Description
These crispy Turkey Stuffing Balls are the ultimate way to use up your holiday leftovers. Combining savory stuffing, creamy mashed potatoes, and shredded turkey, they’re perfectly portioned and can be either baked or pan-fried for a golden, crunchy exterior. Serve them warm with a drizzle of gravy.
Ingredients
- 3 cups mashed potatoes
- 3 cups stuffing (prepared)
- 1½ cups shredded turkey
- Gravy for serving
- Black pepper to taste
- Panko breadcrumbs (optional, for pan-frying)
- Butter/oil for frying (optional)
Instructions
-
Prep Ingredients:
- Bring all your ingredients to room temperature.
- Warm the mashed potatoes slightly if you need to, as this helps with mixing.
- Moisten your stuffing with a little broth or water if it seems too dry.
-
Mix & Form:
- Combine the mashed potatoes and stuffing in a large mixing bowl.
- Fold in the shredded turkey until everything is just incorporated.
- Season the mixture with black pepper to your preference.
- Form the mixture into 12 even, golf ball-sized portions.
-
Choose Your Method (Baked):
- Preheat your oven to $375^{circ} ext{F}$.
- Place the formed balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until they are hot all the way through and the exterior is firm and slightly crispy.
-
Choose Your Method (Pan-Fried):
- Roll the balls in panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure the crumbs adhere well.
- Heat butter or oil in a nonstick pan over medium-high heat.
- Fry the balls, turning gently, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
-
Serve:
- Top the balls with hot gravy immediately before serving.
- Add a side of cranberry sauce if you desire a sweet and tart contrast.
- Serve immediately while the balls are still hot.
Notes
Preparation Tips: If you are not cooking the mixture immediately, keep the formed balls chilled in the refrigerator to help them maintain their shape.
If the mixture feels dry and crumbles, you can add a little extra broth or melted butter until it holds together easily.
These balls can be formed and then frozen before cooking. Freeze them on a tray until solid, then transfer them to a container.
They are excellent served as a simple side dish or a party appetizer.
- Prep Time: PT10M
- Cook Time: PT10M
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 balls
- Calories: 448kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Protein: 19g
Keywords: leftovers, Thanksgiving, appetizer, side dish, potato, turkey