If you love the comforting flavors of Thanksgiving on your plate, you are going to fall head over heels for this Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe. These little bites bring together juicy ground turkey and savory stuffing with herbs and veggies, baked to golden perfection. They are such a crowd-pleaser—easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion when you want to serve something hearty yet fun. Whether for a holiday spread or a cozy dinner, these turkey stuffing balls are guaranteed to become a new favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe comes together with simple, wholesome ingredients you likely have on hand. Each component plays a vital role: the lean ground turkey adds protein and moisture, the stuffing mix provides that classic savory base and texture, and the fresh herbs brighten everything up with their fragrant notes.
- 1 lb lean ground turkey: The star protein that keeps these balls juicy and healthy.
- 2 cups stuffing mix: Provides the signature savory flavor and binds the mixture together.
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth without overwhelming saltiness.
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped: Sautéed to sweet softness, contributing rich flavor.
- 1/2 cup celery, finely diced: Offers a nice crunch and subtle freshness.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or sage, chopped: Fresh herbs bring that traditional herby aroma and taste.
- 1 large egg: Helps hold everything together as you shape your balls.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance all the flavors.
How to Make Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures a perfect cooking environment so that your turkey stuffing balls bake evenly and develop a beautiful golden crust. While the oven warms up, get your work area ready for mixing and shaping.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Place a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of oil. Toss in the finely chopped onion and celery, sautéing them until they become soft and fragrant—about five minutes. This step deepens their sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Step 3: Combine All Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, stuffing mix, the sautéed onion and celery, chicken broth, fresh herbs of your choice, egg, and season with salt and pepper. Use a gentle hand to mix everything just until combined; overmixing can make the balls dense instead of tender.
Step 4: Shape the Balls
Using your hands, roll the mixture into approximately 1-inch balls. Aim for even sizing to ensure they cook consistently. Place them spaced apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The turkey stuffing balls should turn a lovely golden brown and be cooked through. You’ll know they’re done when they feel firm to the touch and reach an internal temperature safe for poultry.
How to Serve Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Garnishes
These turkey stuffing balls look fantastic topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped sage, which adds a pop of color and a burst of herbaceous brightness. A drizzle of cranberry sauce or a dollop of creamy mustard sauce can add a lovely tang that complements the savory bite perfectly.
Side Dishes
Serve your Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe alongside classic holiday sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad for balance. They also shine with a hearty gravy or alongside a warm sweet potato casserole to round out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or appetizer spread, arrange these turkey stuffing balls on a platter with small dipping bowls of various sauces. Stack them on skewers with fresh herbs for a playful finger food twist. You can even stuff them with a cube of cheese inside before baking for a gooey surprise!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though honestly, they rarely last), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days and keep their delicious flavor for easy lunch or dinner options.
Freezing
You can freeze these turkey stuffing balls before or after baking. Arrange the raw or cooked balls in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months, making them handy for quick meals.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or frozen turkey stuffing balls in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This helps maintain their crispy texture on the outside while keeping the inside juicy. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey instead of ground turkey?
Yes! If you have leftover cooked turkey, chop it finely and mix it with the stuffing ingredients. The texture will be a bit different, but it will still taste incredible and reduce food waste.
What can I substitute for the stuffing mix?
If you don’t have stuffing mix on hand, you can use seasoned breadcrumbs or crushed crackers. Just be mindful of the seasoning level and adjust salt accordingly to keep the flavors balanced.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use a gluten-free stuffing mix or breadcrumbs, and double-check that your chicken broth and other seasonings are gluten-free to keep this Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe safe for gluten-sensitive guests.
Is there a way to make these dairy-free?
This recipe is naturally dairy-free, which makes it great for those avoiding dairy. Just be sure to choose your stuffing mix without cheese or butter if you purchase pre-packaged versions.
How can I make these spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce into the mixture before baking. Balance the spice with herbs like parsley to keep the flavors harmonious.
Final Thoughts
Making this Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe is like bringing a little bit of holiday magic into your everyday meals. They are simple, satisfying, and versatile enough to brighten any table. I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing them as much as I do—they’re sure to become a go-to that everyone asks for again and again!
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 Fat
Description
These Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or side dish, combining lean ground turkey with savory stuffing mix, fresh herbs, and sautéed vegetables. Baked to golden perfection, they offer a flavorful, moist bite perfect for holiday gatherings or everyday meals.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or sage, chopped
Other Ingredients
- 2 cups stuffing mix
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffing balls later.
- Sauté Vegetables. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion and celery in a splash of oil until they become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Mix Ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, stuffing mix, sautéed onion and celery, chicken broth, fresh herbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently just until all ingredients are incorporated.
- Form Balls. Roll the mixture into approximately 1-inch diameter balls and arrange them evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Bake. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the turkey stuffing balls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
- Use lean ground turkey to keep the dish light and healthy.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or sage add a fragrant touch; dried herbs can be substituted if necessary.
- Make sure the vegetables are well sautéed to enhance the overall flavor and moisture of the balls.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size of your balls; adjust accordingly.
- These can be served with a dipping sauce like cranberry sauce or gravy for extra flavor.
