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### **How to Make Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls**
Making leftover turkey stuffing balls is relatively simple and quick. Whether you’re preparing them from scratch or using leftovers, the process will take less than an hour from start to finish. Follow these easy steps to make your own turkey stuffing balls:
#### **Step 1: Prepare the Mixture**
Start by shredding or chopping the leftover turkey into small pieces. The smaller the pieces, the easier it will be to incorporate into the stuffing and form into balls. Next, take your leftover stuffing and place it in a large mixing bowl. Add the turkey to the bowl along with eggs, breadcrumbs, and any additional herbs, spices, or ingredients you’d like to include.
Mix everything together thoroughly using a spoon or your hands. The goal is to create a well-combined mixture that holds together when you form it into balls. If the mixture feels too dry or crumbly, add a little more gravy, egg, or moisture (such as milk or broth) until you achieve the right consistency.
#### **Step 2: Form the Balls**
Once the mixture is well combined, it’s time to form the balls. Take about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it between your hands to form a compact ball. You can make the balls as small or large as you prefer. A smaller size is great for appetizers or snacks, while larger balls work well as a main course.
Make sure to pack the mixture tightly so the balls hold together during cooking.
#### **Step 3: Cook the Turkey Stuffing Balls**
Now, you have a couple of options for cooking your turkey stuffing balls:
– **Baking**: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. Place the turkey stuffing balls on the baking sheet, making sure they’re evenly spaced out. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the balls are golden brown on the outside and heated through on the inside.
– **Pan-Frying**: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the stuffing balls into the skillet, turning them occasionally so they brown evenly on all sides. Fry the balls for about 8-10 minutes or until they’re crispy and golden brown on the outside.
– **Air-Frying**: If you have an air fryer, this is another excellent option. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray the basket with cooking spray. Place the turkey stuffing balls in the basket in a single layer and cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
#### **Step 4: Serve and Enjoy**
Once your turkey stuffing balls are cooked, serve them with your favorite dipping sauces. Classic options include gravy, cranberry sauce, or a tangy dipping sauce like ranch or hot mustard. You can also serve them alongside mashed potatoes, a salad, or vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
### **Creative Variations of Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls**
The beauty of this recipe is that it’s highly adaptable. Feel free to play around with the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few creative variations of turkey stuffing balls:
1. **Gluten-Free Turkey Stuffing Balls**: If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, simply swap out regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground almonds. Additionally, use a gluten-free stuffing mix or make your own from gluten-free bread.
2. **Cheesy Turkey Stuffing Balls**: Add a generous amount of shredded cheddar or mozzarella to the mixture for cheesy stuffing balls. You can even stuff them with a small cube of cheese in the center for a surprise cheesy filling when you bite into them.
3. **Vegetarian Turkey Stuffing Balls**: If you don’t have turkey leftovers, you can make vegetarian stuffing balls by replacing the turkey with sautéed mushrooms, beans, or lentils. This makes for a delicious and hearty meat-free option.
4. **Spicy Turkey Stuffing Balls**: For a spicy kick, add chopped jalapeños or a bit of hot sauce to the stuffing mixture. Serve with a spicy dipping sauce, such as buffalo sauce or sriracha mayo.
5. **Cranberry-Stuffed Turkey Stuffing Balls**: Add a spoonful of homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce to the center of each stuffing ball before frying or baking. This will create a sweet and savory contrast that pairs perfectly with the turkey.
### **Freezing and Storing Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls**
One of the great things about turkey stuffing balls is that they can be made in advance, frozen, and reheated for later use. To freeze them, simply follow the recipe until you’ve formed the balls. Then, place the raw stuffing balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them for 2-3 hours. Once they’re frozen, transfer the balls into an airtight container or freezer bag.
When you’re ready to enjoy them, you can either bake, fry, or air fry them directly from
the freezer. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked through.
### **Conclusion**
Leftover turkey stuffing balls are an inventive and delicious way to repurpose holiday leftovers into something fresh and exciting. With a few simple ingredients, you can transform turkey and stuffing into flavorful little bites that are perfect for appetizers, snacks, or even a quick meal. The best part is that these stuffing balls are highly customizable, so you can easily adjust the recipe to suit your tastes. Whether you’re making them for yourself or serving them to guests, turkey stuffing balls are sure to become a favorite dish in your kitchen. So, the next time you find yourself with leftover turkey and stuffing, don’t let it go to waste – turn it into something new and delicious with this easy recipe!
