After a big holiday meal, leftovers often fill the fridge, waiting for a creative revival. These leftover turkey stuffing balls are the perfect solution for transforming those extra sides into a satisfying snack or light meal. With a crispy outside and soft, flavorful center, they bring together mashed potatoes, stuffing, and shredded turkey in a fun, bite-sized format. This recipe helps minimize food waste while offering a new twist on classic comfort foods. The addition of Parmesan cheese adds a savory richness, while bread crumbs help form a golden crust in the oven. These little bites are great for next-day gatherings, lunchboxes, or cozy dinners, and they pair beautifully with leftover gravy or a spoonful of cranberry sauce. You can even freeze them for a quick reheat-and-eat option on busy days. Whether you’re trying to clean out the fridge or just craving a creative use for leftovers, these stuffing balls are a no-fuss crowd-pleaser that tastes like you planned it all along.
Ingredients (Serves about 18 balls):
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 2 cups stuffing
- 1 cup shredded cooked turkey
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- ¼ cup bread crumbs
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, stuffing, turkey, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, bread crumbs, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the balls are firm and golden on the outside.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm with gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping.
Nutritional Insights & Dietary Considerations:
These stuffing balls are rich in carbohydrates and protein, thanks to the combination of potatoes, turkey, and stuffing. Parmesan adds a bit of calcium and flavor depth. While satisfying and comforting, they are best enjoyed in moderation due to the presence of salt and cheese. Those with dairy sensitivities should use a dairy-free cheese substitute. If you’re gluten-sensitive, use gluten-free stuffing and bread crumbs. This recipe is a hearty way to enjoy your leftovers without compromising on flavor or texture.
Sharing and Commenting is Caring:
Have you added your own twist to these turkey stuffing balls? Maybe a sprinkle of herbs or a surprise filling? Let us know in the comments! Sharing your kitchen successes helps others feel inspired, and we love hearing how our recipes turn out in real homes.