ADVERTISEMENT
Ingredients for Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls
To make your own leftover turkey stuffing balls, you will need a few basic ingredients, most of which you will likely already have on hand after your Thanksgiving meal. Here is a simple list of what you need:
#### Basic Ingredients:
– **Leftover cooked turkey**: This is the star of the dish. Shredded or chopped turkey works best for this recipe, as it ensures a smooth texture that blends well with the stuffing.
– **Leftover stuffing**: Whether it’s a traditional bread stuffing, cornbread stuffing, or any other variation, stuffing provides flavor and moisture to bind the ingredients together.
– **Eggs**: Eggs help bind everything together, giving the stuffing balls structure.
– **Breadcrumbs**: A bit of breadcrumbs can help provide texture and hold the balls together if the stuffing is too moist.
– **Cheese**: Optional but recommended! Parmesan or shredded cheddar adds richness and flavor to the stuffing balls.
– **Seasonings**: Fresh or dried herbs like sage, thyme, parsley, rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and pepper are perfect additions to enhance the flavor.
– **Olive oil or butter**: For frying or baking the stuffing balls.
#### Optional Add-ins:
– **Cranberry sauce**: A touch of cranberry sauce inside the stuffing balls will give a burst of sweetness and tang that contrasts beautifully with the savory flavors.
– **Vegetables**: Chopped mushrooms, carrots, or onions can add an extra layer of flavor and texture.
– **Gravy**: Serve the turkey stuffing balls with some leftover gravy for added richness.
### Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to put them together. Making leftover turkey stuffing balls is an easy, straightforward process that doesn’t take much time or effort. Here’s how to make them:
#### 1. **Prepare Your Ingredients**
– Start by shredding or chopping your leftover turkey into small, bite-sized pieces. The size doesn’t have to be exact, but aim for uniform pieces so the stuffing balls hold together well.
– If your stuffing is very moist, you might want to let it sit for a few minutes to firm up slightly. If it’s too dry, add a little bit of broth to loosen it up.
– Crack the eggs into a bowl and beat them lightly.
#### 2. **Combine the Ingredients**
– In a large mixing bowl, combine your turkey, leftover stuffing, eggs, breadcrumbs, cheese (if using), and seasonings. Mix everything together thoroughly to make sure all the ingredients are well-distributed. If the mixture feels too dry, you can add a splash of turkey broth or a little extra egg to make it easier to form into balls.
#### 3. **Form the Stuffing Balls**
– Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the mixture at a time and roll it into a ball using your hands. You can make the balls as large or small as you like, but around 1 ½ to 2 inches in diameter is a good size for bite-sized portions.
– If the mixture is too sticky, you can lightly grease your hands or wet them with a little water to help shape the balls.
#### 4. **Cook the Stuffing Balls**
You have two options for cooking your turkey stuffing balls: baking or frying. Let’s go over both methods:
##### Baking:
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
– Place the stuffing balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
– Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the balls are golden brown and crispy on the outside. You can flip them halfway through for even browning.
##### Frying:
– Heat about 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
– Once the oil is hot, add the stuffing balls, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
– Fry the balls for 4-5 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are crispy and golden on all sides.
#### 5. **Serve and Enjoy**
Once the turkey stuffing balls are cooked, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil if you’ve fried them. Serve hot with gravy, cranberry sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce on the side.
### Variations of Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls
While the basic turkey stuffing ball recipe is delicious as is, there are several variations you can try to add a unique twist to the dish:
1. **Cheese-Stuffed Turkey Stuffing Balls**: Add a piece of mozzarella or cheddar cheese in the center of each stuffing ball before frying or baking. When bitten into, the cheese will melt and create a gooey surprise.
2. **Spicy Turkey Stuffing Balls**: Add a bit of heat by incorporating diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce into the mixture. This will give the stuffing balls a nice kick.
3. **Vegetarian Version**: For a meatless alternative, use a plant-based stuffing and swap out the turkey for mashed potatoes or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, onions, and spinach.
4. **Herbed Stuffing Balls**: Add more fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, or thyme to give the stuffing balls a more aromatic and savory flavor profile.
5. **Sweet and Savory Turkey Stuffing Balls**: Incorporate dried cranberries or raisins into the stuffing mixture to add a subtle sweetness that balances the savory flavors of the turkey and stuffing.
6. **Air Fryer Turkey Stuffing Balls**: For a healthier alternative, you can make these turkey stuffing balls in an air fryer. Just preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the balls in batches for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
### Tips for Making Perfect Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls
1. **Don’t Overmix**: When combining the ingredients, mix until everything is just combined. Overmixing can make the stuffing balls dense and tough.
2. **Use Leftover Gravy**: If your stuffing mixture feels dry or crumbly, try adding some leftover gravy instead of more eggs. This will add moisture and extra flavor to the balls.
3. **Ensure Even Cooking**: Whether you’re frying or baking, it’s important to cook the stuffing balls evenly. Be sure to flip them if needed to ensure they’re golden brown on all sides.
4. **Chill the Mixture**: If you have time, refrigerate the stuffing ball mixture for 30 minutes before forming the balls. This will help the mixture hold together better when you roll them into shape.
### Conclusion
Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls are a creative, delicious way to enjoy your Thanksgiving leftovers without feeling like you’re eating the same thing over and over again. This simple, versatile dish can be customized in a variety of ways to suit your tastes and dietary preferences, and it’s easy to make. Whether you bake or fry them, these turkey stuffing balls are sure to become a new tradition in your post-Thanksgiving menu.
By turning your turkey and stuffing into bite-sized delights, you not only reduce food waste but also elevate the flavors of your leftovers. The addition of cheese, vegetables, or even a touch of sweetness gives these stuffing balls an exciting twist that your family and guests will love.
So, the next time you find yourself with too much turkey and stuffing, don’t let them go to waste. Turn them into flavorful, crispy turkey stuffing balls that will have everyone asking for seconds!
