If you love the comforting flavors of a classic Thanksgiving stuffing but want something a bit more fun and portable, this Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe is exactly what you need. These bite-sized gems pack all the savory goodness of seasoned turkey mixed with fluffy, herb-infused stuffing, all baked to a golden brown perfection. Whether you’re looking for a unique appetizer, a satisfying snack, or a festive side dish, these turkey stuffing balls are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe is how simple but essential each ingredient is. Every item plays a key role, whether it’s adding moisture, seasoning, or that irresistible texture.
- Ground turkey: The lean protein base that keeps these balls light yet flavorful.
- Stuffing mix: Whether store-bought or homemade, it brings that classic savory breadiness to every bite.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and a subtle crunch when finely chopped.
- Celery: Contributes fresh, crisp flavor to balance the richer ingredients.
- Garlic: Infuses the mixture with a warm, aromatic punch.
- Chicken broth: Keeps the mixture moist and helps everything bind beautifully.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a vibrant pop of color and freshness.
- Dried sage: Classic herb that ties the flavors together with its earthy notes.
- Dried thyme: Adds a subtle aromatic depth.
- Black pepper and salt: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- Melted butter: Brushed on top for a rich, golden finish.
How to Make Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, so your stuffing balls slide right off when baked.
Step 2: Mix It All Together
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, stuffing mix, finely chopped onion and celery, minced garlic, chicken broth, parsley, dried sage, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt. Use your hands or a spoon to mix until all the ingredients are evenly blended. This step is where the magic begins, as the mixture turns into a cohesive and flavorful base.
Step 3: Shape the Stuffing Balls
With clean hands, scoop out the mixture and roll it into golf ball-sized rounds, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place them spaced out on your lined baking sheet. This size ensures they cook evenly and hold their shape while baking.
Step 4: Butter Them Up
Brush the tops of each stuffing ball with melted butter. This step is crucial—it gives the balls a beautiful golden crust and adds a buttery richness that makes every bite stand out.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops turn golden brown and the turkey is cooked through. The aroma alone will have you counting down the minutes!
How to Serve Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling a little extra fresh parsley or thyme on top after baking adds a fresh, green touch that brightens the dish. A light drizzle of gravy or cranberry sauce alongside also turns these balls into an irresistible treat.
Side Dishes
These turkey stuffing balls pair wonderfully with classic sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad with vinaigrette. Their rich texture perfectly contrasts with fresh, crunchy sides.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party twist, serve these Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe on skewers or toothpicks with dipping sauces such as maple mustard, spicy aioli, or a tangy cranberry chutney. They also work great as a unique stuffing alternative inside a sandwich or wrap for a hearty lunch option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When stored properly, the stuffing balls retain their flavor and texture, making for an excellent next-day snack or meal addition.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead or save extra batches, freeze the baked stuffing balls on a parchment-lined tray first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to two months without compromising taste or texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. This keeps the outside crispy and the inside warm and moist. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the golden crust.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well and will produce a similar texture and flavor with this Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for stuffing balls?
You can substitute the ground turkey with cooked lentils or a plant-based ground meat substitute, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Can I make the stuffing balls gluten-free?
Yes, just use a gluten-free stuffing mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy this Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe without any gluten concerns.
How do I prevent stuffing balls from falling apart?
Make sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly and use the exact amount of broth. Overly wet mixtures may cause crumbling, so keep the balance just right for firm, well-formed balls.
Can these be made in advance and reheated for a party?
Definitely! Prepare and bake the stuffing balls ahead of time, then reheat them just before serving to impress your guests with a warm, delicious snack or side.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe that makes a familiar dish feel fresh and fun. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, these flavorful bites offer comfort and convenience with every mouthwatering bite. Give them a try and watch them become the star of your holiday table or everyday dinner!
Print
Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 stuffing balls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Turkey Stuffing Balls combine flavorful ground turkey with classic stuffing ingredients to create a delicious appetizer or side dish. Baked to golden perfection and brushed with melted butter, they’re moist, savory, and perfect for holiday meals or any cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 3 cups stuffing mix (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
For Brushing
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy clean-up.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, stuffing mix, finely chopped onion, celery, minced garlic, chicken broth, fresh parsley, dried sage, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated to form the stuffing mixture.
- Form Balls: Using your hands, shape the mixture into golf ball-sized balls, approximately 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place these on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each ball.
- Brush with Butter: Brush the tops of each stuffing ball generously with melted butter. This step adds a golden color and rich flavor to the finished dish.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are cooked through and golden brown on top. Ensure they reach a safe internal temperature and are firm to the touch.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the balls for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or ground pork for variation.
- Use your favorite stuffing mix or homemade stuffing to customize the flavors.
- These stuffing balls can be made ahead and refrigerated; just reheat in the oven before serving.
