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Stuffing Balls Recipe

4.8 from 123 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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