Turkey Stuffing Balls: The Ultimate Post-Holiday Snack

Turkey Stuffing Balls are about to become your new favorite thing to do with Thanksgiving leftovers. You know that moment—two days after the big feast, fridge full of Tupperware, and everyone’s tired of the same reheated plate? Enter these little savory gems. They’re crispy on the outside, creamy and flavorful on the inside, and packed with turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing (yes, all the cozy feels). Bonus? They’re baked, not fried, so no splattering oil and no frying guilt.

Whether you’re feeding your always-hungry teens or need a quick snack between online meetings, these balls are warm, delicious, and wonderfully practical. Plus, they dip beautifully into leftover gravy or cranberry sauce. Want more ways to love leftovers? Try our leftover turkey soup for a comforting twist.

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What are Turkey Stuffing Balls?

Turkey Stuffing Balls are exactly what they sound like—a mashup of your favorite holiday leftovers rolled into bite-sized, golden-baked goodies. They’re kind of like the holiday version of meatballs, but with a cozy Thanksgiving vibe. The base usually includes mashed potatoes, stuffing, shredded turkey, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs to hold everything together. A quick mix, a little roll, and a short bake in the oven bring everything to life.

They’re the perfect post-holiday snack or appetizer that’s easy to pop into a lunchbox or serve at a casual get-together. These aren’t just about saving food—they’re about creating something new and crave-worthy from what you already have. They also pair beautifully with a tangy cranberry sauce or a warm, velvety gravy. If you’re looking for a clever, tasty way to give your leftovers a glow-up, Turkey Stuffing Balls are your answer.

Reasons to Try Turkey Stuffing Balls

First off, they’re ridiculously easy—like, toss-everything-in-a-bowl easy. Turkey Stuffing Balls give you a smart (and tasty) way to use up that post-Thanksgiving mountain of leftovers without feeling like you’re eating the same plate on repeat. Also, they’re freezer-friendly and reheat like a dream, so you can make a batch and enjoy them even weeks later when turkey nostalgia hits.

These little guys are crowd-pleasers, too—kids love them, picky eaters actually eat them, and adults appreciate that they’re flavorful without being fussy. Hosting a holiday party? These are your go-to appetizer. Need a cozy snack for game day? Done. Plus, baking instead of frying keeps things lighter and mess-free. Bonus: they’re portable, poppable, and just plain fun to eat. Want more make-ahead magic? Check out our pumpkin pie twists for a sweet finish to your savory snacks.

Ingredients Needed to Make Turkey Stuffing Balls

• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• 2 cups stuffing
• 1 cup shredded turkey
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions to Make Turkey Stuffing Balls

Making Turkey Stuffing Balls is a breeze when you follow this step by step guide. Whether you’re new to the kitchen or just need something easy after a holiday cooking marathon, this process breaks it all down in clear, practical detail. Plus, we’ll throw in a few tips to help avoid common pitfalls—because nobody wants crumbly balls or a dry final product. Ready? Let’s roll—literally.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep Your Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is key for even baking and a golden finish. While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this keeps your stuffing balls from sticking and makes cleanup so much easier. If you’re out of parchment, a silicone baking mat or a light coating of non-stick spray works too.

Want more oven-prepping tips? Check out this easy chicken pot pie method that also keeps clean-up minimal.

Step 2: Combine All Ingredients in a Large Bowl

Grab a large mixing bowl (you’ll want the space). Add the mashed potatoes, stuffing, and shredded turkey first—these are your bulk ingredients. Follow with grated Parmesan cheese, the beaten egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and black pepper.

Mix everything thoroughly, but don’t mash it into oblivion. You’re aiming for a well-combined, slightly sticky mixture that holds together when pressed. If it feels too loose, add a tablespoon more breadcrumbs. Too dry? A splash of chicken broth or a little extra mashed potato can help.

Need help making mashed potatoes that don’t turn gluey? Visit our creamy mashed potato tips for quick fixes and tricks.

Step 3: Shape the Mixture into Balls

Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls—about the size of a golf ball. Try to keep them uniform so they cook evenly. If the mix sticks to your hands, lightly wet them with water to make shaping easier.

This part is great for getting kids involved, especially if you’re making a double batch. Plus, it’s oddly satisfying. If you’re short on time, form them a bit larger and adjust the bake time accordingly.

Not a turkey fan? Try a switch-up with shredded rotisserie chicken like in our easy rotisserie chicken mushroom soup for a new flavor spin.

Step 4: Arrange Balls on the Baking Sheet

Place the formed stuffing balls on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Don’t overcrowd the pan—they need room for heat to circulate so they crisp up nicely on the outside.

Lining them up neatly isn’t just for aesthetics (though that’s a bonus if you’re hosting). Even spacing means even cooking, so none of your balls end up over- or underdone.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden Brown and Delicious

Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes. Around the 15-minute mark, check for color—you’re looking for lightly browned edges and a crisp exterior. Depending on your oven and how big your balls are (no judgment), they might need a few extra minutes.

Pro tip: If you like extra crunch, broil for the last 2 minutes—but watch closely so they don’t burn. You can also flip them halfway for even browning, but it’s not essential.

For more comfort food ideas to pair with these bites, try our creamy butternut squash butter chicken for a full meal.

Step 6: Serve Warm with Your Favorite Dip

Once golden and cooked through, remove the stuffing balls from the oven and let them cool just slightly before serving. These are best served warm, and they absolutely shine when dipped into leftover turkey gravy or tart cranberry sauce.

Want to add a finishing touch? Sprinkle on chopped parsley or thyme for a fresh burst of flavor. You could also serve them alongside our soft-baked apple cinnamon rolls for a sweet-and-savory snack board.

What to Serve with Turkey Stuffing Balls

Turkey Stuffing Balls play well with others. Dunk them in a side of warm turkey gravy or a tart cranberry sauce for that sweet-savory balance. Hosting friends? Pair these with a cozy fall soup like our creamy mushroom wild rice soup for a casual but impressive spread. Want something green? A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. If you’re leaning into comfort, serve them alongside southern sweet potato casserole for that cozy feast feeling. These also work great as party apps—just add toothpicks and a few dipping sauces and you’re set.

Key Tips for Making Turkey Stuffing Balls

Moisture is everything. If your mixture feels too dry to roll, add a splash of chicken broth or a bit more mashed potatoes. Too wet? Toss in extra breadcrumbs. Also, go for room-temperature leftovers—they mix better. Don’t skip the Parmesan; it adds that salty umami magic that ties everything together. Want to amp up the flavor? Toss in a teaspoon of fresh chopped thyme or sage. And use a cookie scoop for even-sized balls so they all cook at the same pace. Lastly, don’t overbake—dry stuffing balls are just sad. For more cozy recipes with minimal effort, see our easy crock pot chicken pot pie.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Turkey Stuffing Balls

Got leftovers of your leftovers? No problem. Store cooled Turkey Stuffing Balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or until warmed through—this keeps them crisp. Avoid the microwave if possible; it can make them soggy (though 30 seconds in a pinch does the trick). Want to freeze them? Just line them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 375°F for about 20–25 minutes. Make a double batch and future-you will thank you.

FAQs

Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Totally. Just make them thicker so the mixture holds well.

Can I freeze them before baking?
Yes! Freeze unbaked balls on a tray, then store in a bag. Bake straight from frozen—just add 5 extra minutes.

What if I don’t have Parmesan?
You can swap with cheddar or skip it entirely. It’s flexible.

Are these gluten-free?
Use GF stuffing, breadcrumbs, and double-check your mashed potatoes—then you’re good.

Can I air-fry them?
Absolutely. Set your air fryer to 375°F and cook for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Final Thoughts

Turkey Stuffing Balls aren’t just a great way to clean out the fridge—they’re a feel-good, no-fuss recipe that turns leftovers into something crave-worthy. They’re quick, satisfying, and completely customizable. Whether you’re making them for your family’s snack attack or serving them at your next get-together, these little bites bring all the holiday comfort in one perfect pop. And when the turkey’s gone? Don’t be afraid to swap in rotisserie chicken or even leftover meatloaf. It’s your kitchen—make it work for you.

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