Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls – The Best Way to Use Holiday Leftovers
After Thanksgiving or Christmas, many of us find ourselves with containers full of leftover turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy. Instead of reheating the same plate again and again, transform those leftovers into something exciting with these Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls.
Crispy on the outside and soft, savory, and comforting on the inside, these bite-sized turkey stuffing balls are incredibly easy to make and packed with classic holiday flavors. They’re perfect as a snack, appetizer, side dish, or even a fun main course for the days after the holidays.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- A delicious way to repurpose Thanksgiving or Christmas leftovers
- Uses simple ingredients you already have in your fridge
- Crispy outside, soft and flavorful inside
- Versatile: serve as a snack, appetizer, or side dish
- Great for meal prep and make-ahead meals
Ingredients
- Gravy, to taste – adds moisture and rich flavor
- 1½ cups chopped cooked turkey meat – white, dark, or a mix
- 3 cups mashed potatoes – helps bind everything together
- 3 cups prepared stuffing – provides texture and seasoning
- Panko breadcrumbs, as needed – helps firm up the mixture if too soft
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan)
- Fresh herbs like parsley, sage, or thyme
- Dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness
- Garlic powder or onion powder for extra depth
How to Make Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing.
Season with salt and black pepper.
Mix gently until everything is well combined.
If the mixture feels too loose to hold its shape, add panko breadcrumbs a little at a time until it firms up.
Step 3: Form the Balls
Using clean hands or a cookie scoop, shape the mixture into evenly sized balls, about the size of a golf ball.
Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each ball.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are heated through and lightly golden on the outside.
For extra crispiness, lightly spray or brush the balls with oil before baking, or broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
Step 5: Serve with Gravy
Serve the turkey stuffing balls hot.
Drizzle with warm gravy or serve the gravy on the side for dipping.
Pro Tips for Perfect Turkey Stuffing Balls
- Cold leftovers are easier to shape than warm ones
- Add breadcrumbs gradually to avoid drying out the mixture
- Don’t overmix to keep the texture light
- Use a scoop for evenly sized balls that bake evenly
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy as an appetizer with extra gravy for dipping
- Serve as a side dish with roasted vegetables
- Use as a filling for sandwiches or wraps
- Add them to a holiday leftovers bowl with cranberry sauce
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating
- These balls can be formed ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best crispy texture
- Freeze uncooked balls for up to 2 months
Final Thoughts
These Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls are a fun, flavorful way to reinvent holiday leftovers. Crispy, comforting, and easy to make, they turn familiar ingredients into something exciting and crave-worthy. Once you try them, you may find yourself cooking extra turkey and stuffing just so you can make this recipe again.