Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls: A Genius Way to Transform Holiday Leftovers
After the big holiday meal, there’s one question we all ask: What am I going to do with all these leftovers?
Enter: Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls — the crispy, savory, totally irresistible answer to your post-holiday kitchen dilemma. These little bites of comfort are made by combining leftover stuffing, shredded turkey, and a few simple ingredients to create flavorful, golden-brown balls that are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a light lunch.
They're quick to make, freezer-friendly, and — warning — they disappear fast.
🧡 Why You'll Love This Recipe
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Perfect use for Thanksgiving leftovers
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Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside
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Kid-friendly & freezer-friendly
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No waste, just flavor
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Ready in under 30 minutes
🧾 Ingredients
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2 cups leftover stuffing
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1 cup cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
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1 large egg
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½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or whatever’s on hand)
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2–3 tablespoons chicken or turkey broth (as needed for moisture)
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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Optional: chopped green onions, parsley, or a pinch of garlic powder
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Optional: Gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping
👩🍳 How to Make Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Mix the ingredients
In a large bowl, combine stuffing, turkey, egg, cheese, and any optional herbs or seasonings. Mix well. If the mixture feels too dry or crumbly, add broth one tablespoon at a time until it holds together.
Step 3: Form the balls
Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into 1½-inch balls and place them on the baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden brown and heated through. For extra crispiness, broil for the last 1–2 minutes.
Step 5: Serve
Serve warm with a side of leftover gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
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As a day-after appetizer or game day snack
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Served over mashed potatoes with gravy for a full meal
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Packed in a lunchbox with dipping sauce
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Tucked into a slider bun with cranberry mayo
🔄 Variations
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Make it spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
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Go vegetarian: Skip the turkey and mix stuffing with sautéed mushrooms or veggies.
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Use mashed potatoes: Mix in a scoop for a creamier texture.
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Air fryer option: Air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes for an extra crispy version.
🧊 Storage & Freezing
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
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Freeze: Place uncooked or cooked balls on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 25–30 minutes.
📝 Final Thoughts
Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls aren’t just a clever way to reduce food waste — they’re a delicious reason to look forward to leftovers. Crispy, savory, and endlessly customizable, these bite-sized comfort bombs will become a post-holiday tradition in no time.
So next time you're staring down a mountain of Thanksgiving extras, skip the boring reheat. Roll ‘em, bake ‘em, dip ‘em — and watch them disappear.
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