaking.
- Step 5: Serve immediately, topped with hot gravy. Add cranberry sauce on the side if you like for a festive touch.
Tips & Variations
- If the mixture feels too loose to form balls, add a little more stuffing or some breadcrumbs to help bind it.
- For extra flavor, mix in chopped fresh herbs like parsley or sage before forming the balls.
- These can be made ahead and refrigerated before cooking. Just bring them to room temperature before baking or frying.
Storage
Store cooked turkey stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or pan-fry briefly to restore crispness. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use leftover mashed potatoes and stuffing for this recipe?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for using up leftover mashed potatoes, stuffing, and turkey. Just make sure they are all brought to room temperature and the stuffing is moistened if dry.
What’s the best way to get a crispy outside on these balls?
For a crispy exterior, rolling the balls in panko breadcrumbs and pan-frying them in butter or oil works best. Baking will give a gentler crisp without added fat.
PrintTurkey Stuffing Balls with Gravy Recipe
Delicious and comforting turkey stuffing balls made from mashed potatoes, stuffing, and shredded turkey. Perfect as a festive side or snack, these balls can be baked for a lighter option or pan-fried for a crispy, golden crust, then served warm with gravy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups mashed potatoes
- 3 cups stuffing
- 1½ cups shredded turkey
- Black pepper to taste
For Serving
- Gravy for serving
- Cranberry sauce (optional)
Optional for Pan-Frying
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Butter or oil for frying
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Bring all ingredients to room temperature. If the mashed potatoes are cold, warm them slightly to make mixing easier. If the stuffing is dry, moisten it with some broth to ensure a good texture.
- Mix & Form: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes and stuffing thoroughly. Then fold in the shredded turkey. Add black pepper to taste. Once mixed, form the mixture into 12 golf ball-sized portions.
- Choose Your Method – Baked Version: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the prepared balls on a lined baking sheet and bake for about 10-12 minutes until they are hot through and the exterior turns crispy.
- Choose Your Method – Pan-Fried Version: Roll each ball in panko breadcrumbs for a crispy coating. Heat butter or oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat, then fry the balls, turning gently, until golden brown on all sides.
- Serve: Serve the turkey stuffing balls hot, topped with warm gravy. Optionally, add cranberry sauce for a touch of sweetness. These are best enjoyed immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free stuffing and panko alternatives.
- If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute turkey with a plant-based alternative and use vegetarian stuffing.
- Panko breadcrumbs help create a crisp outer layer when pan-fried, but can be omitted if baking.
- Adjust seasoning as needed; add herbs like sage or thyme for enhanced flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven to retain crispness.
Keywords: turkey stuffing balls, holiday side dish, mashed potatoes recipe, stuffing recipe, baked stuffing balls, pan-fried stuffing balls, Thanksgiving recipes
