There is something truly heartwarming about a dish that brings together the classic comfort of stuffing with the lean, savory goodness of turkey. This Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser, delivering tender bites packed with herbs, a hint of garlic, and a crispy exterior that makes for the perfect appetizer or side. If you’re looking to add a festive and delicious twist to your holiday or weeknight meals, these turkey stuffing balls are a must-try that combines convenience, flavor, and a touch of homemade charm in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients are the backbone of this recipe, each carefully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture. From the lean ground turkey to the aromatic herbs and the moist stuffing, everything works harmoniously to create these irresistible turkey stuffing balls.
- Ground turkey (1 pound): Provides lean protein and a tender base for the stuffing balls.
- Prepared stuffing mix (2 cups): Adds traditional stuffing flavor and structure—store-bought or homemade works beautifully.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Keeps the mixture moist and infuses depth of flavor.
- Chopped onion (1/4 cup): Brings subtle sweetness and crunch.
- Chopped celery (1/4 cup): Adds freshness and a touch of crisp texture.
- Minced garlic (2 cloves): Lends aromatic warmth that elevates the overall taste.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon): Brightens the dish with herby freshness.
- Dried sage (1 teaspoon): Infuses a classic earthy flavor synonymous with stuffing.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle complexity to the herb profile.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the flavors.
- Beaten egg (1): Helps bind everything together for perfect shaping.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, optional): Adds a savory richness and helps with binding if you want an extra burst of flavor.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons, optional): For pan-frying to achieve a crispy golden crust.
How to Make Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Setting the right temperature upfront ensures your turkey stuffing balls bake evenly and come out perfectly cooked through with a golden exterior.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, prepared stuffing mix, chicken broth, chopped onion, celery, garlic, parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly until everything is well incorporated. This step is important because it ensures that each bite is bursting with flavor and has the perfect balance of moisture and texture.
Step 3: Add Egg and Cheese
Stir in the beaten egg along with the grated Parmesan cheese if you’re using it. The egg acts as a natural binder, keeping your stuffing balls intact while baking, while the Parmesan introduces a lovely savory hint that’ll make these even more irresistible.
Step 4: Shape the Balls
With clean hands, form the mixture into 1 ½-inch balls. Be gentle but firm—this size is just right for cooking evenly and serving as bite-sized delights. Place them on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Optional Pan-Fry for Crispiness
If you want that extra crispy exterior, lightly pan-fry the balls in olive oil for 2–3 minutes per side before baking. This step adds wonderful texture and a golden brown finish that gives your turkey stuffing balls that restaurant-quality flair.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Cooked Through
Bake the turkey stuffing balls in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Look for a beautiful golden color on the outside and make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe, juicy results. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep a close eye near the end!
How to Serve Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Garnishes
These turkey stuffing balls shine when paired with fresh garnishes like a spoonful of tart cranberry sauce or a drizzle of rich gravy. You can also sprinkle some extra chopped fresh parsley or Parmesan cheese on top for an inviting, colorful presentation that makes each bite irresistible.
Side Dishes
Since these stuffing balls are packed with flavor, they pair wonderfully with simple sides like roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad. You could also serve them alongside mashed potatoes or steamed green beans for a comforting, balanced meal that’s perfect any time of year.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve the turkey stuffing balls on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking at parties, or create a festive appetizer board with bowls of cranberry sauce and gravy for dipping. Another fun idea is to place them on small dinner rolls as mini sandwiches—a playful twist everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the turkey stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They remain moist and flavorful—just be sure to cool them completely before refrigerating to keep their texture intact.
Freezing
For maximum convenience, you can freeze the turkey stuffing balls before baking. Lay them out on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months, so you’ll have a quick, delicious treat ready whenever you need it.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, bake the frozen stuffing balls at 375°F for 30–35 minutes until heated through. This method helps maintain their crispy exterior while warming them perfectly inside.
FAQs
Can I make these turkey stuffing balls vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute the ground turkey with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat alternative and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep them vegetarian while preserving the hearty texture.
Can I bake these without pan-frying first?
Absolutely. Pan-frying is optional and mainly adds a crispier crust. If you skip that step, just bake the balls slightly longer to get a golden finish and they’ll still be deliciously tender inside.
What stuffing mix is best to use?
Both store-bought and homemade stuffing mixes work well. Choose a mix with herbs and a texture you enjoy since it greatly influences the flavor and bite of the turkey stuffing balls.
Can I add extra flavors like dried cranberries or apples?
Yes! Adding finely chopped apples or dried cranberries adds a delightful sweet contrast to the savory flavors and makes these even more festive and unique.
How many stuffing balls does this recipe yield?
This Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe yields about 20 bite-sized balls, perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a snack throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s both cozy and crowd-pleasing, the Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe is an absolute gem worth making time and time again. With their blend of savory herbs, tender turkey, and crispy exteriors, they bring a fresh, fun take to classic holiday flavors. Give them a whirl—you just might find yourself adding this one to your permanent recipe rotation!
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Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20 stuffing balls
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Holiday
Description
Delicious and savory Turkey Stuffing Balls made with ground turkey, traditional stuffing mix, and aromatic herbs. These bite-sized balls are baked to golden perfection, offering a flavorful and festive appetizer or side dish perfect for holiday meals like Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
Turkey Mixture
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 cups prepared stuffing mix (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
For Pan-Frying (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffing balls.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the ground turkey, prepared stuffing mix, chicken broth, chopped onion, celery, minced garlic, parsley, dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper until well blended.
- Add Egg and Cheese: Stir in the beaten egg and Parmesan cheese (if using) to enhance the flavor and help bind the mixture.
- Form Balls: Use your hands to shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls and place them on a greased or lined baking sheet evenly spaced.
- Optional Pan-Fry: For extra crispiness, heat olive oil in a pan and lightly pan-fry each ball for 2-3 minutes on each side before baking.
- Bake: Bake the stuffing balls in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Serve: Serve warm with cranberry sauce or gravy on the side for dipping and enjoy your savory holiday treat.
Notes
- These balls can be made ahead and frozen before baking; to reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F for 30–35 minutes.
- Add finely chopped apples or dried cranberries for a sweet twist.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the Parmesan cheese.
- Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
