If you love traditional stuffing but want a fun, bite-sized version that’s easy to serve and bursting with flavor, these Turkey Stuffing Balls are exactly what you need. Perfectly seasoned, golden brown, and wonderfully aromatic, they make a delightful side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even a cozy Sunday dinner. I once tried adding a touch of dried cranberries for a hint of sweetness, and it complemented the savory turkey beautifully. These stuffing balls have all the flavors of a classic roast turkey dinner—sage, onion, butter, and herbs—rolled into convenient, delicious portions that everyone will love. They’re crisp on the outside, soft inside, and perfect for dipping in gravy or cranberry sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These turkey stuffing balls are not only a festive favorite but also a clever way to use up leftover turkey or stuffing. They’re easy to make ahead, freeze beautifully, and reheat perfectly without losing their texture. Each bite delivers the comforting flavors of a traditional holiday meal in a neat, flavorful package. Plus, they make serving stuffing so much easier—no scooping or slicing required.
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Turkey Stuffing Balls: A Flavor-Packed Twist on a Holiday Classic
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 12–14 stuffing balls
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Savory turkey stuffing balls made with tender ground turkey, classic herbs, and bread cubes — crispy on the outside and soft inside, perfect for holiday meals or as a flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 3 cups cubed bread (day-old preferred)
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chicken or turkey broth
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp poultry seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for baking or frying)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and garlic, and sauté until softened (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, combine cubed bread, cooked vegetables, ground turkey, egg, sage, thyme, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Gradually add chicken broth until the mixture is moist but not soggy. Mix gently until combined.
- Shape mixture into 12–14 equal-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush or drizzle lightly with olive oil.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Serve with gravy or cranberry sauce for a festive touch.
- Unbaked stuffing balls can be frozen and baked straight from frozen — just add 5–7 minutes to cooking time.
- For extra flavor, use butter-toasted bread cubes.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground Turkey
Lean and full of protein, ground turkey forms the base of these stuffing balls. It adds moisture and a mild flavor that blends well with herbs and bread.
Stuffing Mix or Bread Cubes
Use your favorite boxed stuffing mix or homemade stale bread cubes. They soak up all the butter and seasonings to create that perfect stuffing texture.
Butter
Melted butter provides richness and helps bind the mixture together. I sometimes use a mix of butter and olive oil for a lighter option.
Onion
Finely chopped onion adds sweetness and a comforting aroma. Sauté it lightly before mixing to soften and release its flavor.
Celery
Classic in any stuffing recipe, celery adds freshness and crunch.
Egg
Acts as a binder, helping the stuffing balls hold their shape during baking.
Chicken or Turkey Broth
Adds moisture and enhances the savory flavor. Adjust the amount based on how dry or moist your stuffing mix is.
Fresh Herbs (Sage, Thyme, and Parsley)
These herbs bring authentic holiday flavor and brighten up the dish.
Salt and Pepper
Essential seasonings to balance the flavors of the meat and stuffing.
Olive Oil Spray
Lightly spray the stuffing balls before baking for that beautiful golden crust.
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and celery, cooking until soft and fragrant.
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, stuffing mix, sautéed vegetables, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Gradually add broth and beaten egg, mixing gently until the mixture holds together. Don’t overmix—it should be moist but not soggy.
- Form the mixture into golf ball-sized portions and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Lightly spray with olive oil and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve warm with gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 12 stuffing balls (serves 4–6).
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes until heated through. You can also freeze cooked stuffing balls for up to 2 months; reheat from frozen at 375°F for 20–25 minutes.
Variations and Customizations
Cheesy Stuffing Balls
Mix shredded cheddar or Parmesan into the mixture for a melty, savory twist.
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Add chopped dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness that balances the savory herbs.
Sausage and Turkey Mix
Replace half the turkey with ground sausage for richer flavor.
Gluten-Free Version
Use gluten-free stuffing mix or gluten-free bread cubes.
Vegan-Friendly Adaptation
Replace turkey with mashed chickpeas or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Spicy Herb Stuffing Balls
Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a gentle kick.
Gravy-Stuffed Balls
Create a small indentation in the center, fill with a teaspoon of gravy, and seal before baking for a moist surprise.
Make-Ahead Party Bites
Form and freeze uncooked balls, then bake straight from the freezer for an easy appetizer.
FAQs
1. Can I use leftover turkey instead of ground turkey?
Yes, finely chopped cooked turkey works perfectly.
2. Can I make these stuffing balls ahead of time?
Absolutely—prepare them a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
3. Can I fry instead of bake them?
Yes, pan-fry in a little oil over medium heat until golden on all sides.
4. How do I know when they’re cooked through?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Can I use fresh bread instead of stuffing mix?
Yes, just dry the bread cubes slightly in the oven before mixing.
6. Can I add vegetables to the mixture?
Chopped carrots, spinach, or mushrooms can be added for extra flavor.
7. What sauces go best with them?
Turkey gravy, cranberry sauce, or creamy mustard dip pair wonderfully.
8. Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, ground chicken works just as well.
9. How do I make them extra crispy?
Brush lightly with melted butter before baking for a golden crust.
10. Can I serve these cold?
They taste best warm, but they’re still delicious at room temperature for parties or picnics.
Conclusion
Turkey Stuffing Balls are a brilliant way to capture the comforting essence of holiday stuffing in an easy-to-serve, perfectly portioned form. Crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful inside, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether served with gravy, cranberry sauce, or as part of a festive buffet, these little bites of holiday joy will quickly become a staple at your gatherings. Once you try them, you’ll never look at traditional stuffing the same way again.
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