Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls: Crispy, Cheesy, and Perfectly Golden
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Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls: Crispy, Cheesy, and Perfectly Golden
First off, I just want to say thank you for stopping by! If you’re here, chances are your fridge is full of Thanksgiving leftovers — and you’re looking for something fun, creative, and utterly delicious to make with them. You’re in the right place!
These Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls are the ultimate post-holiday treat — savory, cheesy, and perfectly crisp on the outside while staying soft and flavorful inside. They’re everything we love about Thanksgiving rolled up into one bite-sized, irresistible package.
Whether you’re serving them as a snack, a party appetizer, or a side dish, they’ll quickly become everyone’s favorite way to enjoy leftovers.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✨ Reduces waste: Turns Thanksgiving leftovers into something totally new!
✨ Crispy & cheesy: The outside bakes up golden and crunchy, while the inside stays creamy and flavorful.
✨ Family favorite: Even picky eaters can’t resist these little bites.
✨ So versatile: Perfect as a snack, side, or even a quick lunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Mashed potatoes | 2 cups |
| Stuffing | 2 cups |
| Cooked turkey (shredded) | 1 cup |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | ½ cup |
| Egg (beaten) | 1 |
| Bread crumbs | ¼ cup |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon |
| Ground black pepper | ⅛ teaspoon |
Tools You’ll Need
Mixing bowl
Spoon or cookie scoop
Parchment paper
Baking sheet
Oven (or air fryer for a crispier version!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep and Mix
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed potatoes, stuffing, shredded turkey, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined and evenly mixed.
Step 2: Shape the Balls
Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll into 1-inch balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart so they can crisp up evenly.
Step 3: Bake Until Golden
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the outside is golden brown and crispy while the inside is hot and cheesy.
(Pro tip: For extra crunch, spray the tops lightly with cooking oil before baking!)
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce — gravy, cranberry sauce, or even ranch are all amazing options.
What They Taste Like
Think of these as Thanksgiving in a single bite — creamy mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, juicy turkey, and a hit of nutty Parmesan all baked into one perfect ball. Each bite delivers the comfort of a holiday dinner, but in snack form!
Tips for Success
💡 Use cold mashed potatoes — they hold their shape better when forming balls.
💡 Don’t skip the Parmesan — it adds flavor and helps bind everything together.
💡 If the mixture feels too soft, add a few extra breadcrumbs.
💡 Want extra crunch? Roll the balls in panko before baking.
What to Serve With Turkey Stuffing Balls
Cranberry sauce for a sweet-tart contrast
Turkey gravy for a savory pairing
Garlic aioli or ranch dressing for a creamy dip
A fresh salad for balance
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes or air fry for 5–7 minutes until crispy again.
Freeze: Place unbaked balls on a tray to freeze, then transfer to a bag or container for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 5–10 extra minutes to the cooking time.
FAQs About Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls
Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted chicken works perfectly here.
Can I fry them instead of baking?
Yes — shallow fry in oil over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Just drain on paper towels before serving.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes! Roll and refrigerate the balls a day in advance, then bake when ready to serve.
Can I add cheese inside?
Oh yes — tuck a small cube of mozzarella or cheddar in the center before rolling for a melty surprise!
Nutritional Information (Per 2-Ball Serving)
Calories: ~180
Protein: 8g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fat: 9g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 240mg
Final Thoughts
These Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls are the ultimate way to breathe new life into your Thanksgiving feast. They’re crispy, comforting, and just plain fun to eat — a little bite of holiday nostalgia that you’ll look forward to making every year.
So next time you find yourself staring at a fridge full of leftovers, grab a bowl and start rolling! These tasty little bites are proof that leftovers can be just as exciting as the main event. 🦃✨
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