If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting appetizer or side that packs all the flavors of a classic holiday meal into a bite-sized treat, this Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe is your new go-to. Imagine juicy ground turkey mingling perfectly with savory herb-seasoned stuffing, fresh vegetables, and a touch of butter that crisps up the outside to golden perfection. It’s like Thanksgiving dinner reinvented as a fun, easy-to-eat snack that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together in such a simple yet satisfying way. Each one plays a crucial role in balancing texture, taste, and aroma, making your Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe irresistibly flavorful and moist.
- 1 lb ground turkey: The lean protein base that keeps the stuffing balls hearty without being heavy.
- 3 cups stuffing mix: Whether store-bought or homemade, this adds that classic bread and herb combo for perfect stuffing texture.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and a subtle bite that softens during baking.
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped: Provides a mild crunch and freshness for contrast.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the mixture with warm, aromatic notes.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Keeps everything moist and helps bind the ingredients together.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Brings a pop of green and a fresh herbaceous flavor.
- 1 tsp dried sage: The quintessential stuffing herb for a true comfort food vibe.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: Adds earthiness and complexity to the seasoning.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: For gentle warmth and balance.
- Salt to taste: Essential to amplify all the other flavors.
- 1/4 cup melted butter (for brushing): Creates a golden, crisp, and buttery exterior.
How to Make Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s at the perfect temperature to cook your stuffing balls evenly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Prepare the Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, stuffing mix, finely chopped onion, celery, minced garlic, chicken broth, fresh parsley, dried sage, thyme, black pepper, and salt. Mix everything together thoroughly until the ingredients are well blended. This step is key to ensuring every bite of your Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe is bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Form the Balls
Using your hands, scoop and roll the mixture into golf ball-sized portions, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Don’t worry about being perfectly uniform; rustic is charming. Arrange the balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each to allow for even cooking.
Step 4: Brush with Melted Butter
Brush each ball generously with the melted butter. This step is what transforms the exterior into a gorgeous golden brown, adding an irresistible richness to the dish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the tops are golden brown and the turkey is cooked through. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making it impossible to wait any longer to dive in.
How to Serve Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Garnishes
Enhancing your Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe with fresh garnishes elevates both flavor and presentation. A sprinkle of extra chopped parsley or a scatter of cranberry sauce on the side can add a vibrant, contrasting burst of color and sweetness that complements the savory notes beautifully.
Side Dishes
These stuffing balls pair wonderfully with classic sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. They can even sit alongside a hearty soup for a comforting meal that feels special without any fuss.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or casual get-togethers, try serving the Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe on a platter lined with fresh herbs or alongside small ramekins of gravy or a tangy dipping sauce. Skewer them with cocktail sticks for easy finger food that’s both elegant and approachable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld together nicely overnight, making for a delicious second-day snack or quick meal addition.
Freezing
Turkey Stuffing Balls freeze beautifully. Arrange the uncooked balls on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep fresh for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy homemade comfort any time.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crisp on the outside. This way, you get that fresh-baked taste all over again.
FAQs
Can I use turkey breast instead of ground turkey?
Yes, ground turkey breast works well and offers a leaner option, but you might want to add a little extra moisture like chicken broth or a small amount of olive oil to keep the stuffing balls from drying out.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap out the traditional stuffing mix for a gluten-free variety or use gluten-free bread cubes mixed with gluten-free herbs. The rest of the ingredients remain the same.
Are these Turkey Stuffing Balls suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. They store and freeze well, making them an excellent make-ahead option for busy weeks or holiday entertaining.
Can I add cheese to the mixture?
Yes, adding shredded cheese like cheddar or Parmesan can add a delightful twist and extra richness. Just fold it into the mixture before forming the balls.
What can I serve instead of chicken broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, vegetable broth or even water with a bit of added seasoning can work in a pinch to keep the mixture moist and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug, combining familiar flavors in a fun and easy-to-make form. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, side, or main event, it’s sure to become a beloved recipe in your kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try it and watch your friends and family fall in love bite after bite!
Print
Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delicious, savory appetizer or side dish combining ground turkey with classic stuffing ingredients. These flavorful, easy-to-make balls are baked to golden perfection, making them a perfect addition to holiday meals or everyday dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 3 cups stuffing mix (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the stuffing balls.
- Prepare Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, stuffing mix, finely chopped onion, celery, minced garlic, chicken broth, chopped fresh parsley, dried sage, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated into a uniform mixture.
- Form Balls: Using your hands, shape the mixture into golf ball-sized balls, approximately 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Arrange the balls carefully on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow even cooking.
- Brush with Butter: Generously brush the tops of each stuffing ball with melted butter. This adds flavor and helps achieve a golden brown, appetizing crust during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the stuffing balls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown on top. Ensure the internal temperature reaches a safe level for poultry.
Notes
- Use store-bought or homemade stuffing mix based on preference.
- Ensure the balls are spaced out on the baking sheet to promote even cooking.
- Check internal temperature to be at least 165°F (74°C) for food safety when cooking ground turkey.
- Brush with melted butter before baking to add richness and a crisp golden top.
- Allow the balls to cool slightly before serving to retain their shape.
