If you’re looking for a way to turn Thanksgiving favorites into an everyday treat, Turkey Stuffing Balls are about to become your new obsession. Imagine tender ground turkey hugging savory stuffing, all in a perfect, poppable bite. They’re irresistibly golden on the outside, scrumptiously moist inside, and bursting with the favorite flavors of the holiday table. Whether you serve them as appetizers for a party or alongside dinner with your favorite sauces, Turkey Stuffing Balls deliver all the comfort and nostalgia of a feast with none of the hassle.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This fantastic recipe comes together with simple, classic ingredients that each play a starring role. From juicy ground turkey to herby seasonings and a hint of sharp cheddar, these components guarantee every ball is loaded with flavor, texture, and color.
- Ground Turkey: Makes the balls hearty and juicy, while keeping them lighter than traditional sausage versions.
- Prepared Stuffing: Brings in all the classic herb flavors and creates that craveable, moist texture.
- Chopped Onion: Adds sweet, savory depth and a pleasant bite.
- Garlic: Gives every ball a hit of aromatic flavor.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (optional): Melts into creamy pockets for added richness.
- Chicken Broth: Keeps everything moist and flavorful without becoming soggy.
- Dried Sage: Essential for that signature stuffing aroma and taste.
- Dried Thyme: Brings an earthy, comforting note that complements the turkey beautifully.
- Salt: Rounds out and enhances all the other flavors.
- Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and depth.
- Olive Oil or Melted Butter: Helps the tops crisp up in the oven and brings extra flavor.
- Fresh Parsley: The perfect fresh finish for a burst of color and brightness.
How to Make Turkey Stuffing Balls
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your Turkey Stuffing Balls won’t stick and makes clean-up an absolute breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients Together
In a spacious mixing bowl, gently combine the ground turkey, prepared stuffing, chopped onion, minced garlic, cheddar cheese (if you want a cheesy twist), chicken broth, sage, thyme, salt, and black pepper. The key here is not to overmix—just stir until everything looks evenly distributed so your stuffing balls stay extra tender.
Step 3: Shape into Balls
With clean hands or a scoop, roll the mixture into golf ball-sized portions and arrange them evenly on your prepared baking sheet. You should end up with about sixteen balls that hold together nicely.
Step 4: Drizzle with Oil or Butter
Lightly brush or drizzle the tops with olive oil or melted butter. This is the secret to that irresistible golden, slightly crisp exterior that makes Turkey Stuffing Balls such a treat.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Delicious
Pop the tray into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. When they are beautifully golden and the turkey hits an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), they’re done. Don’t forget to finish them with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley for a hint of color and freshness.
How to Serve Turkey Stuffing Balls
Garnishes
A simple shower of chopped fresh parsley does wonders for these savory bites. For extra flair, add a dusting of grated Parmesan or a few thin-sliced green onions. If you love a festive touch, scatter a handful of dried cranberries on the platter – their bright color looks gorgeous next to the golden balls.
Side Dishes
Turkey Stuffing Balls are delightfully versatile. They’re dreamy dipped in warm gravy or tangy cranberry sauce. Pair them with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad for a family-pleasing meal. They also shine alongside a platter of roasted sweet potatoes or a comforting bowl of soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve them as an appetizer on toothpicks with a dipping sauce drizzle or thread a few onto skewers for buffet-style fun. If you’re hosting a holiday gathering, pile them high on a bed of arugula and let guests grab their own. For a fun twist, use them as a hearty topper for an open-faced sandwich with gravy poured over—the perfect cozy lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply transfer any uneaten Turkey Stuffing Balls to an airtight container once they’ve cooled. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days, staying moist and flavorful.
Freezing
If you want to prep in advance, these freeze beautifully. Place the cooled balls on a tray to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag or container. They’ll be ready for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Turkey Stuffing Balls in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them in short bursts, but the oven keeps the exterior nicely crisp!
FAQs
Can I use leftover stuffing for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover stuffing is perfect for Turkey Stuffing Balls, saving you time and making the dish even more flavorful.
Are these gluten-free?
They can be if you use gluten-free stuffing. Just double-check every ingredient to be sure!
Can I make Turkey Stuffing Balls ahead of time?
Definitely—just assemble and bake as directed, then cool and store. They reheat wonderfully, making them a brilliant choice for meal prep or parties.
What sauces go well with these?
Classic turkey gravy or cranberry sauce are traditional favorites, but honey mustard or a tangy barbecue sauce make fun, tasty options too.
Can I add extra mix-ins?
Feel free to stir in dried cranberries, chopped pecans, or even finely diced celery for extra crunch and flavor. The recipe is wonderfully adaptable!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try these Turkey Stuffing Balls! They deliver all the best parts of a comforting holiday meal in a bite-sized, crowd-pleasing package. Whether you’re making them for a fun family dinner or a festive party platter, baked turkey stuffing balls are sure to generate smiles and second helpings. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
PrintTurkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
These turkey stuffing balls are a delicious twist on traditional holiday stuffing, perfect for Thanksgiving or any time you’re craving a taste of the season. Made with ground turkey, savory herbs, and a hint of cheese, these baked bites are a flavorful appetizer or side dish that will impress your guests.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 stuffing balls (about 4 servings) 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the stuffing balls:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 4 cups prepared stuffing (homemade or from a mix)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, prepared stuffing, onion, garlic, cheddar cheese, chicken broth, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until well combined.
- Shape the balls: Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized portions and place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Brush or drizzle the tops with olive oil or melted butter. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm with gravy or cranberry sauce.
Notes
- You can use leftover stuffing from a holiday meal to make this recipe quick and easy.
- For added flavor, stir in dried cranberries or chopped pecans to the mixture.
- These can be made ahead and reheated in the oven before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 stuffing balls
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg