There is something irresistibly comforting about bite-sized treats that bring all the cozy flavors of a Thanksgiving classic into one delicious package. This Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe is exactly that—a perfect blend of savory ground turkey and flavorful stuffing that comes together in a delightful little bundle. Whether you’re looking for a fun appetizer, a hearty snack, or a side dish that will steal the show, these golden-baked stuffing balls deliver both ease and impressive taste every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is both simple and essential to capture the true essence of those warm, homestyle flavors. Each component adds its unique character—whether it’s moisture, aroma, or texture—to transform these little balls into something extraordinary.
- 1 lb lean ground turkey: The lean meat base gives a tender, mild flavor that’s perfect for absorbing the herbs and spices.
- 2 cups stuffing mix: Adds a savory, comforting breadiness that’s the heart of the dish.
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the mixture moist while boosting depth of flavor without overpowering.
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped: Brings a sweet, aromatic punch that softens beautifully when sautéed.
- 1/2 cup celery, finely diced: Refreshing crunch and subtle earthiness for added texture.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or sage, chopped: Fresh herbs deliver bursts of flavor that brighten up the savory mix.
- 1 large egg: Acts as the perfect binder to hold everything together without heaviness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and elevate all the flavors.
How to Make Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Vegetables
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it’s nice and ready for baking. Meanwhile, warm a skillet over medium heat and sauté the finely chopped onion and celery in a splash of oil. This softens the vegetables and pulls out their natural sweetness, setting you up for a flavor-rich stuffing ball.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients Gently
In a large mixing bowl, bring together the ground turkey, stuffing mix, sautéed onions and celery, chicken broth, fresh herbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix everything just until combined—overworking can make the balls tough, so keep it light and gentle. This step is key to achieving those tender, juicy Turkey Stuffing Balls that everyone will love.
Step 3: Shape and Bake
Take small handfuls of the mixture and roll them into uniform 1-inch balls. Placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Bake these little wonders for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they’re beautifully golden brown and fully cooked through. The oven’s heat crisps up the stuffing on the outside, while the turkey stays moist and flavorful inside.
How to Serve Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Turkey Stuffing Balls pop visually and in flavor, try sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or a small drizzle of cranberry sauce on top. The freshness and color elevate the appeal instantly, making these bites as festive as they are tasty.
Side Dishes
These stuffing balls pair wonderfully with classic autumn sides like roasted Brussels sprouts, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. Their hearty texture complements light and fresh vegetables, creating a balanced and satisfying plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your turkey stuffing balls on a rustic wooden board with an assortment of dipping sauces such as spicy mustard, garlic aioli, or even a tangy barbecue sauce. You can also thread them onto skewers alternating with veggies for a fun party appetizer that guests will be excited to grab.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Store your Turkey Stuffing Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This is great for quick lunches or snacks that still carry all the original homey goodness.
Freezing
These balls freeze beautifully! Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. This way, you can keep them for up to three months and enjoy a stress-free meal anytime you want.
Reheating
Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to preserve their crispy exterior and juicy interior. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that delightful texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey instead of ground turkey?
Yes, you can substitute with leftover cooked turkey, but you might need to add a bit more broth or egg to help bind the mixture since pre-cooked turkey can be drier.
What type of stuffing mix works best?
A classic seasoned bread stuffing mix works great, but you can also experiment with cornbread or herb-infused mixes to add your own twist.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free stuffing mix and ensure your broth is gluten-free as well. This dish adapts well with these swaps.
How do I prevent the stuffing balls from falling apart?
Using the egg as a binder and mixing just until combined helps maintain structure. Also, avoid making the balls too large, as smaller sizes bake more evenly and hold together better.
Are these stuffing balls safe to freeze before baking?
Yes, you can freeze them raw on a baking sheet, then bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite ways to enjoy all the classic flavors without the fuss. They’re simple to make, comforting in every bite, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for the ultimate holiday appetizer, give these a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
These Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or side dish, combining lean ground turkey with flavorful stuffing mix and aromatic herbs. Perfectly baked until golden and tender, they offer a comforting taste of classic holiday flavors in a convenient bite-sized form.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 2 cups stuffing mix
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or sage, chopped
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 splash of oil for sautéing
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the stuffing balls.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the finely chopped onion and diced celery in a splash of oil until they become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This step enhances their flavor and texture.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the lean ground turkey, stuffing mix, sautéed onion and celery, low-sodium chicken broth, chopped fresh parsley or sage, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are just combined, careful not to overwork the mixture.
- Form Balls: Roll the seasoned mixture into approximately 1-inch diameter balls. Place them evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the stuffing balls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on the outside and fully cooked on the inside. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh sage with parsley or other herbs like thyme for a different flavor profile.
- For extra crispiness, broil the balls for the last 2-3 minutes of baking time while watching closely to avoid burning.
- These stuffing balls can be served with gravy or cranberry sauce as a festive accompaniment.
- To save time, use pre-chopped onion and celery or frozen diced vegetables.
- Ensure the stuffing mix used is compatible with your dietary preferences, especially if gluten-free is required.
