Stuffing Balls with Turkey

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Ingredients
3. Instructions
4. Cooking Notes
5. Variations
6. Keto and Low-Carb Versions
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
8. Conclusion

If you love the classic flavors of stuffing and turkey, you’re going to love these Stuffing Balls with Turkey. These savory little bites are like a mini stuffed turkey dinner, all rolled up into a perfect, bite-sized ball. They’re easy to make, bake quickly, and are always a hit at parties, family dinners, and holiday gatherings.

The combination of seasoned stuffing, juicy turkey, and aromatic herbs creates a flavor-packed treat that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. You can enjoy these stuffing balls as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a light meal served with gravy or cranberry sauce.

Let’s dive into how to make these delicious stuffing balls!

Ingredients

For the Stuffing Balls:

• 2 cups cubed bread (preferably day-old or toasted)
• 1 lb ground turkey (or leftover turkey, shredded)
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried sage)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon butter (for sautéing)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Optional Dipping Sauce:

• 1/2 cup turkey gravy (or any gravy of choice)
• 2 tablespoons cranberry sauce (optional, for a sweet and savory twist)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Stuffing Mixture

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until the turkey is browned and cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and the chopped sage and thyme. Stir in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.

2. Make the Stuffing Balls

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread with the turkey mixture. Add the beaten egg and mix everything together until well combined. The bread should soak up the broth and turkey juices, making the mixture moist but still firm enough to hold its shape. If the mixture seems too dry, add more chicken broth, a tablespoon at a time.

Using your hands, scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into 1 ½-inch balls. Place the stuffing balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a bit of space between each ball.

3. Bake the Stuffing Balls

Once the stuffing balls are formed, bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. You may want to flip them halfway through baking to ensure they cook evenly.

4. Serve and Enjoy

Once the stuffing balls are baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve the stuffing balls with a side of turkey gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping, if desired.

Cooking Notes

• Bread Options: If you don’t have day-old bread, you can toast fresh bread in the oven for a few minutes to dry it out. You can also use a loaf of your favorite bread, such as white, whole wheat, or even sourdough.
• Turkey Variations: These stuffing balls work great with both ground turkey and leftover turkey. If using leftover turkey, simply shred it into small pieces and fold it into the stuffing mixture.
• Moisture: If your stuffing mixture seems too dry to form into balls, add more chicken broth or turkey stock a tablespoon at a time until the mixture reaches a moist but firm consistency. Be careful not to make it too wet, or the stuffing balls may fall apart while baking.
• Flavor Variations: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. You can add more herbs like rosemary or marjoram for extra flavor. A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can also add a little kick.

Variations

• Stuffing Balls with Bacon: Add crumbled cooked bacon to the stuffing mixture for extra smokiness and flavor.
• Cheesy Stuffing Balls: For a cheesy twist, add shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan) to the stuffing mixture. The cheese will melt and add a creamy texture to each bite.
• Vegetarian Stuffing Balls: For a vegetarian version, use a plant-based ground meat substitute or omit the turkey altogether and increase the amount of vegetables in the stuffing mix. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Spicy Stuffing Balls: Add a finely chopped jalapeño or a teaspoon of hot sauce to the mixture for a spicy kick. This would pair perfectly with a cooling ranch dip or spicy sriracha mayo.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions

For a keto or low-carb version of these stuffing balls, you’ll need to make a few adjustments to the ingredients:

• Low-Carb Bread: Use a low-carb bread (such as almond flour bread or a cloud bread) to replace the cubed bread. You could also use crushed pork rinds as a breadcrumb substitute to keep the texture similar.
• Use Ground Chicken or Beef: If you want to make the recipe even leaner or prefer a different protein, you can substitute ground chicken, ground beef, or even a combination of both for the turkey.
• Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free bread or breadcrumbs. You can find a variety of gluten-free stuffing mixes or even make your own with gluten-free bread.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make these stuffing balls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the stuffing balls up to a day ahead of time. Simply form the balls, place them on a baking sheet, and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. When ready to bake, just pop them in the oven and bake as directed.

Can I freeze the stuffing balls?

Yes, these stuffing balls freeze well. Once they are baked and cooled, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Can I use leftover stuffing for this recipe?

Absolutely! If you have leftover stuffing from a previous meal, you can easily turn it into stuffing balls. Just mix the leftover stuffing with a bit of turkey (or chicken) and an egg to bind everything together, then form them into balls and bake.

What can I serve with these stuffing balls?

Stuffing balls pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. For a holiday meal, serve them alongside roasted turkey and gravy for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Can I make these stuffing balls in advance for a party?

Yes, these stuffing balls are perfect for making ahead and serving at parties. Make them a day or two in advance, bake them, and reheat them just before serving. You can also keep them warm in a slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting.

These Stuffing Balls with Turkey are a delicious, easy-to-make twist on traditional stuffing that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. With the flavors of turkey, herbs, and classic stuffing ingredients all rolled into a bite-sized ball, they make for a great appetizer, side dish, or even a main course. Whether you’re serving them for Thanksgiving or just craving comfort food, these stuffing balls are sure to impress.

Try out this recipe for your next holiday feast, or make them as a snack for a cozy family dinner. Either way, they’re bound to be a hit!