Stuffing Balls Recipe
Introduction
Stuffing balls are a delightful twist on traditional holiday leftovers, combining mashed potatoes, stuffing, and shredded turkey into crispy, flavorful bites. Whether baked or pan-fried, they make a perfect snack or side dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 3 cups mashed potatoes
- 3 cups stuffing
- 1½ cups shredded turkey
- Gravy for serving
- Black pepper to taste
- Panko breadcrumbs (optional)
- Butter or oil for frying (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring all ingredients to room temperature. Warm mashed potatoes slightly if needed and moisten stuffing with broth if it feels dry.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes and stuffing. Fold in the shredded turkey and season with black pepper if desired.
- Step 3: Form the mixture into 12 golf ball-sized portions.
- Step 4: Choose your cooking method:
- Baked version: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the stuffing balls on a lined baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes until heated through and slightly crispy.
- Pan-fried version: Roll the balls in panko breadcrumbs. Heat butter or oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat and fry the balls until golden on all sides, turning gently to avoid breaking.
- Step 5: Serve immediately topped with hot gravy and, if you like, cranberry sauce for an extra festive touch.
Tips & Variations
- If the mixture feels too loose to form balls, add a little more stuffing or cooked rice to help bind it.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on baked balls before cooking.
- Feel free to add herbs like sage or thyme for additional flavor.
- These balls freeze well—freeze uncooked in a single layer, then cook or reheat from frozen.
Storage
Store cooked stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Pan-fried balls may lose some crispness with reheating but will still taste delicious.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use leftover stuffing and turkey for this recipe?
Yes! This recipe is a great way to repurpose leftover stuffing, mashed potatoes, and turkey into a fresh, tasty dish.
Do I have to use panko breadcrumbs for frying?
Panko breadcrumbs add extra crunch when frying, but you can omit them if you prefer. The balls will still hold together and taste great.
PrintStuffing Balls Recipe
Delicious and comforting stuffing balls made with mashed potatoes, stuffing mix, and shredded turkey, perfect as a side dish or appetizer. Choose to bake for a lighter option or pan-fry for a crispy golden crust. Served best with warm gravy and optional cranberry sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking and Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups mashed potatoes
- 3 cups stuffing
- 1½ cups shredded turkey
- Black pepper to taste
For Serving
- Gravy for serving
- Cranberry sauce (optional)
Optional for Pan-Fried Version
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Butter or oil for frying
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Bring all ingredients to room temperature to ensure even mixing and cooking. Warm the mashed potatoes slightly if they have cooled down too much to make forming easier. If the stuffing is dry, moisten it with a bit of broth to keep the texture soft.
- Mix & Form: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes and stuffing thoroughly. Fold in the shredded turkey evenly, and season the mixture with black pepper to your taste. Once combined, form the mixture into twelve golf ball-sized balls for even cooking.
- Choose Your Method – Baked Version: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the stuffing balls on a lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the balls are heated through and develop a crispy outer layer.
- Choose Your Method – Pan-Fried Version: Roll each stuffing ball in panko breadcrumbs to coat them lightly. Heat butter or oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Fry the balls until golden brown on all sides, turning gently to cook evenly and develop a crispy crust.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked stuffing balls to a serving dish. Top generously with hot gravy and add cranberry sauce if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavors.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free stuffing mix and gluten-free panko or skip breadcrumbs.
- Make sure the stuffing is moist enough to hold together; adding broth helps achieve this.
- These balls can be made ahead and reheated in the oven for convenience.
- Use leftover turkey to keep this recipe budget-friendly and reduce food waste.
- The pan-fried version has a crispier texture, while baking is lighter and easier.
Keywords: stuffing balls, turkey stuffing balls, mashed potato stuffing balls, holiday side dish, Thanksgiving recipe, baked stuffing balls, pan-fried stuffing balls
