If you’re trying to figure out what to do with your leftover turkey, then try making leftover turkey stuffing balls. They are by far my favorite way to use up holiday leftovers (because I’m not sure I can eat one more sandwich). You basically get all the flavors of Thanksgiving dinner in one small, crispy bite. My family actually counts down the days until these are ready to eat.
Since everything is already cooked, it takes less than 10 minutes to prepare and bake these. They’re baked to perfection, being crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside. This is the perfect, no-fuss recipe to serve on the day after your big holiday meal.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
I think you’ll absolutely love the incredible texture of these bites. When you bake them at a high temperature, you get a crispy exterior that contrasts well with the soft, juicy interior. When you dip these tasty snacks in warm gravy, it’s heavenly.
The other great thing about this easy appetizer recipe is how easy it is to make. Simply mix your cold leftovers into a bowl, roll them, and put them in the oven. No washing of pots and pans required. You’ll be amazed that something this simple can taste like a whole new meal that even the kids will enjoy.
The Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this leftover turkey recipe: turkey leftovers, stuffing, egg, chicken broth, and gravy.
Leftover Prepared Stuffing
The key ingredient here is leftover stuffing, which acts as a binder to hold the turkey together and adds the flavors of the holidays. It’s best if the stuffing is still chilled from the fridge, because then it will be easier to roll into nice balls. If it’s too dry to bind, add some more chicken broth.
Cooked Turkey
Make sure you’ve got plenty of leftover turkey to incorporate into this recipe. Chopped up finely, the turkey will blend right into the stuffing without leaving large pieces in the mixture. If you have no turkey left, finely diced leftover ham or shredded rotisserie chicken work incredibly well as replacements.
Large Eggs
The eggs act as the binding agent that holds the meat and breading together so that the bites don’t fall apart in the oven. Beating the eggs lightly before adding them to the bowl ensures even distribution within the cold leftovers. In case of egg allergy, you could add a couple of tablespoons of cranberry sauce into the stuffing as a binder, which also adds wonderful flavor.
How to Make It
Here’s how easy it is to create these delicious crispy holiday morsels.
Prep the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the savory bites from sticking to the pan and helps with easy cleanup.
Mix the Leftovers
In a large bowl, mix the cold stuffing, turkey, beaten eggs, and chicken broth together. Stir with your hands or a large wooden spoon until it’s fully combined.
Roll the Balls
Take about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and use your hands to form it into a round ball. Set the stuffing ball on the prepared baking sheet and repeat until all of the stuffing mixture is used up.
Bake and Crisp
Bake the stuffing balls in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until browned and crispy on the outside. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving to help firm up.
My Best Tips for Success
Before rolling the stuffing bites, assess the moisture content of your leftovers. If it seems very dry, gradually stir in chicken broth, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it can hold together. If it’s too moist, it won’t stay round and will flatten out in the oven.
When rolling the stuffing balls in your hands, press the mixture firmly to ensure the bites stay together and don’t break apart or crack in the oven. A tight ball yields a dense bite that’s perfect for dipping into gravy.
If you like a crispy, buttery coating, you can spray the stuffed balls with olive oil or cooking spray before baking. This additional step gives them a golden crust that resembles deep frying but without the mess.
Easy Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Equipment
- Large baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Large bowl
Ingredients
- 3 cups cold leftover prepared stuffing
- 1 cup cooked leftover turkey finely chopped
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 2 to 4 tablespoons chicken broth as needed
- Warm leftover gravy for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold leftover stuffing, finely chopped turkey, and lightly beaten eggs.
- Combine well using your hands or a wooden spoon. If the mixture is too dry and won’t hold together, stir in chicken broth, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the mixture becomes slightly tacky.
- Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of stuffing mixture and pack tightly between your hands into a ball.
- Place the stuffing ball onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining stuffing mixture. Makes about 12 to 15 balls.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden brown and crispy.
- Allow the stuffing balls to cool on the baking sheet for 3 to 5 minutes to set, then serve immediately with warm gravy for dipping.
Nutrition
Storage and Reheating
- To Store: Allow the crispy stuffing bites to cool completely, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To Freeze: You can freeze the baked stuffing balls in a freezer bag that is tightly sealed for up to 2 months. This is a great way to have a quick snack to enjoy.
- To Reheat: Heat them in a 375°F oven or in your air fryer for a few minutes to bring back that crispy texture on the outside.
What to Serve with These Bites
- Leftover turkey gravy to dip into.
- Cranberry sauce for a sweet and tart complement.
- Mashed potatoes for a full meal.
- A fresh, light salad to balance out the heavy flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these in the air fryer?
Yes! Simply place the rolled balls in your air fryer basket at 375°F for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the balls are golden brown and crispy.
Why did my balls fall apart?
If the balls fell apart, your mixture may have been too dry, or you didn’t pack it well enough when you formed the balls. Be sure that your stuffing mixture is slightly tacky and that you pack it well between your hands.
Do I have to add turkey?
No! If you just want crispy stuffing bites, you can leave the turkey out entirely and the bites will still be savory and delicious.
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