Delicious Turkey Stuffing Balls for Leftovers

You know those days after Thanksgiving when your fridge is bursting with leftovers, and you're staring at yet another container of mashed potatoes wondering what to do with it all? That's exactly how I stumbled upon these turkey stuffing balls. One chaotic post-holiday afternoon, I was desperate to make something new (and secretly hoping to clear some fridge space), so I mashed everything together-literally-and rolled them into little bites of magic. And wow, was I glad I did!

These turkey stuffing balls are the ultimate comfort food hack. They're ridiculously easy to throw together, taste like a cozy holiday meal in every bite, and-bonus-they make those leftovers feel exciting again. Whether you're serving them as a snack with gravy for dipping, popping them into lunchboxes, or even just nibbling them straight from the pan (no judgment here), they're a total game-changer. Trust me, once you try them, you'll be looking for excuses to have extra mashed potatoes on hand just so you can make these again!

Why You'll Love Turkey Stuffing Balls

Listen, I'm not exaggerating when I say these little guys are life-changing. Here's why you'll be obsessed:

• Perfect for LeftoversGot a mountain of leftover turkey, a half-empty dish of stuffing, and mashed potatoes that need rescuing? This recipe is your kitchen fairy godmother. It transforms those "what do I do with this?" bits into something you'll actually crave. No more sad, reheated plates-just crispy, golden bites of joy.
• Quick and Easy to MakeIf you can mix stuff with your hands and roll it into balls, you're already qualified. Seriously, it takes maybe 10 minutes of prep, and then you're either frying or baking them (your choice!). Even my toddler "helps" by sneaking shreds of turkey while I'm not looking.
• Great for Any OccasionGame day? Throw these on a platter with gravy for dipping. Weeknight dinner? Pair them with a simple salad. Holiday party? Watch them disappear faster than you can say, "Wait, save me one!" They're like the culinary version of a cozy sweater-always the right choice.
  

Bonus: They freeze like a dream. Make a double batch and thank yourself later when you're too tired to cook. You're welcome.

Ingredients You'll Need for Turkey Stuffing Balls

Okay, let's talk ingredients. The beauty of this recipe? You probably have most of this hanging around already. Here's what you'll need to gather (or dig out of your fridge):

• 3 cups mashed potatoesHomemade or store-bought-both work! Just make sure they're well-seasoned. If yours are super plain, toss in a pat of butter or a splash of milk to loosen them up. Cold mashed potatoes straight from the fridge are actually perfect here-they hold their shape better.
• 3 cups stuffingAgain, homemade or boxed is fine. If it's dry (like the kind from a bag), give it a quick splash of broth or water to moisten it up. If it's already saucy from your holiday meal, even better-just drain any extra liquid so your balls don't get soggy.
• 1½ cups shredded turkeyLeftover roast turkey is ideal here-just shred it up with your fingers or a fork. No leftovers? Rotisserie chicken works in a pinch (and honestly, no one will know the difference).
• Optional Add-InsWant to get fancy? Here's where you can play: a handful of panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch, a sprinkle of black pepper for a little kick, or a drizzle of melted butter or oil if you're pan-frying. Oh, and don't forget the gravy for dipping-because let's be real, everything's better with gravy.
  

Step-by-Step Instructions for Turkey Stuffing Balls

That's it! Simple, right? Now let's get rolling-literally.

Alright, let's get to the fun part-making these little flavor bombs! Don't worry if you've never rolled a stuffing ball in your life-it's easier than folding a fitted sheet (and way more satisfying). Here's exactly how to do it:

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

First, grab a big bowl-bigger than you think you'll need, trust me. Dump in your mashed potatoes, stuffing, and shredded turkey. Now, roll up your sleeves and get in there with your hands! Mix everything together until it's evenly combined. You want it to hold together when you squeeze a bit, but not be too wet. If it feels super sticky, sprinkle in a tablespoon of breadcrumbs or flour to tighten it up. Too dry? A splash of broth or milk will fix it right up.

Step 2: Shape the Balls

Now, the messy joy begins! Scoop up about ¼ cup of the mixture (I use an ice cream scoop for even sizes, but a spoon works too). Roll it between your palms to form a ball-think golf ball size, but don't stress about perfection. If the mixture sticks to your hands, dampen them slightly with water. Pro tip: Line them up on a baking sheet as you go so they don't stick together.

Step 3: Optional Coating

Want extra crunch? This step's for you. Spread some panko breadcrumbs on a plate and gently roll each ball in them, pressing lightly so they stick. You can also drizzle them with melted butter or oil if you're baking-it'll give them that golden, crispy edge. Skipping this? Totally fine! They'll still taste amazing.

Step 4: Cook or Bake

Here's where you choose your adventure:

• Frying: Heat a skillet over medium with a glug of oil or butter. Once it's shimmering, add the balls (don't crowd the pan!) and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until they're golden brown and crispy. Watch out-they're addictively good straight from the pan.
• Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with melted butter or oil, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until they're crispy all over. Perfect if you're making a big batch!

Either way, you'll know they're done when they're firm to the touch and smell like Thanksgiving heaven. Let them cool for a minute or two-they'll hold together better-then dive in with gravy on the side. And yes, it's totally acceptable to eat one (or three) while standing over the stove. I won't tell.

Variations for Turkey Stuffing Balls

Once you've mastered the basic turkey stuffing balls, it's time to play around! These little guys are like a blank canvas-you can tweak them a million ways to match your mood or whatever's in your fridge. Here are a few of my favorite twists:

Cheesy Turkey Stuffing Balls

Because let's be honest, cheese makes everything better. Fold in a handful of shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or even crumbled feta when you're mixing everything together. The cheese melts into gooey pockets as they cook, and if you really want to go all out, roll them in grated parmesan instead of panko for an extra savory crunch. Just try not to eat them all before they hit the table-I speak from experience.

Spicy Twist

If you like a little kick, toss in some diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled), a drizzle of hot sauce, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix. For smoky heat, crumble in a bit of cooked chorizo or bacon. Serve them with a spicy mayo dip (mayo + sriracha + a squeeze of lime) and watch them disappear even faster than usual.

Other fun ideas? Throw in some chopped fresh herbs like sage or thyme for a holiday vibe, or swap the turkey for shredded ham after Easter. The possibilities are endless-just have fun with it!

Serving and Storage Tips for Turkey Stuffing Balls

Okay, so you've made these glorious little bites-now what? Here's how to serve them like a pro (and keep them tasting amazing for days).

Serving Suggestions

First things first: GRAVY. A big bowl of warm gravy for dipping is non-negotiable in my book. It's like the cozy blanket these stuffing balls deserve. But if you're feeling fancy, try cranberry sauce for a sweet-tart contrast, or even a dollop of tangy mustard. For a full meal, toss together a simple green salad or roast some veggies-they balance out the richness perfectly. And if you're serving these at a party? Skip the plates and stick toothpicks in them for easy grabbing. Just be prepared to replenish the platter often!

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers (no shame if you don't), pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I like them best warmed in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes-it keeps them crispy. Microwave works in a pinch (30-second bursts), but they'll lose some crunch. Want to freeze them? Lay cooked balls on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen in the oven-no thawing needed! They're the gift that keeps on giving.

Helpful Notes for Perfect Turkey Stuffing Balls

Listen, I've made these enough times to know where things can go sideways-but don't worry, I've got your back. Here's how to avoid the most common turkey stuffing ball disasters:

• Too dry? Your mashed potatoes might be the culprit. If they're stiff straight from the fridge, warm them slightly or mix in a splash of broth or milk before combining everything. Dry stuffing? Same fix-a drizzle of broth works wonders.
• Falling apart? Squeeze a test ball-if it crumbles, add another spoonful of mashed potatoes to bind it. Too sticky? A sprinkle of breadcrumbs or flour will save the day.
• Not crispy enough? Patience is key! Whether frying or baking, let them get properly golden-no rushing. And if baking, flip them halfway for even crunch.

Remember: These are forgiving little guys. Even if they're not picture-perfect, they'll still taste incredible. And hey, if all else fails? Extra gravy fixes everything.

Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey Stuffing Balls

I get it-you've got questions, and I've got answers. Here's the lowdown on everything you might be wondering about these little wonders:

Can I Use Chicken Instead of Turkey?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken, leftover roast chicken, or even shredded cooked chicken breasts work just fine. The flavor's a tad milder, so feel free to bump up the seasoning with a pinch of garlic powder or a sprinkle of thyme if you're feeling fancy. Cooking time stays the same-just watch for that golden crispness to know they're done.

Can I Freeze Turkey Stuffing Balls?

Oh, you bet. These freeze like champs. After cooking, let them cool completely, then spread them on a baking sheet to freeze solid (this keeps them from sticking together). Once frozen, toss them into a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, pop them straight into a 375°F (190°C) oven for 15-20 minutes-no thawing needed! They'll come out crispy and warm, like you just made them. Perfect for those "I can't even" weeknights.

What If I Don't Have Stuffing Mix?

No stress! Tear up stale bread (about 3 cups' worth) and mix it with a tablespoon each of dried parsley, sage, and thyme, plus a pinch of salt. Moisten it with a little broth or melted butter until it's got the texture of, well, stuffing. Boom-homemade hack to the rescue!

Can I Make These Ahead?

Yes, and I highly recommend it! Shape the balls and keep them covered in the fridge for up to a day before cooking. They might need an extra minute or two in the oven if they're cold from the fridge, but otherwise, no surprises. Party prep just got easier.

Final Thoughts on Turkey Stuffing Balls

If there's one thing I want you to take away from this, it's this: turkey stuffing balls are the ultimate kitchen magic trick. They turn those "what do I do with all these leftovers?" moments into something you'll actually look forward to eating-no sad, reheated plates here. Plus, they're so easy that even my most cooking-averse friends have successfully made them (and then immediately asked for the recipe).

Whether you fry them for crispy edges or bake them for a hands-off approach, these little bites deliver all the cozy holiday vibes in a way that feels fresh and fun. And let's be honest, anything that pairs this well with gravy deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. So next time you're staring down a fridge full of leftovers, don't panic-just roll with it (literally). Trust me, your future self will thank you with every delicious bite!