Holiday Turkey Stuffing Balls

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Why Make This Recipe

Holiday Turkey Stuffing Balls are the perfect dish to bring everyone together during the festive season. They combine classic Thanksgiving flavors into bite-sized portions that everyone will love. These little treats are not just easy to make; they also give you a chance to use up leftover turkey, making them a smart choice for the holiday season. Imagine a warm, crispy exterior that gives way to soft, savory stuffing mixed with mashed potatoes and turkey. Perfect for parties, dinners, or even as a fun snack, these stuffing balls are sure to be a big hit among family and friends.

How to Make Holiday Turkey Stuffing Balls

Ingredients :

2 cups mashed potatoes
2 cups stuffing
1 cup shredded turkey
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup bread crumbs
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Directions :

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, stuffing, shredded turkey, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, bread crumbs, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well-combined.
Form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crisp on the outside.
Serve hot, optionally with gravy or cranberry sauce.

How to Serve Holiday Turkey Stuffing Balls

When it comes to serving Holiday Turkey Stuffing Balls, there are several delicious options. You can serve them as hors d’oeuvres during a holiday gathering, making them a great start to your festive meal. Placing them on a pretty platter with some fresh parsley or cranberries can make them look even more appealing. For a more complete dish, serve them alongside gravy for dipping. You can also add a small bowl of cranberry sauce on the side for an extra burst of flavor that complements the savory stuffing balls.

If you want to make this dish even more special, consider serving them on a festive charcuterie board. Add slices of cheese, grapes, and nuts to create a beautiful buffet. This will give your guests various options while allowing them to enjoy the stuffing balls in different ways. Their flavor profile makes them versatile enough to stand out on their own, but they easily fit into any spread.

How to Store Holiday Turkey Stuffing Balls

Storing leftover Holiday Turkey Stuffing Balls is easy and straightforward. After they’ve cooled completely, transfer the stuffing balls to an airtight container. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to save them for a longer period, you can freeze them. Place the cooled stuffing balls in a single layer on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer for about an hour. Once they’re frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to label the container with the date for future reference. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you are ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until they are warmed through and crispy again.

Tips to Make Holiday Turkey Stuffing Balls

Use Leftover Ingredients: This recipe is a great opportunity to use up leftover turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes. It’s a waste-not-want-not approach that makes you feel good about your cooking.
Keep the Mixture Moist: If your mixture seems too dry, consider adding more turkey or a splash of broth to help the binding process.
Uniform Size: When forming the balls, try to keep them uniform in size to ensure they cook evenly. Using a cookie scoop can help with this.
Add Seasonings: Feel free to customize the seasoning according to your taste. Herbs like thyme, sage, or rosemary can enhance the flavors, giving a more aromatic experience.
Don’t Skip the Cheese: The Parmesan cheese adds a nice nuttiness and flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. It helps bind the mixture together while adding flavor.
Keep An Eye on Baking: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on the stuffing balls after the 15-minute mark. You want them to be golden brown but not overcooked.
Experiment with Dips: If gravy and cranberry sauce aren’t your thing, consider trying these stuffing balls with mustard sauce, ranch dressing, or a yogurt dip.

Variation

You can make several variations of Holiday Turkey Stuffing Balls. Here are a few ideas to change things up:

Vegetarian Version: Substitute the shredded turkey with sautéed mushrooms and add some diced vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for a hearty vegetarian option.
Spicy Addition: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick that will wake up your taste buds.
Cheddar Cheese: Instead of Parmesan, use shredded cheddar cheese for a different flavor. It melts nicely and gives a gooey center to the stuffing balls.
Herbed Version: Incorporate fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, or chives into the mixture for a fresh and aromatic flavor.
Bacon Flavor: Add chopped bacon bits to the mixture for an extra savory flavor. Bacon pairs wonderfully with turkey and can enhance the taste.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make Holiday Turkey Stuffing Balls in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture a day before and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake. You can also form the balls and freeze them, baking them fresh when needed.

Q2: What can I serve with Holiday Turkey Stuffing Balls?
They pair well with gravy, cranberry sauce, or even sweet chili sauce. You can also serve them alongside other appetizers or as part of a larger holiday meal.

Q3: Can I use store-bought mashed potatoes and stuffing?
Yes! Using store-bought mashed potatoes and stuffing can greatly simplify the process. Just make sure to choose high-quality products for the best results.

Q4: How can I make sure they don’t fall apart during baking?
Ensuring that your mixture is well-combined and moist is key. The egg acts as a binder, so make sure to include it, and if the mixture feels too crumbly, adding a bit more mashed potato can help.

Q5: Can I bake them from frozen?
Yes, you can bake them directly from frozen. Just adjust the baking time to about 25-30 minutes, until they are heated through and golden brown.

These Holiday Turkey Stuffing Balls are a great addition to any holiday meal or gathering, combining flavors that everyone loves. They are simple to make and can be customized to fit your taste preferences. Whether you choose to make them ahead of time or whip them up fresh, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser in any setting. Enjoy this delicious recipe with your family and friends this holiday season!