Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls

Transform your holiday leftovers into a crispy, savory, and utterly delicious new meal! These Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls are the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of Thanksgiving in a fun, bite-sized form. Crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside, and served with a simple homemade cranberry dipping sauce, they are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Yield: 18-20 stuffing balls
Intensity: Easy

Ingredients

For the Stuffing Balls:

• 4 cups prepared leftover stuffing, chilled

• 2 cups cooked turkey, finely chopped or shredded

• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1:1 flour)

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra savoriness)

• 1/4 cup turkey gravy or chicken broth (only if mixture is too dry)

For the Cranberry Dipping Sauce:

• 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce

• 2 tablespoons orange juice

• 1 teaspoon soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce

• A pinch of black pepper

For Coating:

• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted

• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil.

2. Combine Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chilled leftover stuffing, chopped turkey, beaten egg, flour, and parsley. Mix thoroughly with your hands or a spatula until everything is well incorporated. The mixture should hold together when pressed. If it seems too crumbly, add a tablespoon of gravy or broth at a time until it binds.

3. Form the Balls: Using a cookie scoop or your hands, portion out the mixture and roll it into firm, golf ball-sized balls (about 1.5 inches in diameter). Place them on a plate or cutting board as you work.

4. Coat the Balls: Place the melted butter in one shallow bowl and the panko breadcrumbs in another. Gently roll each stuffing ball in the melted butter, allowing the excess to drip off, then roll it in the panko crumbs until lightly coated. Place each coated ball on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.

5. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden brown, firm to the touch, and heated through.

6. Make the Dipping Sauce: While the balls are baking, make the cranberry sauce. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the cranberry sauce, orange juice, soy sauce, and black pepper. Heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until smooth and warmed through. Remove from heat and set aside.

7. Serve: Allow the stuffing balls to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before serving. Transfer to a platter and serve warm with the cranberry dipping sauce on the side.

Notes

• Chilled Stuffing is Key: Using cold, leftover stuffing straight from the fridge is crucial. It’s firmer and much easier to work with than room-temperature stuffing.

• Bind it Right: The egg and flour are essential binders. If your leftover stuffing was already very moist, you might not need the extra gravy or broth. If it was on the drier side, the added liquid is necessary.

• Make-Ahead: You can assemble the stuffing balls the day before. Cover the uncooked, coated balls tightly with plastic wrap on the baking sheet and refrigerate. Bake straight from the fridge, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time.

• Air Fryer Option: For an even crispier exterior, these can be cooked in an air fryer. Spray the basket with oil, place the balls in a single layer (working in batches), and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Nutrition (Estimated per stuffing ball, without sauce)

• Calories: 120 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 12g

• Protein: 6g

• Fat: 5g

• Saturated Fat: 2.5g

• Cholesterol: 30mg

• Sodium: 250mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 2g

Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use in your original stuffing.