Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls

Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delicious and creative way to use up your holiday leftovers. These bite-sized treats combine turkey and stuffing into crispy, flavorful balls, perfect for serving as an appetizer or side dish.

Ingredients

• 2 cups leftover stuffing
• 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour for rolling

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the leftover stuffing, cooked turkey, Parmesan cheese, parsley, beaten egg, thyme, sage, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. Form Balls: Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into 1-inch balls and roll them in flour to lightly coat.
4. Bake: Place the stuffing balls on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
5. Serve: Let the stuffing balls cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm as an appetizer or side dish!

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4

Variations

• Add Veggies: Incorporate finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Cheesy Version: Mix in different types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, for a gooey interior.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for some heat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use other types of meat?
   Yes, you can substitute chicken or ham for the turkey.
2. What if I don’t have enough leftover stuffing?
   You can supplement with additional breadcrumbs or make a quick stuffing mix.
3. Are these suitable for freezing?
   Yes, you can freeze the formed balls before baking and bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
4. Can I make these ahead of time?
   Yes, prepare the balls and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake.
5. What type of stuffing works best?
   Any stuffing, whether homemade or store-bought, can work well.
6. How do I prevent them from falling apart?
   Ensure the mixture is well combined and that you use a sufficient amount of egg to bind it.
7. Can I bake them in an air fryer?
   Yes, you can cook them in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes.
8. What can I serve them with?
   These are great with cranberry sauce, gravy, or a dipping sauce of your choice.
9. Can I make them gluten-free?
   Yes, use gluten-free stuffing and flour alternatives.
10. How long will they keep in the fridge?
    They should be eaten within 3 days for the best quality.

Conclusion

Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls are a tasty way to transform holiday leftovers into a fun and enjoyable dish. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, they make an excellent addition to any meal or gathering. Enjoy this delightful recipe and reduce food waste while savoring those festive flavors!

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