I’ll never forget the year my attempt at a “sophisticated” deconstructed stuffing backfired spectacularly, leaving me with a sad pile of breadcrumbs and herbs. Determined to redeem myself, I stumbled upon the genius idea of forming those flavors into irresistible Turkey Stuffing Balls, and they were a total hit! Get ready, because I’m about to share the secrets to making these little flavor bombs perfectly every time, so you can impress everyone at your table.
Why You’ll Absolutely Love These Turkey Stuffing Balls
Okay, seriously, who doesn’t love stuffing? It’s the quintessential Thanksgiving side dish, and these Turkey Stuffing Balls take it to a whole new level of deliciousness. But beyond the taste, there are so many reasons why you need these in your life:
- Portion Control: Let’s be honest, it’s easy to overindulge during the holidays. These individual servings help keep things in check (though you might still want seconds…or thirds!).
- Crispy Goodness: More surface area means more crispy edges! That’s a win in my book.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Got leftover stuffing? This is the ultimate way to repurpose it.
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can prep these ahead of time, freeing up precious oven space on the big day.
- Impressive Presentation: They look so much fancier than a pile of stuffing on a plate.
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
The best part about Turkey Stuffing Balls is that you probably already have most of the ingredients on hand. Here’s the breakdown:
- Stuffing: About 6 cups of cooked stuffing, preferably a mix of day-old bread, herbs, and vegetables. Homemade is always best, but store-bought works in a pinch!
- Turkey: 1-2 cups of cooked, shredded turkey. This adds flavor and helps bind the balls together.
- Egg: 1 large egg, lightly beaten. This is another key ingredient for binding.
- Broth: 1/4 cup of chicken or turkey broth. Adds moisture and flavor.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons of melted butter. For richness and flavor.
- Fresh Herbs (Optional): Chopped parsley, sage, or thyme for extra flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Don’t be afraid to get creative! Here are a few ideas for substitutions and variations:
- Bread: Use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free option.
- Meat: Swap turkey for sausage, ham, or even crumbled bacon!
- Vegetables: Add diced celery, onion, carrots, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
- Nuts: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy element.
- Dried Fruit: Cranberries, raisins, or apricots add a touch of sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Perfect Turkey Stuffing Balls
Ready to get started? Follow these simple steps for delicious Turkey Stuffing Balls every time:
- Prepare the Stuffing: If your stuffing is dry, add a little extra broth to moisten it. You want it to be slightly sticky, but not soggy.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the stuffing, shredded turkey, beaten egg, melted butter, and broth. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
- Season: Season with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs to taste.
- Form the Balls: Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into 1-2 inch balls. Don’t pack them too tightly, or they’ll be dense.
- Chill (Optional): Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape during baking.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the Turkey Stuffing Balls for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and heated through.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy!
Troubleshooting: Common Issues and Solutions
Sometimes things don’t go according to plan. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:
- Balls are too dry: Add more broth, a tablespoon at a time, until the mixture is moist enough to hold together.
- Balls are too wet: Add a little breadcrumbs to absorb excess moisture.
- Balls are falling apart: Make sure you’re using enough egg and that your stuffing isn’t too dry. Chilling the balls before baking can also help.
- Balls are burning: Lower the oven temperature slightly and check them frequently.
Tips for the BEST Turkey Stuffing Balls
Want to take your Turkey Stuffing Balls to the next level? Here are a few of my top tips:
- Use Day-Old Bread: This helps prevent the stuffing from becoming mushy.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can make the stuffing tough. Mix just until everything is combined.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust the seasoning to your liking.
- Crispy Edges: For extra crispy edges, brush the balls with melted butter before baking.
- Gravy: Serve with your favorite gravy for the ultimate Thanksgiving indulgence.
Variations: Spice Things Up!
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few fun variations to try:
- Cranberry Brie Turkey Stuffing Balls: Add a dollop of cranberry sauce and a small cube of brie cheese to the center of each ball before baking.
- Spicy Turkey Stuffing Balls: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
- Sausage Apple Turkey Stuffing Balls: Brown some sausage and sauté diced apples before adding them to the stuffing mixture.
- Mushroom Swiss Turkey Stuffing Balls: Sauté sliced mushrooms and mix them with shredded Swiss cheese before adding them to the stuffing mixture.
Serving Suggestions: Complete Your Thanksgiving Feast
Turkey Stuffing Balls are the perfect addition to any Thanksgiving feast. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- As a Side Dish: Serve alongside roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole.
- As an Appetizer: Serve with cranberry sauce or gravy for dipping.
- As a Garnish: Use them to garnish your Thanksgiving plate for a festive touch.
- Leftover Turkey Sandwiches: Use them as a flavorful filling for leftover turkey sandwiches.
Don’t forget the other Thanksgiving classics! A slice of Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole will perfectly complement the savory stuffing balls, and for a unique side, try Honey Garlic Sausage Roasted Sweet Potatoes. And of course, no Thanksgiving is complete without dessert! If you’re feeling ambitious, try making a Thanksgiving Piecaken Dessert for a truly unforgettable treat. And to wash it all down, a refreshing glass of Thanksgiving Punch is the perfect choice!
Make-Ahead Instructions: Plan Ahead for Stress-Free Holidays
One of the best things about Turkey Stuffing Balls is that you can make them ahead of time. Here’s how:
- Prepare the Mixture: Prepare the stuffing mixture as directed and form the balls.
- Chill: Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and chill in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Bake: When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the balls for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and heated through.
You can also freeze the unbaked balls for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, bake from frozen for 25-30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and heated through.
Storage Instructions: Keeping Leftovers Fresh
If you have any leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Recipe Card
Turkey Stuffing Balls
Yields: Approximately 24 balls
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 6 cups cooked stuffing
- 1-2 cups cooked, shredded turkey
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup chicken or turkey broth
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Fresh herbs (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine stuffing, shredded turkey, beaten egg, melted butter, and broth. Mix well.
- Season with salt, pepper, and herbs to taste.
- Form mixture into 1-2 inch balls.
- Place balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For extra crispy edges, brush the balls with melted butter before baking.
Final Thoughts: Enjoy the Process!
Making Turkey Stuffing Balls is a fun and easy way to elevate your Thanksgiving feast. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own unique version. And most importantly, enjoy the process of creating delicious food for your loved ones. Happy cooking!
Can I prepare the Turkey Stuffing Balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing mixture, form the balls, and chill them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked balls for up to 3 months.
What can I do if my Turkey Stuffing Balls are too dry?
If your stuffing balls are too dry, add more broth, one tablespoon at a time, until the mixture is moist enough to hold together.
What are some variations I can try to spice up the Turkey Stuffing Balls?
You can try adding cranberry sauce and brie, red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or sausage and diced apples for a sweeter flavor. Mushroom and Swiss cheese is another great option.
What kind of bread is best to use for the Turkey Stuffing Balls?
Day-old bread is best as it helps prevent the stuffing from becoming mushy. You can also use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free option.

BEST Turkey Stuffing Balls EVER
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine stuffing, shredded turkey, beaten egg, melted butter, and broth. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
- Season with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs to taste.
- Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into 1-2 inch balls. Don’t pack them too tightly.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and heated through.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!